Yet, despite a growing trend of seeking out quieter lifestyles on islands as well as villages in the rural New Territories, such spaces are threatened by big new development projects, said Ng, the academic.
“The frontiers for the younger generation to have the space to explore these alternative lifestyles is diminishing, so I think we, as a society, need to be very careful,” he added.
Taki Chan, a college lecturer who moved to the island this year, prizes its close-knit sense of community.
She rapidly became friends with a group of women met during a walk, after the experience cheered her up sufficiently to join them in a swim, despite feeling unwell.
“After moving to Peng Chau, I realised I don’t need to emigrate anymore,” Chan said.
“There are many resources here to help rejuvenate you, its people, its natural and quiet environment.”