Despite its reputation for being a fast-paced city, travel for the many Hongkongers who live on or visit its outer lying islands often means slowing down for the duration of a ferry ride.

While faster crossings are sometimes an option, the older vessels offer an unhurried alternative for those with animals in tow, heavy cargo, or simply time to kill.

Passengers onboard a ferry as it travels from Central pier in Hong Kong to the outlying island of Cheung Chau on a old slow passenger ferry, an alternative to the sleek fast vessels which have been introduced over the last 25 years. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.
Passengers onboard a ferry as it travels from Central pier in Hong Kong to the outlying island of Cheung Chau on a old slow passenger ferry, an alternative to the sleek fast vessels which have been introduced over the last 25 years. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.
A view of Hong Kong island from an old slow passenger ferry travelling from Lantau island as it docks at Central pier in Hong Kong. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.
A view of Hong Kong island from an old slow passenger ferry travelling from Lantau island as it docks at Central pier in Hong Kong. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.
Workers loading freight on a ferry at Central pier in Hong Kong to the outlying island of Cheung Chau on August 16, 2023. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.
Workers loading freight on a ferry at Central pier in Hong Kong to the outlying island of Cheung Chau on August 16, 2023. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.
An elderly passenger in a wheelchair aboard an old slow passenger ferry travelling from Lantau island to Central pier in Hong Kong on August 21, 2023. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.
An elderly passenger in a wheelchair aboard an old slow passenger ferry travelling from Lantau island to Central pier in Hong Kong on August 21, 2023. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.
A ferryman preparing to leave for Central in Hong Kong from the outlying island of Cheung Chau on August 16, 2023. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.
A ferryman preparing to leave for Central in Hong Kong from the outlying island of Cheung Chau on August 16, 2023. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP.

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