The shipbuilding industry, which began at the end of the Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty, was one of the four main traditional industries in Macao. This industry developed until the 1990s and played an important role in Macao's economy of the past.
The shipyards of Lai Chi Vun were previously called Lai Chi Van. The shipyards of Lai Chi Vun themselves were constructed in the decade of the 1950s. In accordance with the Annual Record of Commercial and Industrial activities of 1965-1966, there were six shipyards in Lai Chi Vun. Later, other shipyards were constructed at the site, forming a group of shipyards that simultaneously offered ship building and ship reparation services. Among these, there were shipyards that moved to the site from the piers of Lam Mau, Fai Chi Kei and Avenida do Almirante Lacerda, due to difficulties that sprouted in those areas because of changes in the estuary of the river and river-flow in those areas.
Since the 1990s, the shipbuilding industry in Macao has been declining due to the decline in fishing and increased competition from neighboring areas. The Shipyards of Lai Chi Vun, closed one after the other. Most shipyards no longer have shipbuilding related business.
Cultural Values:
The Lai Chi Vun Naval Shipyards present techniques and methods of shipbuilding at the end of the 20th century. The Shipyards also revealing the lifestyle in the Lai Chi Vun Village, which has been influenced by shipbuilding industry. The cultural values are also reflected by the landscape surrounding the Shipyards, particularly the connection between shipyards and waterfront, as well as the connection between the shipyards and the hill.
Located along part of the Coloane shoreline, the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards were similar in volume and built parallel with same direction towards the water. These shipyards constitute a cluster of modular constructions that reflects the perfect harmony between the natural environment and the manmade constructions.
Lai Chi Vun Shipyards, representing the crafts of shipbuilding, is a testament to the history and changes of the economy. At the same time, the shape of the village of Lai Chi Vun and its social context influenced by the growth of the shipbuilding industry in the past, demonstrates the evolution of this industry and the development of Macao, as well as the social changes between shipbuilders.