During the Qing Dynasty, Cheung Po Tsai was one of many pirates who roved the Guangdong coast. What set him apart from other pirates, however, was his tens of thousands of followers and 600-strong fleet. Quite the accomplishment for a man who was abducted into piracy at the tender age of 15.

Cheung would go on to leave piracy behind him, ironically becoming a captain in the imperial navy and aiding the Qing government in their fight against pirates. His legacy came in the form of a legend — that he once hid in a cave in Cheung Chau and even hid his treasure there. While no treasure has ever been found, the cave — named after Cheung Po Tsai — is a popular attraction to visitors to the island.

See more Heritage snippets here.