While the word is of Chinese origin, "Sampan" is a rather loosely used term in English for Chinese small and medium sized boats. It is not clear what the original Chinese Americans at China Camp called their boats. Below is a photograph a boat from Hong Kong in 2006, which more closely reflects the original type of boats with which the term originated in China, although now powered by an outboard engine.
For more images and information regarding the small boats at China Camp, click on NEXT. To continue the main slide show, click RETURN.
Photograph by Malcolm Collier