Islands District

Spots

Lantau Island

More than half of the area on Lantau has been designated as country parks. Given its rugged terrain, which rises up to 930 metres, and vast stretches of untouched rural hinterland, the island has something to offer almost every lover of nature: a long stretch of nice beaches between Cheung Sha and Pui O, scenic hiking trails spreading across the hilly areas surrounding Sunset Peak (Tai Tung Shan) and Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan), campsites and barbecue areas surrounded by trees, monasteries, fishing villages and small farming communities.

Leaflets and brochures issued by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Country and Marine Parks Authority provide useful guides to the various country trails on Lantau Island. The more popular walks are from Mui Wo to Tung Chung (5 hours), from Tung Chung to Tai O (5 hours), and from Shek Pik via Fan Lau to Tai O (51/2 hours). More adventurous hikers may try the Lantau Trail which follows a circular Travel Route of about 70km through some of the finest scenic spots on Lantau Island. The Trail, comprising twelve sections, starts and ends at Mui Wo. The longer section, intended for well-equipped hikers, may entail an overnight stay.

Lantau Island ~ Hong Kong International Airport

In contrast to the serenity found in most parts of Lantau Island, the northern part of the island, with the commissioning of the Chek Lap Kok Airport in July 1998, has become one of the most bustling areas of Hong Kong. Tung Chung is being developed in phases to become a community with residential, commercial, and other facilities to support the airport. Upon full development, it will cover an area of about 760 hectares, and the population there is expected to reach 330,000.

Lantau Island ~ Tai O

Tai O is a popular tourist spot on Lantau Island because of its unique culture and heritage, quaint fishing village character and natural environment. Tai O is well known for its fishing village scenery, and most of its historical settings such as waterways, stilted houses and fishing boats have been retained. The fishing village settlement is probably the most important feature, making Tai O attractive to local and international visitors.

Besides the fishing industry, Tai O's salt industry was also famous. However, the salt industry ceased operation in the late 1960s. Nowadays, the disused saltpans have been turned into suitable profile for mangrove plantation. Nevertheless, visitors can still buy shrimp paste and salted fish from there.

Lantau Island ~ Po Lin Monastery

The most well known monastery of all on Lantau Island is Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery at Ngong Ping. The majestic Big/Giant/Tian Tan Buddha there is believed to be the world's greatest outdoor Buddha statue of this type. Since the opening of the Bronze Seated Buddha in 1993, Ngong Ping has become one of Hong Kong's major tourist attractions. Buddhists who wish to practise meditation in quiet and peaceful surroundings now have a good number of monasteries to choose from: the famous Kwun Yum Tsz, the ornate Ling Yan Tsz Shim Tsz and the Yin Hing Monastery. All of them are located in the tranquil, wooded area of Keung Shan. Further away from the road is the Che Hing Monastery, which is located in the mountains and can be reached in about an hour's walk from Tai O.

Lantau Island ~ Tong Fuk Beach

Visitors can reach Tong Fuk Beach by 15 minutes from Upper Cheung Sha Beach. It is famous for the clear water and the surrounding beautiful scenery and the convenient public transport services.

Lantau Island ~ Upper Cheung Sha Beach

Upper Cheung Sha Beach, the longest beach in Hong Kong, offers tremendous views over the South China Sea. There are no camping sites can be found, but there are barbecue sites and pavilions that provide plenty of space for visitors to enjoy their meals.

Lantau Island ~ Discovery Bay

Perhaps special mention should be made of the large-scale resort and residential development in Discovery Bay which occupies a stretch of the scenic east coastline of Lantau Island. Over decades of development, Discovery Bay is now a self-contained community characterized by its ethnically and culturally diversity. A wide variety of festive activities are held during weekends. There is a shopping mall and a number of restaurants offering various international cuisines in the plaza. It would be a relaxing experience to have a feast along the tranquil seashore. The Central Park, seaside promenade and the beach there are open to visitors. Visitors can hike to a pavilion offering a panoramic view of Discovery Bay, Peng Chau, Lamma Island and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Lantau Island ~ Silver Mine Cave

The Silver Mine Cave in Mui Wo was a place of silver production. Situated on the Silver Mine Hill, the cave is several tens of metres deep. Silver mining began about a hundred years ago but stopped later on account of low silver content. Now the cave is only a relic of the past, a place that rouses nostalgic feelings.

Lantau Island ~ Yeung Hau Old Temple

This temple honors Hau Wong, also known as Yang Lianghie, a loyal court official of the late Sung Dynasty(circa 1270's). A bell, put inside the temple was cast in the 38th year of Kangxi (1699).

Lantau Island ~ Kwan Tai Old Temple

Built in the reign of Hong Zhi of the Ming Dynasty (1488-1505), this temple honors the God of War and Righteousness. In Life, Kwan Tai was a Military General renowned for his loyalty. He is believed to protect devotees from all evil.

Lantau Island ~ Stilted House

Built on stilts in a narrow river channel, these huts are the most distinctive characteristic of Tai O. They are inhabited mostly by the Tanka people, descendants of the ancient Yueh tribe, Hong Kong's first major settlers.

Lantau Island ~ Hung Shing Temple

Hung Shing Temple was built for worshiping the Sea God. Inside the temple, there is a bell manufactured in the first year of Emperor Qianlong(1736), the same year that the temple was built.

Lantau Island ~ Man Mo Temple

Situated beside Pak Ngan Heung, Man Mo Temple is the oldest temple in Mui Wo. It is said that the temple was built in the reign of Shen Zong of the Ming dynasty which was over 400 years ago. Despite its small size, the temple has everything a temple should have. The temple is built in honour of Kwan Shing Tai and Man Cheong Tai. It was renovated in the 27th year of Guangxu and in 1960.

Lantau Island ~ Silver Mine Waterfall

The upper and lower Silver Mine Waterfalls locate near Pak Ngan Heung of Lantau, are profound for the excellent scenery. Visitors can take a rest and view the waterfalls at the Chinese-style tower located in Silver Mine Waterfall Park adjacent to the waterfalls.

Lantau Island ~ Silver Mine Bay Beach

Since travelers choose to visit the island's different attractions via Mui Wo, the district has become one of the major tour destinations. Places of interest include Silver Mine Bay and Silver Mine Bay Waterfall.

The Sliver Mine Bay Beach is a very nice swimming place for families. The beach got its name after an abandoned silver mine cave. The historic ruins on Lantau was discovered over there.

Apart from their historic background, Silver Mine Bay and Silver Mine Cave also provide the beautiful scenery to travelers. From there, they can go to Pak Ngan Heung and Tai Tei Tong. Walking along the Mui Wo Kau Tsuen, travelers can find Man Mo Temple, Pak Tai Temple and Hung Shing Temple, in where people can worship. The relevant constructions are also worth for archaeological study.

Lantau Island ~ Luo Hon Monastery

The Luo Hon Monastery was previously a cave called the "Luo Hon Cave". It is said that a monk from Guangdong came here in 1926 for meditation. In 1974, some believers came here and built the Luo Hon Monastery.

Lantau Island ~ Mui Wo Ferry Pier

Ferries are the main public transport linking Mui Wo and the urban area. Mui Wo Ferry Pier, which locates at Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road, provides the ferry transport traveling between Mui Wo and Central with an average of 30-minute frequency.

Lantau Island ~ Pui O Camp Site

Located at the northeast corner of Pui O Beach, which is under the control of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Pui O Camp Site provides about 50 vacancies. Resting and barbecue facilities are available.

Lantau Island ~ Pui O Beach

Located at Pui O Kau Tsuen (old village). Surrounded by the beautiful scenery, the beach is famous for its smooth and tiny sand as well as clear water. Snacks and drinks are sold at the snack shop. Showering facilities for swimmers are provided as well. Pui O camp site lies at the back of the beach.

Lantau Island ~ Tung Chung

Situated on Lantau Island, Tung Chung is the closest town to the Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok.

Lantau Island ~ Tung Chung Station

Tung Chung MTR Station is the Terminal of MTR Tung Chung Line. It is a vital transport linkage of Tung Chung New Town.

Lantau Island ~ Tung Chung Fort

It was built in the early 19th century to fight the pirates along the coastal area. Today, there are 6 old canons remaining on the fort, witnessing Hong Kong's old days of instability.

Lantau Island ~ Citygate

Citygate is situated next to the MTR Tung Chung Station. It is a grand shopping mall and is very popular among the young families living in Tung Chung. You can enjoy shopping, eating and various recreational activities in this 4-storey shopping mall.

Lantau Island ~ Hau Wong Temple

It was built around 1765 and is dedicated to Hau Wong, a loyal official in the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) called Yeung Liang-chieh. It is said that he died together with Sung Dynasty's last emperor. Inside the Temple, there is an old bell made in 1765 of the Qing Dynasty.

Peng Chau

Historical records show that the small island of Peng Chau has been developed continuously since the middle of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, whilst most of the settlers there made their living by fishing, some were engaged in commerce and farming.

Today, Peng Chau has a population of over 5,000. Many are commuters to Central who have been attracted to the island by its fresh air and quiet environment. It takes about 25 minutes to get from Central to the island by fast ferry.

The small market town on the island has retained its old appearance. Strolling leisurely along Wing On Street, you can see traditional green-tilted houses and stores. Simple seafood dishes are served in the restaurants at very reasonable prices. Temples and historical monuments can be found on the island making it a good place for outings and sightseeing. From Fung Ping Pavilion at the peak of Finger Hill, visitors can have a panoramic view of the island, Tsing Ma Bridge, the Hong Kong Disneyland and nearby islands. It is also a good transit point for boat trips to tourist destinations along the Lantau Island coastline between Discovery Bay and Mui Wo, particularly, the Trappist Haven.

Peng Chau ~ Tin Hau Temple

Tin Hau Temple was built 200 years ago in Qing Dynasty. In the Temple, fishermen have placed an eight-feet whale bone consecrated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of Sea who protects the fishermen by bringing them fine weather and orderly rainfall.

Peng Chau ~ Golden Flower Shrine

The Golden Flower Shrine was redeveloped in the 1970s. It is said that Goddess Golden Flower blesses believers by granting them numerous generations of descendents. The annual Golden Flower Festival is on the 17th day of the 4th month of Lunar Calendar. The Shrine is bustled with prayer and performance of dragon and lion dances.

Peng Chau ~ Lung Mo Temple

The Lung Mo Temple is located at Tung Wan on Peng Chau and consecrated one of the Goddess of Sea, Lung Mo. It originates from a temple with 2,200 years of history in Yue Cheng, Guangdong. It is said that by touching the "Dragon Bed", believers are bestowed with good fortune and safety.

Peng Chau ~ Finger Hill

Walk along Wing On Street southward and then walk up the steps. You will reach the Fung Ping Pavilion on Finger Hill - the island's highest hill. There you can appreciate splendid views of the Tsing Ma Bridge and the Hong Kong Disneyland, as well as the nearby islands.

Cheung Chau

Cheung Chau is noted for its dumbbell shape. Today it is home for about 20,000 people. Artefacts unearthed from the archaeological sites on the island can be traced back to the Bronze Age (1500-221 BC). As early as the Ming Dynasty, Cheung Chau was already a busy fishing port.

Earlier settlers there were engaged mainly in fishing and farming. Then Cheung Chau started to evolve into a market town supported mainly by trades connected with fishing and marine products.

Today, Cheung Chau is a prosperous community with a thriving economy. Apart from its large fleet of offshore fishing vessels, there are a significant number of restaurants and holiday houses, some of which offer splendid sea views. About 30 minutes away from Central business district by fast ferry, Cheung Chau is also a popular choice for commuters who wish to set up their home in an environment free from motor traffic.

Cheung Chau ~ Cheung Chau Ferry Pier

Cheung Chau Ferry Pier, which locates at Praya Street of Cheung Chau, with 1-2 passenger and freight ferries departing every hour, provides a vital transport linkage of Cheung Chau Island and the urban areas.

Cheung Chau ~ Pak Tai Temple

Pak Tai Temple was built in 1783. There are still some historically important antiques keeping in the temple to reflect its status as the religious centre on Cheung Chau. The famous "Bun Festival" is held right in front of the temple every year.

Cheung Chau ~ Pak She Tin Hau Temple

Located at the north of Pak Tai Temple. This is one of the four temples in Cheung Chau dedicated to Tin Hau, Queen of Heaven and Goddess of the Sea, whose popularity throughout Hong Kong bears witness to its roots as a fishing community.

Cheung Chau ~ Kwan Gong Chung Yi (Pavilion)

This traditional temple was built in 1973 and is dedicated to the god of justice Kwan Tai who symbolises gallantry and loyalty and has many believers.

Cheung Chau ~ Cheung Po Tsai Cave

Located on a headland at the south western corner of the islands is the 'Cheung Po Tsai Cave', named after an infamous pirate who had resided there during the hey-day of piracy on Cheung Chau in the late 17th Century. You have to bring a torch to enter the cave.

Cheung Chau ~ Tung Wan

Tung Wan is one of the two main beaches in Cheung Chau which is very popular among holidaymakers.

Cheung Chau ~ Kwun Yam Wan

Kwun Yam Wan offers a range of water sports facilities. Being the home base for Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medallist, windsurfer, Ms Lee Lai-shan, Kwun Yam Wan has become a favourite tourist spot for local visitors since the 1996 Olympics.

Lamma Island

Lamma Island is the third largest island in the territory after Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island. Many archaeological sites have been identified on the island. Since most of Hong Kong's present collection of relics of the Bronze Age were unearthed there, Lamma Island provides a significant reference for archaeological studies of Hong Kong.

A trip from Central to Yung Shue Wan (where the bulk of Lamma's population is concentrated) takes about 30 minutes by fast ferry. A good number of commuters have chosen to live at Yung Shue Wan because of its quiet environment. Sok Kwu Wan, the other main population centre on the island, is famous for its seafood restaurants and fish rafts.

A Family Trail links up Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan and it takes about 1 1/2 hours to walk through it. It is an ideal choice for families to have a leisure walk and then end their trip at one of the seafood restaurants before boarding the ferry for home.

Lamma Island ~ Yung Shue Wan Main Street

On Lamma Island, Yung Shue Wan Main Street is the busiest place where expatriates like. There are many fine western style pubs, bars and cafes. Also found along the street are stores of selling artifact, seafood restaurants, food shops and small houses.

Lamma Island ~ Hung Shing Ye Beach

Located at the southeast of Yung Shue Wan, Hung Shing Ye Beach is a favorite place for swimmers. The beach is covered with fine and smooth sand while the sea water is clean and clear.

Lamma Island ~ Pavilion

The Pavilion is not far from Hung Shing Ye Beach, it is right next to the Family Trail, a footpath leading to Sok Kwu Wan. It is a great spot for weary hikers to take rest and enjoy the superb view of Cheung Chau and Lantau Island.

Lamma Island ~ Lo So Shing Beach

It takes 10 minutes to walk from Lo So Shing Village to its beach, rural scenery is at sight all along the way. Nearby it is believed that there were habitants more than a thousand years ago. Relics of the Tang Dynasty were once found.

Lamma Island ~ Kamikaze Cave

Situated in between Lo So Shing and Sok Kwu Wan is Kamikaze Cave which is constructed by the Japanese to house a flotilla of suicide motorboats.

Lamma Island ~ Sok Kwu Wan Tin Hau Temple

The temple is believed to have a history of more than 150 years. There are two antiques inside - a burner was cast in the 6th year of Daoguang reign (1826), while a bell was cast in the 21st year of Guangxu reign (1895). The temple was burnt down in 2004, and the restoration work was funded by the warm-hearted worshippers and villagers. Besides the worshippers, many tourists also like visiting the temple.

Lamma Island ~ Sok Kwu Wan Fish Rafts & Lamma Fisherfolk's Village

It is one of the largest fishing raft areas in Hong Kong; they are reminiscence of Hong Kong's olden days as a fish port. Lamma Fisherfolk's Village displays photos of local fishermen daily lives and fishing utensils. It is a showcase of the local fisherfolk culture and the history of the fishing industry in Hong Kong.

Lamma Island ~ Lamma Winds

The Lamma Winds is situated at Tai Ling, covering an area of 2,500 square meters with a height of 71 meters. The wind-power station is composed of a tubular tower and 3 rotor blades which rotate in 15rpm to 24rpm. Since official commissioning from 2006, one million units of power can be generated annually supporting the electrical consumption of 250 families. The Lamma Winds is open to the public. Visitors can observe its operation at a close distance and visit the Exhibition Centre which displays comprehensive information about renewable resources.

Po Toi

Lying to the south of Hong Kong Island and only 4 kilometres from Stanley, Po Toi is well known to visitors. The former fishing community has gradually declined. Yet quite a number of well-maintained hiking trails can be found on the island. From many vantage points on the island, one can have a wide view of the sea. There are a lot of interesting rock formations on the island such as Monk Rock, Coffin Rock, Buddha's Palm Cliff and Tortorise Rock. Walking leisurely from Tai Wan to Ngong Chong along a seafront path, visitors can take their time on the way to admire rocking carving which has a history of several thousand years.

Ngong Ping 360

Hong Kong's unique world class tourist attraction which combines a stunning 5.7km cable car journey with an impressive traditional Chinese cultural themed village and easy access to the Tian Tan Big Buddha.

http://www.np360.com.hk/html/chi/np360_exp/skyrail_index.html

Wisdom Trail

An outdoor wooden replica of the centuries-old Heart Sutra, one of the world's best known Buddhist sutras or prayers, has been erected near the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island.

The island's latest tourist attraction called the Wisdom Path is a wooden version of this famous 260-word prayer. It is made up of 38 wooden rectangular beams or obelisks varying in height from 8-to-10 metres in the shape of a figure eight to represent infinity. Each obelisk bears a portion of the prayer, which is written in traditional Chinese characters.

This unique attraction is based on calligraphy by the renowned Chinese scholar, Professor Jao Tsung-I who first saw the Heart Sutra at Mount Taishan in Shandong in 1980. This inspired him to do a calligraphy of the prayer. Once this masterpiece was completed, Professor Jao presented it to the people of Hong Kong in 2002.

The Hong Kong government decided to reproduce this artwork in the form of a large-scale outdoor wooden display at the foot of the Lantau Peak near Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, the home of the Giant Buddha at the Po Lin Monastery.

The outdoor exhibit is in the form of a figure eight to symbolise the idea of immeasurable splendour and infinity. The topmost obelisk has no inscription to exemplify the idea of "Emptiness".

The location and height of each of the timber obelisks has been carefully planned in order to fit into the natural landscape.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/touring/hkiidistricts/ta_dist_isla4.jhtml