Your neighborhood guide to Tung Ping Chau for an island escape this summer 2024
Tung Ping Chau Island is a hidden gem worth uncovering on your Hong Kong adventure list.
A few minutes every morning is all you need.
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Tung Ping Chau Island is a hidden gem worth uncovering on your Hong Kong adventure list. Nestled closer to mainland China than Hong Kong Island itself, this UNESCO Global Geopark is a feast for the eyes with stunning rock formations and clear blue waters that’ll make you question if you’re still in the city. Hop on a ferry and cruise over to this crescent-shaped paradise, where you can marvel at unique geological wonders formed over millions of years from ancient volcanic eruptions. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, snorkel around vibrant coral reefs, and don’t miss scenic hiking trails and cozy campsites to truly soak in the island's natural beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover or just craving a break from the urban cityscape, Tung Ping Chau promises a day trip filled with awe and wonder.
Tung Ping Chau Country Trail
Lace up those hiking boots and take a hike along the Ping Chau Country Trail – a 6-kilometer loop with scenic views on full blast. This trail wraps around Tung Ping Chau Island, showcasing diverse landscapes from rugged rocky shores to serene lush forests. Plan for a leisurely stroll that takes about 3-4 hours, depending on how many times you stop to capture Instagram-worthy shots or just soak in the stunning panoramas. Don't forget to pack snacks and plenty of water to keep fueled and hydrated as you explore this hidden island treasure.
Quick facts
- Starting Point – A Ma Wan, Tung Ping Chau (Southeast of Wong Ye Kok Pier)
- Distance – 6 kilometers
- Duration – 3-4 hours (leisurely loop with stops)
Cheung Sha Wan
Soak in the island charm by strolling along Cheung Sha Wan, Tung Ping Chau's longest beach. As you gaze out at the clear, turquoise waters, you'll notice hefty chunks of washed-up coral, evidence of the vibrant marine life just beneath the surface. This spot is a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, thanks to its rich underwater ecosystem teeming with colorful fish and other aquatic wonders. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for both seasoned snorkelers and those just dipping their toes into the ocean for the first time. With the stunning backdrop of Tung Ping Chau's natural beauty, this beach promises a day of aquatic adventure and relaxation.
Quick facts
- Where – Cheung Sha Wan, Tung Ping Chau
- Website
- How to get there
Tung Ping Chau Campsite
As the day winds down and you realize you're not quite ready to head back to the city, just pitch a tent at Tung Ping Chau Campsite and extend your stay under the twinkling stars. Nestled by Kang Lau Shek and its dramatic wave-cut platform, this spot is equipped with all the essentials. You’ll find barbecue pits for grilling up a feast, sturdy tables and benches for gathering around and even dry toilet pits for convenience. Whether you're gazing at the moonlight shimmering on the sea or catching the sunrise over Lung Lok Shui's dragon-like coastal formations, camping here offers a chance to immerse yourself fully in nature's embrace.
Quick facts
- Where – Plover Cove Extension Country Park, Tung Ping Chau (Kang Lau Shek)
- Website
Tung Ping Chau Marine Park
Tung Ping Chau Marine Park spans across a sprawling 270 hectares of pristine sea. Here, marine enthusiasts are in for a treat with a thriving ecosystem teeming with over 65 species of marine invertebrates, colorful reef fishes, algae and an impressive array of coral. The island itself may be small, but its geological wonders are anything but. Take a leisurely stroll around the coast and marvel at the wave-cut, stratified rocks that seem like they're straight out of a natural art gallery. You might even spot ancient plant and animal fossils etched into the rocks, telling tales from centuries past. For those keen on marine life, summer is the prime time to spot hard and soft corals scattered across different corners of the island's waters.
Quick facts
- Where – Tung Ping Chau, New Territories
- When – Monday to Sunday, open 24 hours
- Website
Lung Lok Shui
Ever wondered where dragons might hang out in Hong Kong? Head over to Lung Lok Shui on Tung Ping Chau Island. This spot got its name, "Dragon Descends Into The Water," because of its zigzagging rock silhouette that gracefully dips into the sea. The rock's pale, siliceous makeup gives it a mystical vibe, and its colors change as you move around it. Those clean-cut edges? They're not man-made but sculpted over centuries by natural erosion, shaping what looks like a dragon's back. As you wander along the beach, take in the sight of kelp forests gently swaying along this dragon's spine. Scientists are still debating how this unique rock formation formed – some say meteor impacts, others suggest volcanic processes. But no matter how it came about, Lung Lok Shui is a must-visit for anyone intrigued by nature's incredible creations and geological puzzles.
Quick facts
- Where – Peng Chau Country Trail, Tung Ping Chau
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