“Big Head Island Peak” is what Tai Tau Chau Teng translates to. Imagine standing here at Tai Tau Chau Teng. The wind whips around you. You are surrounded by the vast expanse of the sea. Tai Tau Chau Teng is more than just a scenic viewpoint. It is an island with a story.
Tai Tau Chau is located in the Southern District of Hong Kong. It sits near Shek O on Hong Kong Island. A footbridge connects it to Shek O Headland. Underneath this bridge is a gravelbar tombolo. This strip is sometimes covered by the sea. The island itself is uninhabited.
Look around. Notice Island Bay and Shek O Wan. They sit on either side of Tai Tau Chau and Shek O Headland. To the south lies Ng Fan Chau another small island. Erosion played a key role in shaping this landscape. It separated Shek O Headland and Tai Tau Chau. This separation created the tombolo we see today.
But Tai Tau Chau’s history isn’t just about geography. In 1979, a boat carrying illegal immigrants sank near Tai Tau Chau. Many drowned. Some tried to swim to Shek O Beach. They hoped to reach the city center. At that time, Hong Kong had a policy. Illegal immigrants who reached the city could apply for Hong Kong IDs. This policy ended in 1980. In 1982, another group of illegal immigrants arrived here by sampan.
Today, Tai Tau Chau is a peaceful place. Hikers enjoy the footpaths. It’s part of the Shek O Headland Picnic Area. Even so, accidents have happened here. In 1977, a rock climber fell and injured her legs. In 1990, another climber was rescued by firefighters.
The footbridge connecting Tai Tau Chau to Shek O Headland has had its share of troubles. A typhoon destroyed it in 2018. But it has since been rebuilt. A wastewater pipe runs along the bridge. It carries wastewater from Shek O Preliminary Treatment Works. The typhoon also damaged this pipe. This caused pollution on the nearby beach.
The rebuilt bridge is more than just a crossing. It is now known as Shek O Lovers Bridge. It got this name because it is only wide enough for two people to walk side by side. Its romantic appeal and scenic backdrop make it popular for wedding photos.
From Tai Tau Chau Teng, you can see High Junk Peak. You might even spot seaweed or shellfish along the coast. Remember to keep this island clean. Do not litter.
Tai Tau Chau Teng offers stunning coastal views. The walk to the pavilion is easy. From the cliff, you can see Tung Lung Chau and Po Toi. The views stretch out to the horizon. They blend the sky and the sea.