Considered the most easterly point of Hong Kong, Tung Tau Chau Teng stands as a testament to time’s artistry. This unique island is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. It invites us to explore its many natural wonders.
Tung Ping Chau is a captivating destination. A ferry ride across Mirs Bay brings you to this special island. Tung Ping Chau forms the tip of a unique geological formation. The sea and time have carved and molded rocks here. They have become other-worldly shapes and precise geometric patterns.
The island’s heritage attracts visitors. They marvel at its natural wonders after centuries of habitation. Tung Ping Chau is a place where a temple stands beside buildings engulfed by trees. Its turquoise waters shelter dozens of coral species.
The rocks at Tung Tau Chau Teng are fine laminated sedimentary rocks. They formed from silt and mud cemented in a saline lake about 55 million years ago. The island’s unique geology sets it apart. Unlike most of Hong Kong, Tung Ping Chau is primarily sedimentary.
Kang Lau Shek is a headland. It is the most easterly point of the island. This area is regarded as a museum of geomorphology. Tilted flat rocks lay out here. They appear as if gigantic books have been buried. The layered texture feels like stacked pages of ancient tomes. Each centimeter of these rocks took a century to form.
The Chinese name Kang Lau Shek means Watchtower Stone. It was inspired by the rocks resemblance to ancient two-story watchtowers. The two rock towers face the sea. They offer the best Instagram opportunities. Remember to photograph the rock pools and their marine life.
Another rock formation is Lung Lok Shui. Its Chinese name means dragon descends into the water. A zigzag layer of white siliceous rock makes up the dragon’s backbone. It strikes through tilted flat rock slabs. These slabs appear precision cut into rectangles and triangles.
Face the sea. Then turn your head 180 degrees. The form and color of the rocks change. It is like a giant optical illusion. The rock pools look man-made with their straight lines and precise angles. Algae, colorful snails and darting fish complete the design.
A short walk through a shoreline forest leads to Cham Keng Chau. In Chinese, it is called Chopped Neck Island. Over centuries wind and waves widened a crack in the fractured rock. This left a small spur cut off by a narrow corridor.
Hefty white chunks of washed-up coral show the amount of marine life. The turquoise waters here are perfect for snorkeling or diving. The island’s longest beach also lies here.
Tai Tong village sits on the shore. The encroaching forest has almost swallowed it. The shells of old buildings are strangled by banyan tree roots. Village stores offer Chinese dishes and seafood specialties. You can taste sea urchin fried rice, cockles, sea snails and fresh squid fried with chilies.
Tung Ping Chau is an island with a rich history. Guns and opium were once smuggled from here. During the Cultural Revolution many mainlanders swam here. They hoped to reach Ping Chau and the freedom of Hong Kong.
Today Tung Ping Chau is part of the Plover Cove Extension Country Park. The Tung Ping Chau Marine Park was designated in 2001. The island is reachable by ferry from Ma Liu Shui ferry pier. The ferry operates only on Saturdays Sundays and public holidays.