Consider this. You are standing on the second highest point in Hong Kong. This is Lantau Subpeak. Known locally as Fung Wong Shan it means Phoenix Mountain.
Lantau Subpeak stands tall at 934 metres. It is the highest point on Lantau Island. The views from up here are amazing. You can see all over Lantau South Country Park.
The mountain has two peaks. The taller one is Fung Fung. It means male phoenix summit. The lower peak is Wong Fung. That translates to female phoenix summit. Together they make Fung Wong Shan.
Lantau Subpeak is in Lantau South Country Park. It’s near the center of Lantau Island. Sunset Peak is to the east. It is the second highest peak on the island. The Lantau Trail can take you here. If you hike to the foot of Lantau Subpeak you will find the Wisdom Path.
Like Tai Mo Shan it is formed by volcanic rocks. These rocks include porphyritic rhyolites. The Tung Chung River starts here on Lantau Subpeak. It is a major river on Lantau Island.
Lantau Subpeak has a subtropical highland climate. Strong winds and fog are common. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°C. Summer temperatures can reach 18-22°C. Spring is cool and humid. Autumn is cool and dry.
Lantau South Country Park is huge. It covers 56 square kilometers. That’s 40 percent of Lantau Island. It is the biggest country park in Hong Kong.
The park connects to Lantau North Country Park. It also links to Mui Wo town. The park’s west end is also Hong Kong’s westernmost area. Near Lantau Subpeak, you’ll find Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha.
Most rocks in the park are igneous. Volcanic rocks make up the peaks. These rocks resist weathering. Granitic rocks are in the lowlands.
Volcanic activity created the rocks 146 to 148 million years ago. This formed a caldera in central Lantau. Viscous lava flows created the rock structures.
Wildlife thrives here. There are secondary forests and diverse animals. Native plants include tree ginseng and Hong Kong magnolia.
The Shui Hau peninsula and Ngong Ping are butterfly hotspots. Over 100 species live in each area. Three rare species are the Treasures of Ngong Ping. These are the striped bush hopper, Tamil grass dart and large tree-ring.
Nearly 200 bird species live on the Chi Ma Wan peninsula. These include the brown fish owl and Malayan night heron. Coastal wetlands provide wintering grounds for migratory birds.
Wetlands are also sanctuaries for horseshoe crabs and mudskippers. Waterways shelter fish like paradise fish. Amphibians such as Romer’s tree frog thrive here.
Cattle and water buffalos roam freely. Red muntjac and Pallas’s squirrel also live here. The waters around Lantau Island are home to pink dolphins.
Humans have been here since Neolithic times. Rock carvings at Shek Pik remain from that era.
Villagers once fished and harvested salt and lime. Ancient lime kilns from the Tang Dynasty remain on Chi Ma Wan peninsula.
Lantau Island was once a stronghold for defense and trade. It attracted pirates and European traders. In the early 1700s, forts were built to protect the area.
The British colonized Hong Kong in the 1840s. Lantau became a rural backwater. It was home to settlements, temples and monasteries.
During World War II, the island was a resistance base. Ambushes were organized in the rugged terrain.
Lantau South remains relatively undeveloped. It is sparsely populated. The park has many hiking trails. The 70 km Lantau Trail loops around the park.
Many hikers stay overnight at Ngong Ping. They start the Lantau Trail early to watch the sunrise. Sweeping views of Lantau’s seascape make the strenuous hike worth it.
Lantau Subpeak connects to Kau Nga Ling. This is Dog Teeth Range. It has three ridges. These are Middle, East and West Dog Teeth. The ridges are steep with dramatic rock formations.
Lantau Peak is a challenging yet rewarding experience. The views are breathtaking. The natural beauty of Lantau Island is on full display. Remember to take plenty of water. The trail is exposed and steep. Enjoy your hike.