Can you hear the gentle lapping of waves against the Tung Chung Public Pier? This isn’t just any pier. It stands as a silent witness to Tung Chung’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a bustling modern hub. Tung Chung, meaning “eastern stream,” was once a vital defense point against pirates during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Imagine soldiers patrolling the shores, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of approaching ships. The Tung Chung Public Pier, in its earlier forms, would have been a vital landing point for supplies and reinforcements. Now, this same pier, the Tung Chung Public Pier, connects the town to other parts of Lantau Island and beyond. A ferry service operates from the Tung Chung New Development Ferry Pier (another name for Tung Chung Public Pier). This ferry goes to Tai O and Tuen Mun, via Sha Lo Wan, offering stunning views of the North Lantau coast. This coast is known to be home to the Chinese white dolphin. Perhaps, as you stand here at Tung Chung Public Pier, you might catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures frolicking in the distance. While the old Tung Chung Old Ferry Pier has been replaced by the modern Tung Chung Public Pier, echoes of the past linger. The nearby Tung Chung Fort, built in 1817, offers a tangible link to the area’s historical struggles against piracy. Hau Wong Temple, erected in 1765, honors a loyal official from the Song Dynasty and even served as a training ground for soldiers. These historical sites paint a vivid picture of Tung Chung’s rich heritage, a heritage that the Tung Chung Public Pier quietly observes with each passing tide. As you leave the Tung Chung Public Pier, carry with you the whispers of history and the promise of new adventures. This unassuming pier represents not just a point of arrival and departure but also a bridge between Tung Chung’s past and its dynamic future.
Sai Wan Shan
Considering a hike today? Sai Wan Shan is calling us. Sai Wan Shan is a hill within Sai Kung East