Picture the scene. You stand before Tung Chung Valley a place where the whispers of history echo through towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Tung Chung Valley is more than just a geographical feature. It’s a living testament to the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of its people.
For centuries this valley has been a haven. People lived here during the Song dynasty relying on fishing and agriculture. Crabs fish and crops were their sustenance. The valley was known as Tung Sai Chung then. Merchandise ships sailed east to the village and west to Macau.
Later Tung Chung Valley became a crucial defensive position. It served as a stronghold against pirates and foreign military during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The strategic location and natural defenses made it an ideal spot for protecting the coast. Imagine soldiers stationed at Tung Chung Fort guarding the valley.
The valley’s history took another turn in the 1990s. The development of Hong Kong’s international airport transformed the landscape. Tung Chung Valley became part of a larger plan. It was now surrounded by new towns housing developments and modern infrastructure.
Yet even amidst this change the valley retains its wild beauty. Its steep slopes and primeval mountain streams remain relatively untouched. The Wong Lung Valley the main branch of Tung Chung Valley boasts spectacular waterfalls. The Wong Lung Stream is nicknamed the Yellow Dragon. The valley is also home to other streams like Tung-Lung Pak-Lung Chong-Lung and Ngo-Lung. They’re known as the Five Dragons of Tung Chung.
The Tung Lung Stream itself is a breathtaking sight with continuous waterfalls over 700 feet high. The area is rich in rare plants and animals including unique Hong Kong newts and several wild orchid species. The upper Tung Chung Valley supports a thriving ecosystem. It provides a home for birds like thrushes warblers and eagle owls. The cliffs and boulder crevices are havens for reptiles like the tokay gecko.
Tung Chung Valley a place where ancient history meets modern development. A place where nature’s power is evident in its cascading waterfalls and where the echoes of the past blend with the sounds of the present. A place to be treasured and protected.