Photo: Fitri Agung aka fitri.agung on Flickr. / CC BY-SA 2.0
Remote, rugged and utterly serene, Tung Ping Chau is Hong Kong's easternmost outpost — a sliver of sedimentary rock adrift in the Mirs Bay. This Unesco Global Geopark island feels a world away from the city's neon hum, offering a day of dramatic sea cliffs, wave-sculpted platforms and quiet village ruins. Come for the geology, stay for the salty breeze and the sense of having reached the edge of everything.
Highlights & What to See
- Lung Lok Shui (Dragon Falls) – A striking wave-cut platform where horizontal rock layers resemble a dragon's spine disappearing into the sea; best seen at low tide.
- Kang Lau Shek – A towering sea stack and natural arch formed from ancient siltstone, standing defiant against the South China Sea.
- Wan Tsai – A ghost village of abandoned Hakka houses, overgrown with ferns and banyans, offering a poignant glimpse into the island's former fishing life.
- Cheung Sha Wan Beach – A crescent of pale sand and pebbles, perfect for a picnic with views of the rolling hills of nearby Tap Mun.
- Tung Ping Chau Marine Trail – A 6-km coastal footpath linking all the geological highlights, with interpretive signs explaining the 400-million-year-old rock formations.
Suggested Time to Spend
Dedicate a full day — ferries from Ma Liu Shui only run on weekends and public holidays, and the last return boat departs around 5pm. Arrive on the earliest ferry to walk the entire marine trail at a leisurely pace, allowing time for photography, a beach stop, and exploring the abandoned village. If you're a keen hiker or geology buff, you could easily fill two days by camping at the designated site near Cheung Sha Wan, but most visitors make it a rewarding day trip.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Tap Mun (Grass Island) – A short ferry hop away, this grassy island is famous for its feral cows, temple, and panoramic coastal views.
- Sai Kung – The gateway to Hong Kong's eastern waters; a lively town with seafood restaurants, kayak rentals, and access to the Sai Kung Geopark.
- Plover Cove Country Park – Home to the stunning Bride's Pool and the long-distance Wilson Trail, ideal for a pre- or post-island hike.
- Ma Liu Shui – The ferry departure point, near the Chinese University campus and the serene Lake Tolo, worth a brief stroll if you have time before sailing.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Sai Kung — Shi Deru (a.k.a. Shawn Xiangyang Liu) / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Plover Cove Country Park — Underwaterbuffalo / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ma Liu Shui — Sheng Jiang / CC BY 4.0
- Kayaking in Sai Kung — Claude Gillot / Public domain