Keung Shan - Tai O
Lantau Trail Stages 5 & 6
The hiking trails across the grass- and shrub-covered highlands in the southwestern corner of Lantau Island see only few hikers. This is
quite a shame as, though reasonably challenging, they are well-maintained and offer fantastic panoramas as well as a number of hidden
surprises.
Our walk starts just beyond the impressive Shek Pik Reservoir and it starts with a bit of a climb. It is all worth it, though: As we take on the
twin peaks of Kwun Yam Shan and Keung Shan, we are able to enjoy views over the Soko Islands and the South China Sea.
The last half of the hike is almost entirely down hill, allowing us time to keep an eye out for the elusive barking deer... At first, we cross the
plateau of Man Cheung Po and pass the Tsz Hing Monastery. Then we sneak a quick peek at an absolutely exquisite traditional Chinese
mansion, before our trail winds itself down to the disused salt pans at Nam Chung and on to the popular fishing village of Tai O.
Traces of a big fire that swept through Tai O some years ago can still be found, but many of the traditional stilt houses have been rebuilt and
you are able to catch a glimpse of what life as a Hong Kong Tanka used to be like. As Tai O is still relatively undisturbed by modern
development, it has not only been able to keep its local culture but is also very rich from an ecological view. Many of the former salt flats
surrounding the village are now partially covered by mangroves and have become home to many wetland birds.
After a quick Chinese lunch, we will finish our day by inspecting the mangrove and Tai O from the waterside - and even go a little out to sea to
try to catch a glimpse of the endangered Chinese White Dolphin (which actually is pink), before returning to the big city by bus and ferry or
subway.
Lantau Trail Stages 5 & 6
The hiking trails across the grass- and shrub-covered highlands in the southwestern corner of Lantau Island see only few hikers. This is
quite a shame as, though reasonably challenging, they are well-maintained and offer fantastic panoramas as well as a number of hidden
surprises.
Our walk starts just beyond the impressive Shek Pik Reservoir and it starts with a bit of a climb. It is all worth it, though: As we take on the
twin peaks of Kwun Yam Shan and Keung Shan, we are able to enjoy views over the Soko Islands and the South China Sea.
The last half of the hike is almost entirely down hill, allowing us time to keep an eye out for the elusive barking deer... At first, we cross the
plateau of Man Cheung Po and pass the Tsz Hing Monastery. Then we sneak a quick peek at an absolutely exquisite traditional Chinese
mansion, before our trail winds itself down to the disused salt pans at Nam Chung and on to the popular fishing village of Tai O.
Traces of a big fire that swept through Tai O some years ago can still be found, but many of the traditional stilt houses have been rebuilt and
you are able to catch a glimpse of what life as a Hong Kong Tanka used to be like. As Tai O is still relatively undisturbed by modern
development, it has not only been able to keep its local culture but is also very rich from an ecological view. Many of the former salt flats
surrounding the village are now partially covered by mangroves and have become home to many wetland birds.
After a quick Chinese lunch, we will finish our day by inspecting the mangrove and Tai O from the waterside - and even go a little out to sea to
try to catch a glimpse of the endangered Chinese White Dolphin (which actually is pink), before returning to the big city by bus and ferry or
subway.
Download Reservation Form here or click here to request more information.
|
|
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| ... exploring Hong Kong's other side... |
|
 |
| |
 |
 |
| |
 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | |  | |  | |  |
|