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Visitors
are often surprised to learn that Hong Kong has some 260 outlying islands,
many of which are easily accessible and offering a delightful getaway
from city life. Among the most popular are those to the south and west,
including Lantau (where the new airport is located), Cheung Chau, Lamma,
and Peng Chau. Lantau is the biggest of all outlying islands, almost twice
the size of Hong Kong Island itself.
On the outlying islands
you will find flourishing forests and tranquil beaches, traditional fishing
villages and rural hamlets, ancient monasteries and old temples. Archaeologists
have unearthed stone carvings and other evidence of early habitation dating
back thousands of years on some of the islands. Lamma, known to some as
the Stone Age Island, is where the earliest relics have been discovered,
while fossils of ancient marine lifeforms were found around Lantau.
 In
1959, a young man found a fish fossil on Lantau Island at sunset. Being
curious, he sent it to the British Museum in London for examination. It
was found to be a Ganoid fossil from more than 150 million years ago.
Po Lin Monastery
on Lantau Island is one of the most important Buddhist institutions of
Hong Kong. It is also the site of the world-famous Giant Buddha. The complex
includes a main hall, stupas, a pagoda and many other buildings. The monastery
has a rich library of scriptures and religious books. There is also a
vegetarian restaurant.
The Giant Buddha is
situated on the hilltop at Mok Yu Fun. Completed in 1990 and officially
opened in 1993, it is the world's largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha.
The solemn and magnificent figure sits on a lotus base facing north. From
the top of the 268-step climb to its base, visitors can enjoy a panoramic
view of Lantau Island and the South China Sea. Nearby Lantau Peak also
offers a spectacular vista; watching the sun rise there is a popular tourist
activity.
In recent years, Hong
Kong's social and economic progress has brought many changes to the outlying
islands, as younger members of the traditional fishing and farming communities
seek new opportunities in the city, while urban dwellers look to the islands
for a respite from city life. There is also the need to make precious
land available on the islands for major projects such as the new airport
and Hong Kong Disneyland. Hong Kong's challenge is to ensure that the
community's development needs can be met while retaining the unique character
of island life. In the years to come, the outlying islands will have wider
appeal than ever.
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Interesting
Stories of 18 Districts
