- Area:
- Islands District
- Starting point:
- Tung Chung Town Centre
- End point:
- Tai O
- Average hiking time:
- Approx. 6 hours
- Distance:
- Approx. 16 km
- Replenishing stations:
- Simple replenishments can be purchased at a small store at Sham Wat Wan
- Difficulty:
- Moderately difficult
Tung Chung to Tai O
In days lost to time, the coastal Tung O Ancient Trail was an important passage for villagers needing to commute between Tung Chung and Tai O. Now, it’s a place where you can leave planes literally flying over your head to wander past mangroves and scenic bays, ending with a hit of traditional fare in a centuries-old fishing village.
Trail tip: Rough, rocky and downhill, the final stretch of this trail is best attempted in daylight. Try to set off early enough to reach the end before sunset.
From MTR Tung Chung Station, Exit B, walk for approximately three minutes to Tung Chung Fire Station. Walk down Yu Tung Road, passing by Yat Tung Estate and, at the end, turn right onto a path and start the hike via the Hau Wong Temple. This is your gateway to Lantau Island and an important opportunity to stock up on food and water before starting off! |
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From Tung Chung Town Centre, head through the San Tau area in the direction of Sha Lo Wan. |
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Sha Lo Wan could tell a few stories; it has been inhabited for centuries and is an important archaeology site. There are large feng shui woods located behind the village. Follow the signs to the two mammoth camphor trees, which are both estimated to be more than 300 years old. |
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San Shek means ‘Scattered Boulders‘ in Chinese and the shore here is carpeted with, not quite boulders, but colourful pebbles at the very least. A variety of shore species live happily here, including snails and rock oysters. Human life is also diverse, with San Shek Wan village home to both many local and foreign residents. |
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With a variety of coastal habitats such as rocky shores, boulder shores, sand flats, mudflats and mangrove forests, this is the perfect hiding place for many creatures. Shells and crustaceans can be spotted scattering on the sand flats and mudflats, as predatory birds such as the great egret and jungle crow circle above. |
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Yeung Hau Temple, the biggest and most significant temple of Tai O, has been here at Po Chu Tam since 1698, when Kangxi reigned in the Qing dynasty. It is listed as a heritage building. Surrounded by ‘Lion Hill’, ‘Elephant Hill’, ‘Tiger Hill’ and ‘Phoenix Hill‘, it was built to keep the legendary animals at peace. |
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Built in 1902 and converted into a boutique hotel in 2012, it’s easy to appreciate the building’s original role as Tai O Police Station as many features, such as the colonial-style architecture, cannons, corner turrets and cells, are well preserved. |
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Linger to see the unusual stilt homes of the Tanka people before taking bus 11 to MTR Tung Chung Station. Or take a ferry to the Tung Chung New Development ferry pier. |
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Feng Shui Woods Chinese villages were usually built in front of sheltering hill slopes. Between the village and the hillside, vibrant woodlands were maintained to bring good fortune and these were called feng shui woods. Practically, feng shui woods may keep the soil stable, hold surface runoff and provide ground for growing fruit trees, medicinal plants and lumber for making furniture. These woods are excellent places to see local Hong Kong flora. |
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