Why Tung Ping Chau
Tung Ping Chau, also known as Ping Chau, is an offshore island located in Mirs Bay within Hong Kong's Tai Po District. Situated near Nan'ao in Dapeng and close to the border of Guangdong Province, it represents the easternmost point of Hong Kong. The island spans 1.16 square kilometers and forms part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Shaped like a kidney bean, its Chinese name translates to "flat island," with its highest points reaching 48 meters in the south and 37 meters in the north.
Geologically distinct from the volcanic igneous rock that dominates the rest of Hong Kong, Tung Ping Chau is made of Paleogene siltstone and chert formed in an ancient brackish lake. Its landscape features dramatic cliffs, wave-cut platforms, and notable rock formations. Distinctive coastal features include Cham Keng Chau, a detached chunk of land; Lung Lok Shui, a rock ridge resembling a dragon's spine; the Kang Lau Shek sea stacks; and the vertical cliffs and caves of Lan Kwo Shui, reachable on foot during low tide.
The island once supported a thriving community of thousands of farmers and fishermen residing in ten distinct villages, including Sha Tau, Tai Tong, and Chau Mei. Over the decades, Tung Ping Chau experienced varied history, serving as a military supply base during Japanese occupation, a smuggling hub, and an entry point during the Cultural Revolution. Depleted fisheries and trade disruptions led to a steady decline, leaving the settlements virtually abandoned by the early 2000s, though former residents occasionally return on weekends.
Much of the island is preserved within Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park, featuring overgrown footpaths with wild orchids, mint, and morning glory. The surrounding waters form the Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, protecting over 60 coral species, 35 algae species, and tidal pools containing crabs and sea urchins. Historical structures include a Tin Hau Temple built in 1765 and the Tam Tai Sin Temple built before 1877, both situated in Sha Tau.
Popular with weekend visitors for diving and geological sightseeing, the island offers barbecue, picnic, and camping sites, along with basic dormitories and dining options. Tung Ping Chau is reached via a ferry operating on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from Ma Liu Shui ferry pier near the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The boat docks at the public pier in Wong Ye Kok after a journey of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
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