• China Guide

  • Introduction to China
  • Weather
  • Things not to miss
  • Getting around
  • Public holidays
  • Entry requirements
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• Explore China

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  • The Northwest
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China Guide

Hong Kong

Lantau

Mountainous Lantau is twice as big as Hong Kong Island but far less developed, despite the proximity of the International Airport just off the north coast. More than half is a designated country park and remains fairly wild, with trails linking monasteries, old fishing villages and secluded beaches. There are some major sights here, however, notably Hong Kong Disneyland on the northeast coast; the western fishing village of Tai O; and Po Lin Monastery, with its mighty Big Buddha and wonderful Ngong Ping 360 cable-car ride.

MUI WO is just a clutch of restaurants grouped about the ferry pier, in front of which is a bus stop with departures around the rest of the island. There's also a nice beach with a sprinkling of low-key hotels 500m to the north, set in an attractive, curving, sandy bay. Lantau's best beaches are along the southern shore, notably Cheung Sha Upper and Lower beaches: long, empty stretches of sand backed by a fringe of trees, with a couple of café-restaurants.

There are two ways to reach Lantau. First Ferry (www.nwff.com.hk) operates ferries to east-coast Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) from Central's Outlying Islands Ferry Pier (at least hourly 5.55am–11.30pm; 1hr). Alternatively, the Tung Chung MTR Line runs along the north coast to Disneyland and the town of Tung Chung – the latter terminus for the cable car, and close to the airport.