Lantau Island, the largest of Hong Kong’s islands, lies at the mouth of the Pearl River in the southwest of Hong Kong. The evidence of human settlement on Lantau Island can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. Pottery, fishing tools and weapons of the time have been unearthed by archaeologists at Shek Pik, Tung Wan, Man Kok Tsui, Silver Mine Bay, and Chek Lap Kok. The famous Rock Carving at Shek Pik and the Stone Circle at Fan Lau are remnants from the same era.
Lantau Island is home to Hong Kong’s second and third highest mountains: Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak. Major bays and coves along the coastline of Lantau Island include Tung Chung Wan, Yam O, Tai Pak Bay, Silver Mine Bay, Pui O, Chi Ma Wan (Sesame Bay), Shui Hau Wan, Fan Lau Tung Wan and Fan Lau Sai Wan.
Lantau Island is also home to most of the wildlife species recorded in Hong Kong, including 70% of amphibian and reptile species, 60% of dragonfly species, 55% of butterfly species and more than 50% of freshwater fish species. There are also many different species of plants on the island, including some first discovered in Hong Kong like Hong Kong Asarum, Lantau Star-anise and Acer tutcheri Duthie (Tutcher’s Maple).
In 1978, Lantau North Country Park and Lantau South Country Park were designated by the Hong Kong Government as country parks. In 2008, the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park was designated. Today, country parks account for 69% of the island’s total land area.
Suggested Route: Please see the following webpage for the detailed route suggestions for each tourist attraction on Lantau Island.
