Lantau Island Attractions

Off the north coast of Lantau, on the island of Chek Lap Kok (also the home of the last white - actually pink - Chinese dolphins), much enlarged by reclamation from the sea, is Hong Kong's large new international airport, completed in July 1998 after five years' construction work. A satellite town has been established on the shores of the island, with a projected population of 50,000, many of whom will be airport workers. The inhabitants of Lantau fear that the airport may have further negative effects on the once almost entirely unspoiled natural landscape of the island.

Hong Kong Disneyland opened on Lantau Island in 2005. The amusement park was built on a smaller scale than the original California park but features Fantasy Gardens, which is unique to this park.

The monastery of Po Lin or the "Precious Lotus", is situated on the Ngong Ping plateau at a height of about 800m/2625ft. It was first built in 1921, and later two two-story temples were added. The main temple contains three Buddha statues.

The monastery has accommodation for visitors. Advance booking is essential.

Silvermine Bay (Mui Wo) has a population of 4000 and a beautiful sandy beach with facilities for water sports. Features of interest are an old silver mine and the Man Mo Temple.

There is also a bus service to Tung Chung, in the northwest of Lantau island, where the population is mainly engaged in farming. An interesting feature here is the fort, built by the Chinese in 1817 as a defense against the advancing Europeans.