Lantau Island Tourist Attractions
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Lantau, ("Great Island Mountain"), by far the largest of the 236 islands and twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It has a population of only 25,000. The largest place on the island is Tai O (pop. 6600), with houses built on stilts above the river.Of its many temples and Buddhist monasteries the best known is the temple dedicated to Kwan Ti, the god of war.
Hong Kong International Airport
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.
Lantau - Trappist Haven of Tai Shui Hong
The Trappist Haven of Tai Shui Hong in the northeast of the island, was established in 1956 by monks fleeing from the new regime in Peking. The Trappists, who have taken a vow of silence, today run a lucrative dairy farm which supplies its produce to the city. Here, too, there is modest accommodation for visitors (advance booking advisable). The monastery can be reached either on foot from Silvermine Bay or by taking a ferry to the island of Peng Chau and crossing from there to Lantau on a sampan which puts in below the monastery.
Lantau - Po Lin Monastery
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.
Tian Tan Buddha Statue
Over the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan), which was dedicated in 1993, towers a 34m/112ft high bronze figure of Buddha, believed to be the largest free-standing statue of its kind in the world. The 164 segments of the statue were made in China and then shipped to Hong Kong. The cost of some HK $68 million was met by subscriptions from Buddhists in Hong Kong and China and from donations from all over the world. Completed in 1990, the statue can be seen from the Chinese mainland, and is designed to symbolize peace and religious freedom.It is well worth rising early to climb Lantau Peak (934m/3065ft), under the guidance of a monk, to witness the magnificent sunrise.Below the monastery, to the south, are Hong Kong's only tea plantations.To the west of the beaches of Pui O and Cheung Sha (north of the road to Tai O), amid scenery of breathtaking beauty, is the Shek Pik reservoir. There is an attractive walk round the lake.
Lantau - Hong Kong Disneyland
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.
Silvermine Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong
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.
Tung Chung - Fort
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.
