There are many more things to do in Hong Kong other than sticking to air-conditioned comfort. There are some wonderful outlying islands to explore. Each Saturday this month, Young Post will visit one of these amazing places.
Tung Ping Chau is one of the spots in Hong Kong which the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has proposed as a geosite. It is famous for its extraordinary rock features.
The island is situated in the most easterly part of Hong Kong territory. It is close to the border with Guangdong and was once famous as a place from which guns and opium were smuggled. During the Cultural Revolution, many people from the mainland swam across the sea to this island in the hopes of reaching Hong Kong and freedom.
Although smuggling is rare these days, the police are still here to make sure only Hong Kong residents make it back to the landmass, so don't forget to take your identity card if you go for a day trip.
The island, which has an area of 1.16 km2, is shaped like a crescent and consists of shale rocks, unique for Hong Kong which is mostly made of igneous rock.
Major attractions on the island are linked by a circular trail and two smaller paths that run from east to west. It's a good idea to follow the trails or be prepared to walk on rough, rocky shores to get a closer look at the attractions.
The unique stromatolite sedimentary rock is a signature of Tung Ping Chau. This sponge cake-like structure is the result of erosion, sedimentation and earth movement over long ages. The 200-metre stratum is made up of individual layers as thin as one millimetre, and beddings are clearly distinguishable.