Tung Lung Chau

Tung Lung Chau lies off the eastern approach to Victoria Harbour and is best known to climbers: its eastern side drops in sheer volcanic sea cliffs, the largest in Hong Kong, with long bolted and traditional routes rising straight from the water and a technical reputation that draws people out on the small ferry with ropes on their backs. The island also holds two declared monuments. Tung Lung Fort was built in the early eighteenth century against pirates and stands as walls and foundations on the northern headland, and a rock carving of a stylised dragon on the shore is the oldest known carving of its kind in the territory. A campsite and a shop serve visitors.

History

Emperor Duanzong of the Southern Song dynasty once stayed at Kwu Tap on the island. The name Tung Lung Chau has appeared on maps since around 1845, replacing the older romanisation Tam-too (Wikipedia, Tung Lung Chau).

What's there

• The sea cliffs - the largest climbing walls in Hong Kong.
• Tung Lung Fort - the eighteenth-century anti-pirate post.
• The dragon rock carving - the oldest known carving in the territory.
• The clifftop coastal path - the walk above the climbing routes.

When to go

October to April, which is also the climbing season; summer is too hot on the rock. Half a day. Ferries run on limited days, mainly weekends, so check the timetable first.

What to expect

Ferry days are few and services are cancelled in rough weather. Climbing here is serious, exposed and tidal in places; it is not a venue for beginners without a guide. The island has one small shop and no real facilities.

Nearby

Sai Wan Ho is west; Clear Water Bay lies north.

Key facts