Tung Ping Chau Island Guide: Ferry Schedule, Things To Do & More

Hop on the Tung Ping Chau ferry and explore its famous rock formations, pristine beaches and local delicacies.

Despite being closer to mainland China than Hong Kong, Tung Ping Chau deserves a spot on everyone’s Hong Kong bucket list. Getting its name – “Easternmost Flat Island” in English – from the horizontal sedimentary rock and calm surrounding waters, the offshore island is famed for its magnificent rock formations and diverse marine life. Throw in local delicacies like sea urchin fried rice and scenic hiking trails and campsites, and you’ve got plenty of reason to start planning your day trip to Tung Ping Chau. Read on for the ferry schedule and things to do on the island.

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How To Get To Tung Ping Chau

From University MTR Station, take bus 272K and alight at the Ma Liu Shui Public Pier (the first stop). From there hop on the ferry to Tung Ping Chau. A taxi will also get you to the station to the pier in about five minutes.

Ma Liu Shui To Tung Ping Chau Ferry Schedule

Note that ferries to and from Tung Ping Chau only operate on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The public ferry departs from Ma Liu Shui at 9am and 3:30pm on Saturdays and 9am on Sundays. The journey to Tung Ping Chau takes about 1.5 hours, and a return ticket costs $100.

There is just one public ferry back to Ma Liu Shui Public Pier that leaves at 5:15pm, so make sure you don’t miss it! Head here for more ferry details.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling with a group of friends, you may want to hire a privately chartered speedboat from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung Geopark. It should get you to Tung Ping Chau in about 30 minutes.

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History Of Tung Ping Chau

Though now virtually deserted, Tung Ping Chau was once a thriving fishing community with a population of around 3,000 people. The economy of the island suffered due to the depletion of fishery resources and the termination of trade with the mainland after the Korean War. By the 1970, only and handful of people remained on the island.

In addition to a number of historical villages, Tung Ping Chau is also home to three Grade III Historic Buildings: the Tin Hau Temple, Tam Tai Sin Temple (both found in Sha Tau village), and the Old House which was built in the 1940s in Chau Mei.

Read More: The Best Historic Walking Trails In Hong Kong

Tung Ping Chau Geology: Famous Rock Formations

Tung Ping Chau is one of the eight Geo-Areas of the Hong Kong Global Geopark and boasts some of the most unique rock formations in the region, attracting locals and tourists alike.

The wave-cut shale on Tung Ping Chau is the youngest rock in Hong Kong, but records 55 million years of history in its distinct layers of sedimentary rock.

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Kang Lau Shek

Resembling two watch towers at the water’s edge of the east coast of Tung Ping Chau, King Lau Shek stands at 7 to 8 metres. Surrounding the vertical stacks of rock is a stretch of coast known as Lan Kwo Shui which, at low tide, reveals titled rock formations that resemble ancient tomes sinking into the ground.

Lung Lok Shui

Located on the southwest shore of Tung Ping Chau, this pale-coloured silicious rock is famed for looking like a dragon’s back (from different angles, the rock takes on different colours adding to the mystical illusion). Though its clean-cut zig-zagged edge looks man-made, it’s actually a result of years of erosion.

Cham Keng Chau

Aptly translating to “Chopped Neck Isle”, Cham Ken Chau is a bluff that was dislodged from the island over centuries by wind and wave erosion. This has created a narrow passage where you can walk through, providing a shortcut from one sea view to another.

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Tung Ping Chau Beaches

Cheung Sha Wan

As the longest beach on Tung Ping Chau, Cheung Sha Wan is frequently visited for its stretch of soft, white sand and clear, turquoise waters. Many visitors like to go snorkelling or diving here as the waters are rich with marine life.

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Tai Tong Wan

Lined by thick forest trees, Tai Tong Wan is another beach you can visit. Though the main draw is the nearby Tai Tong village which has a number of stores and small eateries that offer local delicacies like sea urchin fried rice and sea snails.

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Things To Do On Tung Ping Chau Island

Ping Chau Country Trail

An excellent way to explore the area is by following the Ping Chau Country Trail around the island’s coastline. The trail is 6km, passing a number of famous geosites, and takes around two hours to walk – not counting the significant amount of time you’ll likely spend snapping pictures along the way.

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Tung Ping Chau Marine Park

The Tung Ping Chau Marine Park occupies a sea area of about 270 hectares. The waters boast a rich and biologically diverse ecosystem of marine invertebrates, reef fishes, algae and coral (over 65 species!).

Tung Ping Chau Campsite

Not ready to leave so soon or worried about missing the last ferry out? Pitch a tent and spend a night under the stars at Tung Ping Chau Campsite, overlooking Kang Lau Shek and its surrounding wave-cut platform. The campsite is fully equipped with barbecue pits, tables and benches, drains and dry toilet pits.

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