A Relaxing Trip of Tung Chung (東涌孖寶)

撰文/攝影：WenEr

Tung Chung in Lantau Island, Hong Kong, has become a resting spot for travelers coming to and from the airport. There are discount mega stores that attract travelers and residents for outlet shopping. However, for those who love airplanes, nature, and ancient relics, Tung Chung remains a great destination. Visitors can even experience the thrill of being up close to the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, making for an impressive photo opportunity.

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WhatsApp Image 2024-09-26 at 11.14.33.jpeg — Tung Chung becomes a place to shop and take a break

Tung Chung Scenic Hill (觀景山) is not far from Citygate Outlets. Take bus S1 or S52 to the bus stop near the airplane fuel depot. The large building where the Ngong Ping 360 cable car passes through is the Airport Island Angle Station. Next to it, there are stairs leading up. If starting from Citygate Outlets, walk through the cable car station and head towards Chek Lap Kok South Road. It should take about half an hour to reach the mountaintop.

The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car "Flying Overhead"

The number of stairs is not difficult for family visit.

The Scenic Hill, standing at about 77 meters high, can be reached by climbing approximately 880 steps starting from the base of the mountain. The are not many stairs, making it very suitable for a half-day excursion, especially since along the way, you can see the cable car "flying over" from both sides of the mountaintop! The cable car angle station is adjacent to Scenic Hill, and the hiking trail next to it is very close. Whenever the cable car changes direction in a "L shaped" manner, you can feel the cable car passing by at an extremely close distance. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Tung Chung city and overlook the cable car route. Some paths have been paved with flat stones, making it easy for both adults and children to navigate.

There are walking trails along the way, and there is not much shade from trees.

The cable car turning station is adjacent to the Scenic Mountain, so you can feel the cable car passing by very closely.

On the way, you can see the cable car transfer station, which changes direction at 90 degrees and slows down.

Photography Enthusiasts Capture Airplane Takeoffs and Landings

In the gazebo, you can feel the breeze and the heat is completely gone.

Sweeping views of Tung Chung Waterfront Park and ferry pier.

Because of its proximity to the airport and the absence of buildings or mountains obstructing the view, the vantage point provides a wide and broad perspective. Nestled in a pavilion, the refreshing sea breeze keeps it comfortable even on a sunny day. With a vast view of the airport, one can witness airplane taking off and landing frequently. Occasionally, photography enthusiasts use telephoto lenses (長炮) to capture the moment of airplane ascending into the sky. Beyond the airport scenery, one can also see the ferry terminal between Tuen Mun and Tung Chung, and even the artificial island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port.

There are photography enthusiasts who climb the mountain to capture the moment when the plane takes off.

After enjoying the panoramic view, consider visiting the historic site hidden behind the modern public housing, a nearly 200-year-old declared monument, the Tung Chung Fort. Take down stairs from Scenic Hill, turn right towards the airplane fuel depot and the bus stop on Scenic Road. Take bus S52 towards Yat Tung Estate, alight at the Yat Tung Estate Terminus, and easily reach your destination by crossing the pedestrian footbridge near Fuk Yat House.

Scenic Hill

Tung Chung Fort surrounded by Stone Walls

At this bus stop, you can take a bus to Yat Tung Estate.

Nestled amidst village houses, the Tung Chung Fort is enclosed by stone walls housing large cannons with clearly visible. Above the entrance, each building is equipped with a small window for inspecting the identities of incoming and outgoing individuals. Surrounded by walls on all sides, a large square is located in the center. Walking up to the fort allows for a close encounter with neatly arranged cannons, evoking images of their defensive role in the past. Today, the fort no longer serves a defensive function but has transformed into a children's playground! Originally constructed during the Qing Dynasty, the fort remains intact and is now a designated historical site in Hong Kong, well worth a visit!

The Tung Chung Fort is surrounded by stone walls.

Cannons are still neatly lined up on the city walls, playing the role of "guard".

Records indicate that the Tung Chung Fort, known in the Qing Dynasty as Tung Chung Suocheng (東涌所城), served as the naval headquarters of the Right Battalion of Dapeng (大鵬右營). The entrance of the fort is marked with a carved granite slab (花崗石額) gives the dates of Fort corresponding to 1832, it is believed to be the year of construction. After the New Territories were leased to the British in 1898, and following the retreat of Qing troops (清兵) from the fort, it was initially used as a police station and later repurposed as a school building for the Wa Ying College.

Witnessing Changes of Public School

Tung Chung Public School was closed in 2003.

Within the battery grounds lies the former Tung Chung Public School, which ceased operations in 2003. The school buildings consisting of two single-story structures, now lie abandoned. Remnants like the stone-made table tannis table evoke nostalgia for the school's past. Adjacent stands another old building used by the Tung Chung Rural Committee. Those interested can take a stroll around the walls; though the distant view may be obscured by tall buildings, one can still sense the environment of life over a hundred years ago from a higher vantage point.