In addition to being a most beautiful island, with stunning countryside, it is geologically unique, being the only area of Hong Kong that is entirely formed from sedimentary rock, laid down around 60 million years ago. The dramatic exposed cliffs, wave-cut platforms and fossils, make Tung Ping Chau a fascinating island to explore.  

In terms of its human geography, it is a classic example of rural depopulation in an outlying area. Before 1950, there were some 2,000 inhabitants on the island, fishing, growing peanuts and sweet potatoes. Their houses were built with slate or shale from the island and the remnants of the attractive villages can be seen today. Now the island has only a few non-permanent residents. The island has been left as a paradise for wildlife and visitors, and has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Marine Park.  

The day tour includes walking on generally flat though uneven ground and rocks, with a lunch cooked on the island by the Chau family, some of the original Tung Ping Chau residents.  

The trip includes scenic coach and boat rides to the island, with the ferry journey through Tolo Channel allowing participants to 'travel through geologic time' going from Hong Kong's oldest to youngest rocks.  

Smriti Safaya is a long-time resident of Hong Kong and has degrees from the University of California - Davis, USA; the University of Hong Kong; and the University of British Columbia, Canada. She is an educator who has taken hundreds of youth and adults to Tung Ping Chau for over 12 years. Her background in geology and earth sciences has instilled in her the value and fun of field-based experiences, which she is always excited to share with others. She is just a few weeks away from completing her PhD at the University of York, UK, as a Croucher Foundation Scholar. Her research looks at the impact of citizen science experiences on how local and international school youth in Hong Kong feel, think and act towards the natural environment  

Timings:  

Meet at City Hall Central 8:45 am (we depart at 9 am sharp)  

Leave at Ma Liu Shui 9.30 am  

Arrive at Central approximately by 6.30 pm  

Cost:  

HK $980 for Members and $1,080 for Members' guests, including lunch cooked by the villagers and coach from Central to Ma Liu Shui  

Members may bring guests on this trip, subject to availability.  

This event is going to be held in compliance with the social distancing rules of the Government then prevailing.  

To reserve places please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and state how many places you would like to reserve. You'll then receive the booking instructions and a booking form. Detailed joining instructions will follow prior to the event.