Ma Shi Chau Island
Small Hong Kong island known for tidal rock formations
Island in Hong Kong's Tolo Harbour, Ma Shi Chau is a geopark site with exposed sedimentary rock, short trails and tidal mudflats visible at low tide.
Ma Shi Chau at a Glance#
About Ma Shi Chau#
Ma Shi Chau is a small island in Tolo Harbour in the northeastern New Territories of Hong Kong, known for its exposed sedimentary rock formations. The island is part of the Hong Kong Global Geopark and was designated a special area for its geological significance.
The shoreline and rock platforms display folded and tilted strata and sedimentary layers that attract geology students and visitors interested in earth history. There is a short walking path and interpretive signage on the island; access is by boat from nearby coastline points.
The island’s geological exposures are the principal attraction rather than built features. Conservation controls protect the rock formations and restrict activities that could damage the outcrops.
Ma Shi Chau sits in Tolo Harbour near Ma Liu Shui and the Tai Po area of Hong Kong’s New Territories.
- Geological protection: Part of the Hong Kong Global Geopark and a designated special area for geology, noted for well-preserved sedimentary rock sequences and fossil-bearing strata.
Best Time to Visit Ma Shi Chau#
Go in spring or autumn for the most comfortable weather and clearer conditions for walking the island and coastal trails.
Weather & Climate near Ma Shi Chau#
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2083 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.8h |
| February | Good | 13° - 18° | 15° | 48 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.3h |
| March | Good | 16° - 21° | 18° | 74 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 19° - 25° | 22° | 165 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.6h |
| May | Good | 23° - 28° | 26° | 293 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.1h |
| June | Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 341 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.4h |
| July | Good | 26° - 31° | 34° | 330 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| August | Good | 25° - 31° | 33° | 373 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.0 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.8h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 254 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Excellent | 22° - 28° | 25° | 114 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.5h |
| November | Excellent | 17° - 24° | 20° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.9h |
| December | Very Good | 13° - 20° | 17° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |
