Tung Ping Chau Island
Hong Kong island in geopark, notable for sedimentary rock
An outlying Hong Kong island in Tai Po District reachable by ferry; Tung Ping Chau is visited for unusual sedimentary rock formations, day hikes and nearshore snorkeling.
Tung Ping Chau at a Glance#
Address: Tung Ping Chau, northeastern waters of Hong Kong (administratively in Tai Po District)
Website: https://www.geopark.gov.hk/en/
Hours: Open 24 hours (public access); ferry schedules vary
Admission: Free (ferry fare to the island applies)
About Tung Ping Chau#
Tung Ping Chau is a small island in Hong Kong’s northeastern waters, administered as part of Tai Po District and noted for its distinctive sedimentary rock formations. The island is included in a marine park and is valued for shore geology and coastal ecosystems.
The shoreline features extensive flat rock platforms, visible erosion features and intertidal life used by snorkelers and day visitors; there is a small village and basic visitor facilities but no road network. The marine park protecting the area was established in 2001.
Geologically the island is formed of heavily eroded sedimentary rock and the coast shows clear examples of jointing and bedding that attract geology enthusiasts and tidepool visitors.
Tung Ping Chau lies in Mirs Bay off Hong Kong’s northeastern coast and is administered from Hong Kong’s New Territories (Tai Po District). Access is by boat from Hong Kong’s outlying piers.
- Marine park status: Designated part of Hong Kong’s protected marine areas, with rocky shores and extensive intertidal habitats. Low-lying and largely vehicle-free, the island is visited for geology and shore-based marine life.
- Best viewing time: Rock formations and coastal platforms are best seen at low tide when offshore beds and fossil-bearing rocks are exposed.
How to Get to Tung Ping Chau#
Take the MTR East Rail Line to University (Ma Liu Shui) station; the public pier and several private operators are within a short taxi or minibus ride from the station. Weekend ferries and charters also leave from Sai Kung on occasion-check schedules in advance. Ferries are weather dependent and usually run only on weekends and public holidays; private charters are the only reliable weekday option.
Tips for Visiting Tung Ping Chau#
- Take the earliest weekend ferry from Ma Liu Shui to avoid afternoon crowds and to have time for the shoreline trails.
- Bring a tide chart and sturdy shoes: many of the island's best features are rock platforms and slippery outcrops.
- There is no restaurant or convenience store on the main village-pack lunch and at least one full day's water.
- Snorkel only with a local operator or guide and use reef‑safe sunscreen; currents around the island can be strong.
Best Time to Visit Tung Ping Chau#
Best visited in the cooler shoulder seasons when ferries run more predictably and coastal exploration is comfortable.
Weather & Climate near Tung Ping Chau#
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 11°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1949 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 11° - 18° | 15° | 27 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.8h |
| February | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 51 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.3h |
| March | Good | 15° - 21° | 18° | 79 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 19° - 25° | 22° | 160 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.6h |
| May | Good | 23° - 28° | 25° | 277 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.1h |
| June | Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 319 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.4h |
| July | Good | 25° - 31° | 33° | 302 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| August | Good | 25° - 31° | 33° | 332 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.8h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 235 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 24° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.5h |
| November | Excellent | 17° - 24° | 20° | 36 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.9h |
| December | Very Good | 13° - 20° | 16° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |
