Lantau is the largest of the islands ceded to Britain in 1898. Almost twice the size of Hong Kong island, Lantau has a population of only 30,000 – while over one million are squeezed onto Hong Kong.
With such a sparse population, the environment on Lantau remains relatively unspoilt. The island features some excellent walking tracks. Fieldwork is just off the Lantau Trail leading to Lantau Peak and the Po Lin Monastery, the centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong and home to the huge seated Buddha. A wide range of plants and birds, native to southern China, can be seen. Swimming at local beaches and sailing between the islands are further attractions.
At a nearby fishing village, Tai O, the traditional Chinese rural lifestyle continues. Life on Lantau progresses at a slower pace – yet Hong Kong and Kowloon are only a short ferry ride away.