Hong Kong｜Lai Chi Chong Geopark🪨

By chance, I ended up at Lai Chi Chong this time.

While hiking to Sham Chung Grassland, I saw a fork in the road and noticed it wasn’t far, so I decided to explore here.

Unexpectedly, I arrived at a geopark with high scenic and scientific research value.

📖🪨Science tidbit:

"Lai Chi Chong is located on the northern slope of Shek Uk Shan on the Sai Kung Peninsula, within Sai Kung West Country Park. It is a coastal rural area on the southern shore of Chek Mun, named after three giant lychee trees that were said to have once stood here.

The geological structure and rock types of Lai Chi Chong are very complex, featuring not only Late Jurassic volcanic sedimentary rocks🪨 but also tuff and various other rock types.

The most special among them is the volcanic clastic sedimentary rock, formed when volcanic ash fell into a lake and mixed with mud and sand sediments, then underwent long geological processes. It has characteristics of both tuff and general sedimentary rocks and is a rare rock type in Hong Kong."

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Walking along the stone path, you will pass through a mangrove forest. Luckily, when I visited, the tide was just low enough to walk through the mangrove area. It’s a great spot for photos. On the way back, the water had risen and submerged the tree roots.

Continue along the stone path to the end of the pier, where you can find a geopark signboard. Take the small path to the right to the coast, then turn left and walk along the shoreline to see various types of volcanic rocks🪨 along the way.

Some parts of the coast will be submerged during high tide, so check the tide information before setting out. It’s best to visit when the tide is below 1.3-1.4 meters.

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The Lai Chi Chong Geopark coastline is a one-way route, and you need to return the same way after reaching the end. (I originally wanted to keep walking along the coast, but it’s not passable, and definitely don’t try to take shortcuts🙈 — I tried, don’t do it.)

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Transportation: 🚢

Take a bus from nearby districts to the "Ma Liu Shui" stop, then walk to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier or take the MTR East Rail Line to "University Station" Exit B and walk 10-15 minutes to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier. Take the ferry to "Lai Chi Chong," which takes about 45 minutes.

Ferry schedule:
Monday to Friday:
Departing Ma Liu Shui: 08:30 and 15:00
Departing Lai Chi Chong: 11:40 and 18:00

Fare: $20 (one way)

Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays:
Departing Ma Liu Shui: 08:30, 12:30, and 15:00
Departing Lai Chi Chong: 11:40, 14:15, and 18:00

Fare: $30 (one way)

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Hiking: Pak Sha O — Lai Chi Chong

🚌 Transportation

From Sai Kung Bus Terminus, take green minibus No. 7 to "Pak Sha O" stop, then hike to "Lai Chi Chong." The route is about 3.5 kilometers.

If time permits, you can also return to the junction of Sham Chung and Lai Chi Chong, hike to Sham Chung Grassland, and retreat via Sham Chung Pier to Ma Liu Shui. However, ferry services at Sham Chung Pier are limited, with only two trips on weekdays and three on holidays, so timing is more restricted. Plan accordingly.

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Safety first

Bring enough water and snacks for emergencies.

Wear comfortable shoes/quick-dry clothes.

In hot weather, bring a change of lightweight clothing.

Bring sunscreen and emergency supplies just in case.

Everyone is responsible for protecting the environment—take your trash with you. You’re the best🙈👍🏻

#SaiKung #HongKongGoodPlaces #WeekendGetaway #LaiChiChongGeopark

#HongKongHikingOutdoors