Hong Kong Museum of History

 Lantau

 

            Lantau is the largest of the 235 outlying islands in Hong Kong, being almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It

            is better known for its walking trails and beaches and provides a pleasant respite from crowds and shopping. The

            main arrival point to the island by ferry is at Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay). The finest beaches are located along the

            west coast, most notably Cheung Sha. Besides beaches, Western Lantau is the location of the Po Lin Monastery,

            the largest temple in Hong Kong. Beyond the doorstep of this vast temple is the world's largest outdoor Buddha.

            Aptly named Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), the bronze statue sits contemplatively from the reaches of Ngong Ping

            Plateau. From the monastery buses will transport one to the quaint fishing village of Tai O. Here little wooden

            houses perch on stilts and much of life flows from the fishing industry that sustains it. Lantau's north shore is

            predominantly a farming region. The main attraction here however is the historical Tung Chung Fort, which was

            built in the early 19th century as part of a short- lived attempt to suppress the opium trade and defend the coastal

            area from pirates. Six old Qing Dynasty cannons dating back to 1832 stand on the ramparts. Development has

            changed the landscape of the Northeastern stretches of Lantau, known as Discovery Bay. Here upmarket housing

            complexes, shopping malls, yacht clubs and golf courses promise to provide the ultimate designer lifestyle at a

            price.

            Transport: Ferry services are provided by New World First Ferry between Mui Wo and Central. Transportation time

            is about 30 or 50 minutes, depending on the vessel. There are also several smaller inter - island ferry services

            linking neighbouring islands and the mainland. One can also travel by a tradtional water taxi, usually from nearby

            Cheung Chau Island

 Hong Kong Museum of History

 

            The Hong Kong Museum of History showcases Hong Kong's archaeological, cultural and natural history through a

            display of cultural objects, artefacts, photographs, traditional costumes and models that span 6,000 years. Glorious

            period sets tell the story of Chinese life in replicas of village houses, streets and stores. These memorials to the

            past are contained within an incredible building opened in the year 2000.

            Address: 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kawloon (next to the Hong Kong Science Museum);

            Telephone: +852 2724 9042; Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/hkmh; Transport: MTR Tsim Sha Tsiu, then walk via

            Granville Road; maxicab no 1 from Kowloon Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsiu to Science Museum Road; Opening time :

            Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday and public holidays 10am to 7pm. Closes at 5pm on

            Christmas Eve and Chinese New Year's Eve. Closed on Tuesdays and first two days of Chinese New Year;

            Admission: HK$10; concessions available. Free admission on Wednesday