| Lantau Peak South | |
| Distance: 7.5 Km | |
| Duration: 6.0 hours | |
| Diff.: | |
| Scn.: | |
Start: Bus 2 from Mui Wo, 23 from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping
End: Bus 3M, 11, 23 to Tung Chung
The trail through the south slope is very rugged and steep. It requires you to clamber.
At Tsam Chai Au, you could follow Lantau Trail to the top of Lantau Peak then descend it to Pak Kung Au.
Due to Google changing the terms of Google Map, the daily usage rate will be limited. Please refer to the static map instead if the above map could not be displayed or used normally. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Static Map
KML file
Tsam Chai Au
From the bus terminal, the trail starts by passing through the archway ahead then going straight. At the junction beside the public square in front of the second archway, it follows the right path that leads to Wisdom Path. Along it head to the junction, according to the signpost to Wisdom Path, take the right fork to the archway of Lantau Trail beside Wisdom Path. Afterward, follow Lantau Trail ahead by passing through the archway, it starts the long flight of stone steps uphill, also known as Sky Ladder. At the beginning, you could look up the rocky cliffs on the left hillside which is named 'Inverted Bowl Cliff', and the hill depression between the two crests of Lantau Peak known as Lantau Gate. Further ascent, it offers a full view over Ngong Ping. Up to up, the stone steps pushes to Tsam Chai Au.
Note: The path horizontally passing through the south slope of Lantau Peak is very rugged and parts of it are very steep, it is required to clamber up and down and recommanded to put on gloves for that. In addition, you need to refer the ribbons bound in the trees as guidance for the way along the path.
Lantau Gate
Bird Rock
From Tsam Chai Au, take the right path beyond the warning notice through the group of rocks. Descend a short distance, you soon see the Bird Rock on the left which shape seems to be a bird looking back, where is also the beginning of the path winding along the south slope of Lantau Peak. Carefully clamber straight down through the gap on the left of the rock, then descend the very steep slope, where is known as Phoenix Pecking Valley. At that time, Blade Rock like a blade is at the front. The trail ascends to the top of Blade Rock. At the rock looking back, a rocky cliff like a huge bird on the hillside, known as Phoenix Pecking Tower, could be seen. After wind along the hillside, the Carton Mouse Rock is towering at the front. Peering at the rock, it seems to be a mouse standing and looking up to the sky as if it was made by the God. The trail gently leads down to the bottom rock of the 'mouse'. Passing through the gap of the rock (the tail of the mouse), it joins Twin Mouses Path.
Twin Mouses Path and King Tin Gorge
Head the Twin Mouses Path, it sharply descends through the woods covered with loose gravel. Afterward, it comes to the upper section of Fung Tong Stream where you could see many large stones across the path. Deviate from the main path and climb up along the stone stream on the left according to the ribbons. Up the stream, it turns narrow like a rocky gate. Further up, it becomes wide slightly, and gradually produces echo if you speak. Looking up around, the spectacular King Tin Gorge is within the sight that you are nested in the escarpment. There is the end of the way but also the origin of the stream. Look back to the right, the second mouse, a large rocky tower at side of the stream which top is conical like a mouse looking up to the sky, could be seen.
Alternative: If not to climb up along the stream to King Tin Gorge, you could continue to follow the main path.
Skylight Gorge and Skylight Rock
Retrace the way down and then continue to follow the main path. After crossing the stone stream and cutting through the woods, it leads to Skylight Gorge where is open, broad and smooth in contrast to the terrain of King Tin Gorge. Cross through the stone stream, the trail starts the steep climb up along the left sylvan path. Up ahead beyond the woods, it opens up. On the left, there is a group of rocks at which top the Skylight Rock is. Leave the main path, refer to the ribbons to clamber up the rocks. You soon see the rock with a square hole like a skylight. Pass through the 'skylight', it offers a stunning view on the opposite rocky slope, which rocks seems to be placed vertically and orderly on the hillside, known as Toy Block Cliff. The hollow behind it is just King Tin Gorge. Gazing to the right, Skylight Gorge could be also seen. Afterward, retrace to the main path.
Alternative: If not to access Skylight Rock, continue on along the main trail ahead.
Nam Cha Path and South Heaven Gate
Head the trail along the hillside eastward, it gently ascends to the ridge of 'Teapot Outlet' ahead. Along the way, it gives a full view over Tong Fuk and the shallow inlet of Shui Hau. Overlooking to the right, the majestic and precipitous Kau Ngai Ling is within the sight. After the left turn across the ridge, the left South Heaven Gate (Nam Tin Mun) and the farther lofty Sunset Peak could be seen in the distance. The trail then sharply descends the hillside to the path junction. Heading forward could lead to 'Teapot Outlet' (Cha Wu Tsui) where is a hill spur. Follow the Nam Cha Path on the left from the junction, it contours and undulates along the hillside, cuts through the thick woods and crosses several rocky streams. After the long leg beyond the woods, the right rocky sharp peak beside the gorge of South Heaven Gate is towering at the front. Head to the bottom of the gorge, then clamber up along the gorge which path is relatively obvious. After the steep climb, it passes the 'gate' and joins Lantau Trail, then follows it to the right leading down to Pak Kung Au.
Related route: Lantau Peak | Kau Nga Ling
Summary
It is surprising and memorable for the journey to trek through the south slope of Lantau Peak by passing through the gaps of rocks, climbing up along the gorge to visit the peculiar, unique rocks and the landform. For enjoying the particular sublime landscape, some of the trails are difficult and strenuous to trek, that is said "you get what you put in".
Last Update : 26.12.2015
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