Kau Ling Chung Campsite

🏕️【 Kau Ling Chung Campsite (狗嶺涌 營地)】 is located at the southernmost tip of , Hong Kong, nestled along the secluded coastline of South Lantau Country Park. It is not only one of the few designated camping sites in Hong Kong that truly stays clear of urban light pollution and directly faces the vast ocean, but it is also a hidden paradise that combines raw wilderness with a deep sense of history. Compared to other popular campsites on (such as Cheung Sha or Pui O), has preserved its incredibly pristine, utopian charm since it cannot be reached directly by any vehicular roads. Standing behind the campsite is the famous historical monument “South Lantau Obelisk”, while right in front lies an untouched beach with clear water and fine sand. When night falls, this becomes a prime spot to enjoy the symphony of starry skies and crashing waves. —

🗺️ Geographical Features

The geographical environment of possesses a stunningly isolated beauty, offering a “land’s end” landscape that is rare to find in Hong Kong:

  • Lantau’s Southernmost Double-Bay Angle 🌊: The campsite is situated at the southernmost junction of Lantau Island, facing Tai Long Wan and its extending beach. Influenced by both the Pearl River Estuary and Pacific tides, the waves here are distinctively layered and the beach sand is finely textured, offering exceptionally high value for natural sightseeing.
  • Historical Sentinel on the Headland 🗿: On the small hill behind the campsite stands the South Lantau Obelisk, erected in 1902. This century-old granite boundary stone witnessed the historical borders when Great Britain leased the New Territories and Lantau Island. Standing on the high ground of the headland by the obelisk, you can enjoy a complete 180-degree unobstructed panoramic view of the Soko Islands and the vast South China Sea.
  • An Oasis Valley Along the Lantau Trail 🌲: Kau Ling Chung is tucked beneath a side path off Section 8 of the Lantau Trail. It is a gentle, flat piece of land formed by the alluvial deposits of a valley stream, closely enveloped by dense secondary forests. This creates a natural harbor where campers can enjoy the ocean breeze while remaining sheltered by the surrounding woods and mountains.

📌 Basic Information

Item Details
Name (Chinese & English) Kau Ling Chung Campsite (狗嶺涌 營地)
Geographical Location South Lantau Country Park, southern part of Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Number of Tent Spaces Small-scale campsite (can accommodate fewer than 20 tents)
Campsite Facilities Barbecue pits, tables and benches, dry pit toilets (traditional temporary country park toilets), trash bins
Water Supply Stream water source (supply may be affected by seasons; it is recommended to boil before use or bring your own drinking water)
Scenic Highlights South Lantau Obelisk historical monument, pristine Tai Long Wan beach, stargazing night sky completely free of light pollution

🥾 Hiking & Camping Route: Lantau Trail Section 8 In-Depth Walk

Since you cannot reach it directly by car, getting to Kau Ling Chung requires walking along a scenic mountain trail, which is precisely why it manages to stay so peaceful and quiet:

Route Section 📊 Distance & Time ⚡ Difficulty 🎯 Route Highlights
Standard Starting Route: ➔ Kau Ling Chung Approx. 4.5 km one way
(Approx. 1.5 – 2 hours walk)
⭐⭐
(Advanced Beginner)
Setting off from , take a leisurely stroll along the flat and (a concrete catchwater road). This section is exceptionally gentle, offering full views of the reservoir and bay scenery along the way. Once you reach the junction for Kau Ling Chung, follow the signs down the stone steps for 15 minutes to reach the campsite.
Challenging Combined Route: ➔ Kau Ling Chung Approx. 12 km total
(Takes approx. 4 – 4.5 hours)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
(Stamina Testing)
Starting from the water village of , hike in reverse along and Section 8. Along the way, you will pass through to check out the historical ruins of and the unique marine boundary where the muddy Pearl River water meets the blue ocean water (“Fan Lau Divided Waters”), finally wrapping up your journey by making camp at Kau Ling Chung.

🚌 Transportation

To get to Kau Ling Chung, you must first take a New Lantao Bus to reach , and then walk in on foot:

Item Detailed Content Features & Suggestions
Connecting Bus🚌
  • Departing from Town Centre: Take New Lantao Bus Route 11 (bound for Tai O) or Route 23 (bound for ).
  • Departing from Pier: Take New Lantao Bus Route 1 (bound for Tai O) or Route 2 (bound for ).
  • Alighting Stop: Get off at the “Shek Pik Police Station” stop (or the end of the Shek Pik Reservoir Dam).
  • Stable bus schedule
  • Suitable for transfers from MTR Tung Chung Station or Mui Wo Pier
Hiking Starting Point🚶‍♂️
  • Walk takes about 1 hour to reach the branch road
  • Ocean views and mountain scenery exist side-by-side along the way
  • Clear path markings, suitable for hikers with some experience
Practical Camping Tips⚠️
  • Self-sufficient provisions: There are no stores or supply points around Kau Ling Chung; the closest supplies are at Fan Lau Village or Shek Pik
  • Leave No Trace: Although trash bins are provided at the campsite, they are easily overturned by wild cattle. It is highly recommended to carry your own trash back out
  • You must buy all necessary food, fuel, and drinking water in Tung Chung or urban areas before setting off
  • Keep the environment clean and work together to protect the pure soils of Lantau Island

  • Kau Ling Chung Campsite, Bridge & Flowing Stream
  • Kau Ling Chung Campsite, Notice Board
  • Kau Ling Chung Campsite, Beach
  • Kau Ling Chung Campsite, Little Flower
  • Kau Ling Chung 《II》
  • Kau Ling Chung 《I》
  • Lantau Trail – Section 8 (Kau Ling Chung – Shek Pik), Map & Information Board 《III》
  • Lantau Trail – Section 8 (Kau Ling Chung – Shek Pik), Map & Information Board 《II》
  • South Lantau Obelisk – Signpost
  • Kau Ling Chung • Campsite 《Entrance》
  • Lantau Trail – Section 8 (Kau Ling Chung – Shek Pik), Map & Information Board 《I》