Inaugurated as recently as 2009, the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China just may be the most topographically diverse Geopark in all of Asia. Sprawled across an expansive area of fifty square kilometers the Geopark contains eight sites spread out over the northeastern and eastern New Territories of Hong Kong. The Geopark’s vast landscapes and exquisite natural beauty have also earned it a place among UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network as of 2011. The park consists of High Island, Ninepin Group, Sharp Island and The Ung Kong Group as well as Double Heaven, Tung Ping Chau, Wong Chuk Kok Tsui and the south and north coasts of Tolo Channel. Highlights include the High Island Geoarea which stretches along the High Island Reservoir. The vertically aligned volcanic rock pillars found here are the tallest in the country at over 100m. Dubbed the Natural Hexagonal Column Mural the area is rich in sea stacks, warped rock formations and dykes. The Ung Kong Group on the other hand encompasses Basalt Island, Kam Chung Ngam, Bluff Island and Wang Chau which all contain columnar-jointed volcanic rocks underneath. In addition to the highest cliff in the country which is located on Bluff Island the group also contains four of the finest sea arches in the island nation.
Ninepin Island’s natural wonders include the Big Stove Arch, Cannon Rock and Moon Rocks while South Ninepin is home to Backwash Cave, Jacob’s Ladder Cave and the Stone Arch. Sharp Island is often described as the place to discover quartz monzonite, volcanic breccias, tuff and other indigenous stones while picturesque Double Heaven is home to an ancient Hakka walled village. Four million year old rocks are the chief highlight along the Northern and southern coastlines of Tolo Channel, although nearby Port Island is equally popular for its naturally formed “Devil’s Fist” landmark. The Tung Ping Chau geoarea in contrast presents the Tung Ping Chau Marine Park and Ping Chau Country Trail which lets visitors explore diverse geological attributes all in one scenic location.
Travellers in search of a luxury hotel in Kowloon Hong Kong should look to The Peninsula Hong Kong for all their accommodation needs. Offering guests resplendent living quarters with stunning views of Victoria Harbour this Hong Kong hotel is among the most ideally located rests in Kowloon.
