Hong Kong National Geopark An Eco Tour Into The Terrestrial Past

As one of the worlds top financial hubs, Hong Kong is packed with scores of tourist attractions

. From exciting theme parks to serene temples, scenic coastal vistas to romantic ferry rides there is so much to see and do once you are in Hong Kong. Stepping into the domain of ecotourism, Hong Kong has entered the spotlight by introducing Hong Kong National Geopark to the world.

According to the UNESCO, a geopark is a specific territory holding a scientific significance concerning its geological, archaeological, cultural and ecological aspects. Hong Kong National Geopark was grandly launched on the third of November 2009. It is a natural territory spanning across 5000 hectares, snuggling some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Being part of the Chinas special administrative region, Hong Kongs national geopark is one of Chinas exclusive 182 national geoparks. It may surprise you to know that presently there are only 64 designated global geoparks scattered across the world, and China already boasts of 22 of them.

Hong Kongs ecological and geological beauty can only be gauged at a site like the Hong Kong National Geopark. You could also learn a wealth of knowledge about the geological and ecological facts of the region by dropping by the Visitor Centre in Tsiu Hang, Sai Kung.

Geoparks are divided as national and global whereas the Hong Kong geopark gained its national status from the Ministry of Land and Resources. Altogether you can explore eight specific geosites here. They are namely High Island, Double Haven, Ung Kong Group, North and South Coasts of Tolo Channel, Ninepin Island, Port Island, Sharp Island as well as Tung Ping Chau.

High Island is where you can see a spectacle of volcanic rocks in the shape of stunning hexagonal pillars. Double Haven is a picturesque marine park where its islets are carpeted in velvet green flora, encircled by turquoise waters of the sea. The rocky outcrops found in North and South Coasts of Tolo Channel is said to be some of the oldest rocks found in Hong Kong. Some of these sedimentary rocks date back to over 280 million years, way before the gargantuan dinosaurs roamed the earth.

You could also find interesting natural formations like sea arches, where one of them soars as high as 45 metres, tucked away in the Ung Kong Groups Basalt Island. The eight geosites of the Hong Kong National Geopark boasts of mostly volcanic rocks while some are composed of sedimentary rocks.

While educating students and assisting researchers, the geopark aims to conserve Hong Kongs topographical and geological resources and their ecosystems. The park will also promote earth science among the masses besides boosting ecotourism in Hong Kong.

The visitors of the Hong Kong National Geopark will be offered guided tours where they can enjoy stunning landscapes while learning about its best hiking trails. You can reach this green attraction in Hong Kong conveniently while staying at a luxury hotel in Hong Kong. Enriched with European flavours of elegance and glamour The Langham Hong Kong rests in the centre of Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. Guests of this luxury Hong Kong hotel will be pampered to no end within the exclusive neighbourhood of a bustling shopping district teeming with tourist attractions.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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