Mainland Chinese visitors seek new adventures on Hong Kong’s far-flung islands

Mainland Chinese tourists in search of more novel experiences in Hong Kong have been going to far-flung islands and even venturing to the remote Tung Ping Chau, only to find debris left over from Super Typhoon Ragasa’s passage last month.

While visitors said the eastern island’s clear waters were mesmerising, others spoke about having to wait hours for a ferry to bring them back to Sha Tin’s Ma Liu Shui Pier during Tuesday’s public holiday following the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Tung Ping Chau is listed on mainland social media platform RedNote as a hidden treasure boasting volcanic landforms, crystal-clear waters and pristine fine sand.

Part of the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark, Tung Ping Chau is among areas listed in government plans to develop island-hopping tours under a blueprint to grow ecotourism.

A local vendor, who runs a food and drink shop, said strong waves brought by Ragasa had destroyed part of the island’s only hiking trail.

The woman, who declined to be named, said the storm had hit the island hard, with parts of the store’s seating area near the beach also ruined.