Lantau Island, with a size twice as big as Hong Kong Island, is the biggest island to the west of Hong Kong Island and serves as a quiet respite for urbanites. A new state-of-the-art airport was built here in 1998, and along with it, a suspension bridge linking the island to Central and Kowloon. Despite these recent developments, however, Lantau has retained its rural, agrarian mentality.

Great hiking trails abound on this mountainous island. Most notable is the Lantau Trail, a 43.5-mile loop trail that begins and ends in the tranquil resort town of Mui Wo. This well-maintained path winds through dense woods, over two rugged mountains, and along the rocky coastline overlooking the South China Sea.

Highlights along the trail include Po Lin Monastery, home to the world’s largest outdoor bronze statue of the seated Buddha. Under the Buddha’s peaceful gaze, climb 268 stairs for lovely views of Lantau Peak, which at 3,040 feet is the tallest mountain on the island. Within a few hours of Po Lin is the fishing village of Tai O, where racks of drying fish are laid out near the harbor and tiny seafood restaurants beckon with the fresh catch of the day on display in its windows. Here, villagers build homes on stilts that rise above the tidewater, just as they have for centuries. For a truly unforgettable experience, venture off the trail to the north coast of the island and board a fishing boat to see rare, bubble-gum pink dolphins.

Most people in this island inhabit in Mui Wo, Tai O, Tung Chung and scatter along the southern coast. Among them, Mui Wo is the most prosperous town. After the International Airport has been built, visitors can take a bus or the mass transit railway and reach the heartland of Lantau within 30 minutes from the city center.

Tai O, also known as the “Oriental Venice” was the largest settlement on Lantau Island, though it is in decline now. The water combining with the stilt houses on the waterfront at dusk gives visitors a touch of romance, forming the most unforgettable scene in Tai O.

With wild countryside, monasteries, old fishing villages and seriously secluded beaches, Lantau Island, for those who are tired of the noise and polluted city life, is definitely a place to visit or even to live with. There are a lot of outdoor activities that people can do such as hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing and etc.