Hong Kong Red Rock Gate

Hong Kong Red Rock Gate

As the name suggests, Red Rock Gate features red rocks and a narrow waterway that resembles a doorway. The eastern shore is Wang Wan Chau, while the western shore is Gan Men Tsui, with the two sides being just a few dozen meters apart. Red Rock Gate is the southern “gate” leading to the picturesque Yan Chau Tong, while the other “gates” are a bit wider — including the eastern Zhi Men Tou, the northern Heng Men Hoi, and the western Ching Chau Lek.

The rocks at Red Rock Gate consist of sandstone, siltstone, conglomerate, and others. Due to their layered arrangement, visitors can easily guess that they are sedimentary rocks. But why do they have such a striking red color? Geologists believe that during the period when the rocks were formed, the climate was extremely hot and oxidation was particularly intense. The iron-bearing minerals in the sediments turned into red iron oxide, which cemented the grains like sand together, resulting in uniquely colored red sedimentary rock.

When the boat reaches the end of the Chek Mun Channel and turns toward Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, it enters Wong Chuk Kok Hoi, where steep green slopes line the way. The further west the boat sails, the calmer the sea becomes, with utter silence all around, as if entering a paradise on earth. Suddenly, the waterway narrows, and purplish-red rocks stretch boldly from the shore out into the sea, with crystal-clear water so transparent that boats seem almost to be running aground. This is the renowned Red Rock Gate known throughout the travel world.

Transportation Guide

Location: Yan Chau Tong, Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong

Transport: Take KMB bus routes 275R or 75K to get there