Hong Kong Global Geopark of China

Hong Kong Global Geopark of China

Hong Kong Global Geopark of China is a national geopark.

Hong Kong Global Geopark of China is the most renowned geopark in Hong Kong, covering an area of 5,000 hectares in the eastern and northeastern parts of the New Territories. It consists of two major areas—the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and the Eastern Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region—encompassing eight scenic zones in total. The Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region includes four scenic zones: Double Haven, Port Island, Bluff Head–Bluff Point, and Tung Ping Chau, while the Eastern Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region comprises four scenic zones: High Island, Ninepin Group, Basalt Island Group, and Sharp Island.

Visiting Hong Kong Global Geopark of China is a breathtaking experience, even if you have no prior knowledge or interest in geography or geology—because the wonders of nature will leave you in awe. The park boasts world-class acidic volcanic rock columns and showcases a segment of geological history from the Paleozoic era, dating back 520 to 250 million years, formed through sedimentary processes, making it highly typical and rare. These volcanic rock columns are composed of high-silica acidic rhyolitic volcanic rocks, spanning an area of 100 square kilometers with an average diameter of 1.2 meters. Both in scale and rock characteristics, they are truly world-renowned. Even more unique is the fact that these volcanic rocks exhibit features of both tuff and lava—an origin that geologists still debate, giving the site outstanding scientific research value.

In addition, coastal processes within Hong Kong Global Geopark have created a variety of erosional and depositional landforms. Fossils found here provide clues to understanding the ancient Paleozoic environment, geography, climate, and biological evolution. On September 17, 2011, Hong Kong Geopark was inscribed on the UNESCO Global Geoparks List, becoming China’s 26th global geopark and a rare one located within a major international metropolis.

Hong Kong Global Geopark of China

Must-visit reason: Hong Kong’s most fascinating geopark