Yan Chau Tong

Yan Chau Tong

The picturesque Yan Chau Tong is an inner harbour located within Tolo Harbour in the northeast New Territories of Hong Kong, renowned for its calm waters. A small island in this coastal area resembles an inkstone, hence called Yan Chau (Inkstone Island), from which the name Yan Chau Tong (Inkstone Harbour) is derived. The ecological species and natural scenery of the waters around Yan Chau Tong hold significant conservation value. In 1996, the Hong Kong government has designated the area as a marine park.

Before the end of the last Ice Age approximately 12,000 years ago, rising sea levels submerged what was once a landscape of mountains and valleys in the Yan Chau Tong area, eventually forming an inland sea environment of interconnected bays surrounded by numerous islands. With its mountain vistas and shimmering waters, layered peaks, and ethereal beauty, Yan Chau Tong is like a paradise on earth—a tranquil haven untouched by the hustle and bustle of the world, often referred to as "Little Guilin" and "Little West Lake."

The waters of Yan Chau Tong are remarkably calm, mainly because surrounding mountains act as a barrier, shielding the bay from ocean waves. It remains unaffected by the southeast monsoon in summer and the harsh northwest monsoon in winter. Nature seems to have bestowed special favour upon this stretch of clear water—first-time visitors to Yan Chau Tong often gaze in stunned admiration. Its uniquely tranquil atmosphere and serene ambience make it hard to believe that one is still in Hong Kong. Moreover, Yan Chau Tong Marine Park boasts abundant ecological resources, including mangroves, seagrass beds, mudflats, and coral communities.

Double Haven

Must-visit reason: The most scenic harbour in Hong Kong