Phoenix Mountain, Hong Kong
Phoenix Mountain is the second highest peak in Hong Kong, with an elevation of 934 metres, and is the highest peak on Lantau Island. It is located west of Tai Tung Shan, east of Mui Yuen Shan, north of Dog’s Back Ridge, southeast of Ngong Ping and Nei Lak Shan, and southwest of Tai Tong Tsai. Its surrounding area is within the boundary of South Lantau Country Park.
Phoenix Mountain is also known as Lan Tau Shan (literally "Bald Head Mountain") because the summit resembles a head missing a part, coupled with its rugged rocks, leading to this alternative name among villagers. Additionally, it is sometimes called Aa Jehk Hau Shan (literally "Crow’s Beak Mountain") due to its resemblance to a crow tilting its head back and opening its beak. The mountain is mainly composed of igneous rock. The lower parts of the peak have woodland, but due to climatic constraints, trees only grow up to 550 metres above sea level, with higher elevations dominated by shrubs and grassland. In terms of wildlife, the mountain is home to various species of birds, insects, and butterflies.
The Lantau Trail, named after Phoenix Mountain, is one of the main hiking trails on Lantau Island. Section 3 of the Lantau Trail starts at Pak Kung Au and ends at Ngong Ping, passing by the summit of Phoenix Mountain. Along the trail, hikers ascending over 700 metres on the ridge can reach the “Nam Tin Mun” (South Heaven Gate). This is a famous scenic spot where two steep cliffs stand opposite each other on the southern side, and visitors can look down into Tong Fuk Village through the gap between them. The summit of Phoenix Mountain is a renowned spot for watching the sunrise. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has set up a sunrise and sunset timetable at the starting point of Section 3 of the Lantau Trail at Pak Kung Au, and a temporary mountain windbreak shelter has been built at the summit to accommodate hikers.
Lantau Peak
Reason to visit: One of Hong Kong’s most famous tourist attractions
Continent: Asia
Country/Region: Hong Kong
Province/State: Islands District
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