Hong Kong has its own windswept grasslands with sheep and cattle in sight too—Blue skies and crystal-clear seas at the outlying island of Tap Mun

▲ Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island, is an outlying island of Hong Kong. (Photo / From the Hong Kong Tourism Board's Weibo account)

Travel Centre / Comprehensive Report

Most people think of Hong Kong as a city of skyscrapers, but there really is “grass so tall you see your sheep only when the wind blows it aside”! The outlying island of Tap Mun, located north of Sai Kung, features vast grasslands along with beautiful blue seas and skies and a charming fishing village atmosphere, making it perfect for a relaxing visit. It's also a popular spot for kite flying, camping, and hiking.

The English name for Tap Mun is Grass-Island. It lies to the north of Tolo Harbour in the Mirs Bay Channel. This small island is embraced by mountains on all sides, forming a deep bay to the south. One of the island’s attractions is the Tin Hau Temple, built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, which has a history of over 400 years. Legend has it that there’s a secret tunnel beneath the temple’s altar that leads directly to Tap Mun Cave on the eastern shore, where visitors can hear the sounds of wind and waves and predict storms. The delicate ceramic sculptures on the temple roof showcase exquisite craftsmanship.

▲ Tap Mun boasts beautiful scenery and gentle breezes. (Photo / Fromthe official Tap Mun website)

Another attraction, Seafront Street, allows visitors to stroll down Tap Mun’s main street, enjoy the sea breeze, watch fishing boats and fish rafts on the water, feast on seafood at seaside restaurants, or pick up some dried seafood as souvenirs.

If you follow the path next to the now-abandoned King Lam School and keep walking, you’ll come across a vast expanse of grassland dotted with herds of cattle. It’s a great spot for a picnic or camping, or you can head to the hilltop Sea View Pavilion to take in the scenic views. Tap Mun also has three major landmarks—the “Stacked Rocks in the Shape of the Chinese Character ‘Lv’,” “Tap Mun Cave,” and “Dragon Neck Ridge”—all of which are impressive whether viewed from afar or up close.

%There are many cows on the island too. (Photo / From the officialTap Mun website)

Reference sources:Hong Kong Tourism Board,Official Tap Mun Website