Boat Field trip to Tung Peng Chau

Leader: David Brian

on Saturday, 15 November 2008

We are delighted to welcome David Brian again to lead a field trip to Tung Peng Chau, Hong Kong’s most remote island, on Saturday, 15 November 2008. Tung Ping Chau is situated in the furthest north-east corner of Hong Kong waters, only 3 kilometres from Guangdong Province.

In terms of its human geography, it is a classic example of rural depopulation in an outlying area. Before 1950, there were some 2,000 inhabitants on the island, fishing, growing peanuts and sweet potatoes. Their houses were built with slate or shale from the island and the remnants of the attractive villages can be seen today. Now the island has only a few residents, as most have moved to the mainland New Territories. The island has been left as a paradise for wildlife and visitors, and has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

As well as being a most beautiful island, it is geologically unique, being the only area of Hong Kong entirely formed from sedimentary rock, which was laid down about 200 million years ago. The dramatic exposed cliffs and foreshore of Tung Peng Chau provide clear evidence of climatic and environmental conditions over 60 million years ago. There are also to be seen the effects of recent coastal erosion and other distinctive landforms around the island.

David Brian is Head of Social Sciences at Chinese International School and is a well-known expert on Tung Peng Chau. The trip includes scenic coach and bus rides to the island, a study tour of the island and lunch cooked by the villagers on the island. This field trip gives a chance to visit an isolated and inaccessible part of Hong Kong with a well-known expert, while enjoying the stunning countryside of the island.

After the field trip, there is an optional visit to a remote beach for swimming.

Name(s): ………………………………………………..

Mobile tel: ……………………………………………...

E-mail: ………………………………………………….

Name(s): ………………………………………………..

Mobile tel: ……………………………………………...

E-mail: …………………………………………………

Timings: Meet at City Hall, Central 10.00 am (or 10.30 am at the pier)
Arrive at City Hall, Central: 6.00 pm

Please bring: Water bottle, walking shoes and appropriate clothing for being outdoors.

Cost: HK$300 for Members and $350 for Members’ guests, including land and sea transport on a cruiser and lunch cooked by the villagers, including drinks. Members may bring guests on this trip, subject to availability.

I understand that I am joining the above mentioned trip entirely at my own risk and that the Royal Geographical Society – Hong Kong, having arranged the trip as an agent for its members, cannot be held responsible for any accidents or claims that may arise no matter how they occur.

Signed ……………………………………………. Date ……………………………..

Please mail this form with your cheque payable to “Royal Geographical Society – Hong Kong”

N.B. PLEASE FAX OR EMAIL TO THE RGS OFFICE BEFORE POSTING.

GPO Box 6681, Hong Kong
Tel: 2583 9700 E-mail: events@rgshk.org.hk Fax: 2140 6000