Tung Chung Fort

Tung Chung Fort is located near Tung Chung, on Lantau Island, in Hong Kong.

History

Tung Chung Fort was built in 1817, when the Qing Government was alarmed by the rampant piracy of Cheung Po Tsai and decided to intervene and thwart the opium trade and defend the coast from pirates.

During World War II, the Japanese army occupied the fort.

Tung Chung Fort went later through several transformations. It was a police station and then as a secondary school. Now, it is the base for the Rural Committee Office and the Tung Chung Public School.

In 1979, it was declared a monument and was refurbished in 1988.

Features

There are 6 old mazzle-loading cannons (still intact), each resting on a cement base and the enclosures are made of granite blocks, measuring 70 metres by 80 metres. Three arched gateways, each engraved with a Chinese inscription, are spaced along the walls.

Transportation

One can get there from Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) bus terminal and take the hourly bus no. 3 to Tung Chung terminus. Then, walk half-a-mile (about 25 minutes) from the bus-stop in the direction of the fort.

You may also take the busses number 13 or 34. Taking MTR is also a good way to get there and you may exit at entrance B. After that, walk towards the Tung Chung Pier for about 15 minutes. Private car is not recommended as permission is required for entering the Tung Chung Fort. Parking the car thus becomes a great problem.

See also

• List of buildings, sites and areas in Hong Kong