Lantau Island: From Ancient Fishing Villages to Hong Kong’s Modern Gateway

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once a quiet collection of fishing hamlets and pirate hideouts, Lantau Island has transformed into a critical hub of modern infrastructure. As Hong Kong's largest island, it balances massive international transport links and theme parks with vast, protected country parks and a history that stretches back to the Bronze Age.

Lantau Island, covering 147.16 square kilometres, is the largest island in Hong Kong, nearly doubling the size of Hong Kong Island. Its rugged, mountainous landscape includes Lantau Peak, which rises to 934 metres. Historically, the island served as a strategic maritime point, appearing on early navigation maps due to its proximity to major trade routes. In the 13th century, it provided a temporary refuge for the Southern Song dynasty court, while the 16th century saw the arrival of Portuguese traders who established early settlements in the region before being ousted by Chinese forces.

The island's modern identity was forged in the late 20th century through ambitious engineering projects. The 1997 Lantau Link and the 1998 opening of Hong Kong International Airport on the adjacent Chek Lap Kok island fundamentally altered the region's economy. This development spurred the growth of Tung Chung New Town, which now houses tens of thousands of residents in high-rise estates. Despite this urbanization, over half of the island remains protected as country parks, earning it the nickname 'the lungs of Hong Kong.'

Today, Lantau is a study in contrasts. It hosts the massive Hong Kong Disneyland and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which carries visitors to the iconic Big Buddha statue at Po Lin Monastery. Simultaneously, it preserves traditional ways of life, such as the stilt houses of the historic fishing village Tai O. The island also serves as a vital infrastructure node, housing critical internet cable networks and a unique transportation system, including its distinctive blue taxis that navigate the island's narrow, challenging southern roads.

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