4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.1.1 Many landscapes in Hong Kong are particularly distinctive or memorable. Some of these landscapes are even internationally renowned. These distinctive landscapes are described in broad terms below.
4.2 THE MAN-MADE LANDSCAPE - THE URBAN AREA OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON
4.2.1 For its compact size, concentration of tall buildings and its immediate relationship with the bustling harbour and mountainous backdrop, the urban area of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon forms one of the most visually dramatic urban landscapes in the world.
 Admiralty, Hong Kong Island |
4.3 BETWEEN THE TIDES - THE COAST OF THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES
4.3.1 The low-lying coastal plain of the North West New Territories (NWNT) shapes a striking landscape that is almost as much water as it is land. At Nam Sang Wai, Lut Chau and San Tin, areas which are largely reclaimed from the sea, are extensive low-lying landscapes of densely packed fish ponds, whilst along the coasts at Tsim Bei Tsui and Mai Po lie tranquil landscapes of shallow coastal water, mud flats, reed beds, mangrove and gei wai.
 Lau Fau Shan, Yuen Long |
4.3.2 These different features combine to produce a series of coastal landscapes with a serene, remote character, particular sense of place and outstanding wildlife associations, unique in the region.
4.4 ONE OF HONG KONG'S LAST AREAS OF UNTOUCHED COUNTRYSIDE - WEST LANTAU
4.4.1 The uplands of West Lantau form one of the last areas of virtually untouched countryside in Hong Kong. The steep grass-covered mountains plunge dramatically from their craggy peaks into the Pearl River Estuary. The mountainsides are scattered with cliffs, crags and boulder fields, whilst below these uplands lie intimate stream-lined valleys and monasteries nestling in the hills.
 Ngong Ping Plateau, Lantau Island |
4.4.2 The upland plateau at Ngong Ping is home to the giant bronze statue of the Tian Tan Buddha, the largest of its kind, a key landmark in the Hong Kong landscape. The area offers a landscape that is attractive both for its overwhelmingly natural character and for its scenic qualities.
4.5 A MEETING OF CITY, SEA AND MOUNTAINS - VICTORIA HARBOUR
4.5.1 Ringed by mountains, and boasting one of the world's great urban waterfronts, Victoria Harbour is a unique landscape formed by the juxtaposition of sea, city and hills.
 Victoria Harbour |
4.5.2 The Harbour itself, with its vibrant mixture of marine craft and busy maritime activity adds to the diversity and drama of this landscape. It is perhaps the most immediately memorable landscape image of Hong Kong and one of the most remarkable coastal landscapes anywhere in the world.
4.6 A TRANQUIL SHORE - THE EAST COAST OF THE NEW TERRITORIES
4.6.1 The eastern coastline of the New Territories consists of a series of steep volcanic uplands forming angular mountain peaks (such as Sharp Peak or Pyramid Hill) which fall dramatically into the sea, producing spectacular cliffs, rock formations and angular, deserted offshore islands.
 Tai Long Wan, Sai Kung |
4.6.2 All along the coast can be found remote bays, or inlets (such as that at Lo Fu Wat in the Tolo Channel) and isolated beaches (the best known being those at Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung). The Tai Long Wan area is still largely inaccessible and almost free from development, and much of this landscape offers a strong sense of remoteness and natural beauty, an attribute rare in a compact city like Hong Kong.
4.7 THE TOP OF HONG KONG - THE PEAKS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES
4.7.1 Comprising most of the highest mountains in Hong Kong (including Tai Mo Shan, Ma On Shan and Pat Sin Leng), the major peaks of the New Territories form some of its most spectacular and memorable landscapes.
 Pak Sin Leng, Tai Po |
4.7.2 Above the tree line, these landscapes are generally rugged, remote and exposed and are characterised by short grasses and low scrub, rock outcrops, rock forests and ephemeral streams. Comprising dramatic landscapes characterised by their elevation, remoteness and expansiveness, these areas are as memorable for their dramatic topography and sense of isolation, as for the spectacular views that they offer across the New Territories.
4.8 VILLAGES IN THE LANDSCAPE - THE LOWLANDS AND VILLAGES OF THE NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES
4.8.1 In the north and north-east New Territories are low-lying landscapes in which streams wind through active or abandoned agricultural fields, blocks of woodland and isolated villages, many of which are traditional fortified villages (or 'wai').
4.8.2 These villages are connected by lanes which meander through the arable fields that surround them. Whilst this landscape is the subject of much ongoing change in land use (especially disuse of agricultural land and an increase in numbers of storage yards) some of them retain much of its former rural character and this is one of the last places in Hong Kong where the traditional form and relationship of vernacular villages to other rural landscape features can still be experienced.
 Fung Hang Village, Luk Keng |
4.9 THE LAND IN THE SEA – HONG KONG'S ISLAND LANDSCAPES
4.9.1 The intimate relationship of the land to the sea is one of the key characteristics of the wider Hong Kong landscape. Along Hong Kong's complex coastline can be found hundreds of islands, some little larger than rocks, others supporting significant populations. Many are isolated, alone in the sea whilst others, such as the Sokos or Po Toi Islands form scattered groups.
4.9.2 Their remoteness and outlying locations mean that in some cases (notably at Tung Ping Chau) they form unique landscapes, rich in nature conservation interests.
 The Ninepin Group, South East New Territories |
4.9.3 They often boast spectacular cliffs and coastal rock formations as well as some of the oldest villages in Hong Kong.
4.10 HONG KONG'S TRADITIONAL FISHING VILLAGE - TAI O
4.10.1 Tai O village at the western end of Lantau Island is one of Hong Kong's oldest settlements, originally founded on salt production, fishing and sea trade. Situated in a bay in front of a small coastal plain reclaimed from the sea, the village for the most part retains its traditional form and character and is particularly known for its extensive settlement of stilt houses sitting in the water.
 Tai O, Lantau Island |
4.10.2 This fusion of water and built structures is an unique landscape in Hong Kong and forms a distinctive landscape that is as important for its cultural as for its scenic values.
