Lantau is the largest of Hong Kong's islands - twice the size of Hong Kong Island - and by far the most beautiful. It has an area of 142 square kilometers but a population of only 25,000. More then half the island is designated as parkland. It boasts spectacular mountains, verdant valleys, tranquil monasteries, a series of old Chinese forts, two country parks and plenty of marked hiking trails, picnic places and campsites.

The island's history goes back as far as the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1127), when the island was famous for producing salt, a highly valued commodity then. Most people in this island inhabit in Mui Wo, Tai O, Tung Chung and scatter along the southern coast. Among them, Mui Wo is the most prosperous town. After the International Airport has been built, visitors can take a bus or the mass transit railway and reach the heartland of Lantau within 30 minutes from the city center. Tai O, also known as the 'Oriental Venice' was the largest settlement on Lantau Island, though it is in decline now. The water combining with the stilt houses on the waterfront at dusk gives visitors a touch of romance, forming the most unforgettable scene in Tai O. 

Allow a day here, as most of the key sights are some way from Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay), the main ferry terminus. Here you can pick up a bus or taxi to Po Lin Monastery, the island's most popular attraction, an important Buddhist shrine set amidst lovely countryside on Lantau Peak (750m). Founded in 1905, the monastery was used as a modest retreat until 1928 when it was expanded to become one of Hong Kong's largest monasteries. Several new temples were created in 1970, and it was opened to the public. Opposite stands one of the world's largest statues of Buddha. 

Lantau Island is soon to be home to Asian Disney land.