H
ong Kong actually includes some 230 islands, scattered like a handful of jewels at the edge of the South China Sea. The one which generally overshadows the rest is of course Hong Kong Island, the bustling commercial heart of this thriving community. But in one respect, at least, Hong Kong Island must take second place. About an hour away by ferry lies the majestic bulk of Lantau, twice the size of its more populous neighbour, its peaks generally wreathed in clouds and its edges fringed with golden beaches and clean surf. Lantau Island, which is featured in the next few pages, was originally considered a possible rival for Hong Kong as the principal trading centre of the Colony, but somehow this never came about. For the most part the islanders have re- mained wedded to their rural past or to the offshore fisheries their ancestors have worked for centuries. Lantau has not been forgotten, however. Major dams and pumping works have been built there and towards the end of 1970 the finishing touches were being put to a road which will join up the biggest township, Tai O, with the rest of the island for the first time. Lantau today is attracting increasing interest as a tourist at- traction and as a promising sight for commercial development.
The picture on the previous page shows an interior view of the magnificent new hall opened during the year at Po Lin Buddhist Monastery, one of the most famous of the many monasteries Lantau's beauty and tranquility have attracted there. Two more views of Po Lin, taken during opening cere- monies for the great hall, may be seen overleaf.
The picture opposite shows the island as most people see it for the first time-from the ferry approaching the wharf at Silver Mine Bay.
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