Mui Wo

Map of Lantau Island showing Mui Wo.

Mui Wo (Chinese: 梅窩, Jyutping: mui4 wo1, Pinyin: Méiwō, lit. "plum nest") is a rural town on the eastern coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. The main beach in Mui Wo is known as Silver Mine Bay (銀礦灣).

History

Mui Wo, as viewed from the hills from the north

Early morning view towards Hong Kong island from Mui Wo.

The history of Mui Wo dates back to the last days of the Southern Song Dynasty. Fleeing south from the invading Mongols, in 1277 the imperial court sought refuge in Silvermine Bay (at that time known as Mei Yu). In March 1278, whilst attempting a further escape from the Mongols, the penultimate Song Dynasty Emperor Duanzong fell from a boat and almost drowned. After his rescue, he became ill and died a few months later at Mui Wo. Duanzong's successor, Emperor Huizong of Song was enthroned at Mui Wo on May 10, 1278.

Mui Wo is located on Silvermine Bay, so named for the silver mines that were once worked along the Silver River which flows though the village. The nearby Silvermine Cave was mined for silver during the second half of the 19th century. It has since been sealed off for safety.

Prior to the Airport Core Programme and the subsequent development of Tung Chung and North Lantau into a new town, Mui Wo was the principal point for day-trippers setting out to explore Lantau Island. Today, it is still the principal way of reaching South Lantau - from the beaches in Cheung Sha to the fishing village of Tai O and the Tian Tan Buddha. With the opening of Ngong Ping 360 and the new, smoother Tung Chung Road, this may change.

The plan for Christian Zheng Sheng College, a school helping students overcome drug problems, to move to a vacant campus in Mui Wo has led to opposition and widespread discussion in 2009.

Sights

Nearby attractions include Silver Mine Bay Beach, Silver Mine Waterfall and a temple dedicated to Man Mo, originally built during the reign of Wanli, emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620).^{[citation needed]}

Transportation

Mui Wo's Silver Mine Bay Beach

Mui Wo bus terminus

Mui Wo is connected by ferry to Central (Central ferry pier number 6). Other ferry services link Mui Wo to Discovery Bay, Peng Chau, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

Buses operate from Mui Wo to other places on Lantau, including Tung Chung (3M) and thus Hong Kong Airport (A35) and the rail network. The major road South Lantau Road begins with Mui Wo and ends in Shek Pik, with Tung Chung Road branching from Cheung Sha to Tung Chung.

Numerous hiking trails lead from Mui Wo to other parts of the island. The long hiking trail on the island, Lantau Trail, starts from Mui Wo. A much-frequented route leads north-east from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay via a pagoda, the Trappist Haven Monastery, and then either up the mountain via the Discovery Bay golf course or by the ocean via Nim Shue Wan.

Notable residents

The cartoonist Larry Feign, who wrote and drew The World of Lily Wong, lives in Wang Tong village.

See also

• List of buildings, sites and areas in Hong Kong
• The Toilet Bar, a blog by local resident and cartoonist Larry Feign.
• Mui Wo and Me, a blog by a resident using the pseudonym 'Lantau Waterbuffalo'.
• MW8 and MKT, a blog by a resident family who live and work in Mui Wo and Man Kok Tsui.
• Lantaulink, a blog by a resident using the pseudonym 'Lantau Linker'.