Double Haven (Yan Chau Tong)

Serene and picturesque marine park － Double Haven (Yan Chau Tong)

Background Information

Double Haven (Yan Chau Tong) rests on the northeastern shore of Plover Cove Country Park. The Chinese name Yan Chau Tong is probably inspired by an interesting looking islet which takes the shape of a stone seal. To conserve the wildlife and natural features of this lovely area, Double Haven was designated a marine park in 1996. Double Haven is a idyllic arcadia embraced by uplands. It owes its celestial tranquil setting to the surrounding hills. Well shielded on four sides from the open sea, it is relatively unaffected by the southeast summer monsoon and northwest winter monsoon. The air is a little dryer than other parts of Hong Kong and there is seldom heavy rain. Although a whole network of small streams flow into Double Haven, they never cause any widespread flooding. Bestowed with such supreme qualities, it is no surprise that Double Haven astonishes every first-time visitor with her stunning beauty. That unique serene mood is simply unimaginable in bustling Hong Kong.

Geological Information

The present landscape of Double Haven originates from a series of volcanic eruptions in the Middle Jurassic 180 million years ago. Devastating explosions destroyed the original sedimentary rock which comprised mainly sandstone and siltstone. Great clouds of volcanic ash mixed with lava settled on the ground and formed a volcanic rock stratum about 2,000 metres thick ¾ the coarse ash crystal tuff that extends from the area north of Sam A Wan to Lai Chi Wo and Sha Tau Kok today ¾ and Double Island, Crescent Island and Crooked Island. As eruptions and volcanic activities gradually stopped, this region underwent about 20 million years of erosion and weathering when rivers washed sand and gravels down the surrounding mountain ranges to settle in the downstream coastal flats. They formed the conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone and shale of Double Haven, Pat Sin Leng and Port Island (Chek Chau). The sedimentary rocks in these parts are about 500 metres thick.