The Volcano Discovery Centre in Sai Kung – located in Hong Kong’s eastern New Territories and opened in the summer of 2014 – tells the story of ancient volcanoes in Hong Kong and how they shaped the landscape over the last 100 million years.
The center introduces the volcano types, their eruption styles and the formation of hexagonal rock columns. Rock specimens produced by different types of volcanoes are displayed, which have been collected from around the world.
The method to explore volcanic history is also explained. And since the center is established at the gateway to Hong Kong’s Geopark, it also serves as a convenient starting point for visitors.
The Volcano Discovery Centre lies at the gateway to Sai Kung Country Park — Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board
The Volcano Discovery Centre of the Hong Kong Geopark of China has adopted a people-oriented approach in the concept, design and operation. It's highly accessible, visitor friendly and serves as a gateway linking visitors to the Hong Kong Geopark of China to help promote ecotourism.
Located at Sai Kung Waterfront Park – next to Sai Kung Bus Terminus, Green Minibus Terminus and Red Minibus Terminus – the center is easily accessible by public transport and makes for a convenient point for embarking on an exploration of the Geopark.
The 1,000-square-foot centre showcases a 1:1-scale hexagonal exhibit to show the size of the rock formations. A range of rock specimens, with some collected locally, are also on display.
Visitors to the Volcano Discovery Centre can take a look at the huge columns before they depart for a visit to the Geopark. By observing the exhibits, visitors can better understand the geological background and uniqueness of Hong Kong's hexagonal columns.
Hexagonal rock columns, which are a major feature of the Geopark, were produced by a series of violent volcanic eruptions in Sai Kung 140 million years ago. The center aims to enable visitors to better understand the geological background and uniqueness of hexagonal rock columns in Hong Kong and around the world.
The exhibits were designed according to the needs of the visitors, following a survey by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to identify the information and geological knowledge that visitors would be interested in. They took this into consideration before even commencing the design of the exhibits.
The center offers trilingual counter services in Cantonese, Putonghua and English to assist local and overseas visitors, as well as comprehensive information to advise on the best ways to explore the Geopark. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they're very eager to show visitors around and help them with any further exploration.
