Double Haven

{{Short description|Harbour within the New Territories of Hong Kong}}

Double Haven or Yan Chau Tong ({{zh|t=印洲塘}}) is a harbour enclosed by Double Island, Crescent Island and Crooked Island within the north-eastern New Territories of Hong Kong.{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark|url=https://www.geopark.gov.hk/en_s4f9.htm|access-date=2020-06-24|website=www.geopark.gov.hk}}{{Cite web|title=Designated Marine Parks and Marine Reserve|url=https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_des/cou_vis_mar_des_yan.html|access-date=2020-06-24|website=www.afcd.gov.hk|language=en}} It is known for its scenery and natural environment, and for the calm seas from which its English name derives. Double Haven contains many deep red coloured rocks because of iron oxide.

Villages in Double Haven

Lai Chi Wo ({{zh|t=荔枝窩|labels=no}})
Sam A Tsuen ({{zh|t=三椏村|labels=no}})
Kat O ({{zh|t=吉澳|labels=no}})

Islands

Islands within Double Haven include:

Chap Mo Chau
Double Island (Wong Wan Chau)
Fu Wong Chau
Kat O (Crooked Island)
Ngo Mei Chau (Crescent Island)
Pak Ka Chau
Yan Chau

Conservation

Parts of the haven fall within Yan Chau Tong Marine Park ({{zh|t=印洲塘海岸公園|labels=no}}) to protect the wildlife of the marine creatures.{{Cite web|title=Plover Cove Country Park (Wu Kau Tang to Lai Chi Wo) {{!}} Hong Kong Tourism Board|url=https://www.discoverhongkong.com/in/see-do/great-outdoors/hikes/plover-cove-country-park.jsp|access-date=2020-06-24|website=www.discoverhongkong.com}}

Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park was designated in 1979 to protect the ecology of Double Haven. It also forms a major part of Hong Kong Global Geopark, Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region.The two main ecological features of this area are mangroves and seagrass beds, which are a nursery for marine life.{{Cite web|title=How to hike to Yan Chau Tong Marine Park (Double Haven)|url=https://www.localiiz.com/post/living-hiking-yan-chau-tong-marine-park-double-haven-hike|access-date=2021-03-24|website=Localiiz|language=en}}

The Double Haven Special Area ({{zh|t=印洲塘特別地區|labels=no}}) covers 0.8 hectare and was designated in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_lea/cp_sa.html| publisher=Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |title=Country Parks & Special Areas}} It includes the islets Pak Ka Chau, Yan Chau (both within Double Haven) as well as the islet of Ap Lo Chun and a part of Ap Chau (both within Crooked Harbour).{{cite web |url=https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr10-11/english/subleg/brief/137_brf.pdf |title=Double Haven and Others (Special Areas) Order 2010 |last= |first= |date=20 October 2010 |website= |publisher=Legislative Council of Hong Kong |access-date= |quote=}} The geology of the area is characterised by sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.{{cite web |url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201012/31/P201012310121.htm |title=Five geologically important sites designated as special areas |last= |first= |date=31 December 2010 |website= |publisher=Government of Hong Kong |access-date= |quote=}}

Transportation

A ferry service runs between Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier, which sails across Double Haven on Sunday and public holidays.{{fact|date=May 2017}}
A hiking route from Wu Kau Tang to Lai Chi Wo overlooks Double Haven.

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20100608211033/http://www.geopark.gov.hk/en_landforms1i.html Serene and picturesque marine park － Yan Chau Tong]

Category:Ports and harbours of Hong Kong

Category:North District, Hong Kong

Category:Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark