A vistor snaps a picture in front of the unique hexagonal volcanic column wall at High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung yesterday. Edmond Tang

Chief Executive Donald Tsang (3rd left) and Vice Minister of Land and Resources Wang Min (3rd right) unveil the sign of Hong Kong National Geopark yesterday. Edmond Tang

HONG KONG: Overdosing on endless shopping? Bored by the night view of Victoria Harbour? Mainland and foreign tourists can now escape from the city's hustle and bustle and explore Hong Kong's first national geopark.

The 50-square kilometer park, which opened yesterday, comprises eight geo-areas, covering the Sai Kung volcanic rock region and the northeastern New Territories sedimentary rock zone.

One of the magnificent views is the hexagonal volcanic column wall at the High Island Reservoir East Dam.

The natural beauty evolved by a number of volcanic eruptions that rocked the city region about 140 million years ago.

Li Jiangfeng, a professor at the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, said he expects Hong Kong's rare and unique geological relics will be appealing to mainland tourists.

"Many mainlanders come to Hong Kong to taste city life and go shopping. They do not know there are other kinds of treasure," he said. "Nature lovers will definitely enjoy the scenic beauty (of the geopark)."

He said not only will the general public be interested, but also mainland geologists.

But it will probably take time to get more people to learn about the new attractions, Li said.

James Tien Pei-chun, the chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, also said the geopark areas need to become more easily accessible if the city wants to draw more visitors.

"The geopark has enormous potential (for attracting tourists), but what matters is the supporting transport facilities and arrangements," he said.

Tien also suggested the government provide washrooms, tuck shops and water supply in selected areas for the convenience of visitors.

A spokeswoman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said the geopark is open to all, but some of the areas, such as the Ninepin Group, should be viewed on boats only for safety reasons.

Hong Kong's geopark gained national status from the Ministry of Land and Resources last month.

Alan Wong Chi-kong, the department's director, said the city's geopark is aimed at applying to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for global status next year.

But, Li said, the competition is keen. China now has 183 national geoparks. Only 22 of them are among the 64 global geoparks recognized by UNESCO.

The potential boom in ecological tourism has also raised concerns about environmental protection of the natural beauty.

Young Ng, the chairman of the Association for Geoconservation, said the sedimentary rock areas, like Tung Ping Chau, should not receive many tourists as sedimentary rocks are generally weaker than other rocks.

(HK Edition 11/04/2009 page1)