High-volume seasonal tourism has again tested Lantau Island’s infrastructure as the stunning silvergrass display atop Sunset Peak (Tai Tung Shan) attracts thousands of hikers, particularly mainland visitors, seeking scenic views and ideal photo opportunities. Following significant congestion last weekend, transportation operators implemented crucial capacity boosts on Friday, November 14, 2025, to manage the evening descent traffic near Pak Kung Au, dramatically improving the flow of passengers heading toward Tung Chung.
Peak Season Crowds Spur Transit Enhancements
The annual sight of silvergrass shimmering on the slopes of Lantau Peak has cemented its status as a major regional tourism draw. The popularity peaked dramatically last weekend, resulting in chaotic scenes, including a queue of more than 100 hikers waiting well after dark for bus transport down the mountain.
In response to the surge, the New Lantao Bus company enacted dynamic scheduling adjustments ahead of the following weekend’s influx. By Friday afternoon, a noticeable improvement was observed: though a steady stream of hikers continued to descend toward the main bus stop at Pak Kung Au, buses were dispatched with significantly higher frequency—at times nearly instantly—to clear the platform in controlled waves, preventing the recurrence of last week’s problematic bottlenecks.
Transport personnel confirmed that operational hours were extended, and bus intervals were substantially shortened during the critical evening outflow. Service frequency was reduced to between five and ten minutes initially, tightening further to just one or two minutes during peak hours. Observations shortly after 6 p.m. revealed a pattern where approximately 60 to 70 people would join the queue, only to be promptly boarded and moved by successive buses. This enhanced deployment effectively mitigated the extensive, snaking lines that had plagued the area previously.
The Intersection of Scenery and Social Media
The peak’s allure is multifaceted. For many, its natural beauty—described by some visitors as breathtaking, especially when the golden light illuminates the silvergrass—is the primary attraction. However, the destination’s popularity has been heavily amplified by celebrity connections; several first-time visitors admitted they specifically traveled to recreate a famed album cover shot by singer Eason Chan.
The sheer volume of visitors has led to mixed experiences. While transportation has improved, the density of hikers at prime photo spots frustrated some travelers who were unable to capture the desired picturesque, isolated imagery.
The previous weekend’s congestion sparked widespread online debate regarding crowd management and trail safety, especially after images circulated online showing a “ribbon of lights” illuminating the dark descent path from mobile phone torches. These recent operational improvements demonstrate a proactive step by local authorities and transit providers to better align infrastructure capacity with predictable seasonal demand.
Managing Future Bottlenecks
As the silvergrass season continues to draw international visitors, the timely scaling of public transportation services is essential for maintaining safety and visitor satisfaction. The rapid response by the New Lantao Bus company serves as a critical template for managing similar high-demand, environmentally sensitive tourist sites. Sustained coordination between transport providers, emergency services, and park management will be necessary to ensure a smooth conclusion to the current high-footfall season.
For hikers planning a trip during peak weekends, utilizing earlier morning time slots or considering alternative descent options, where available, remains advisable despite the improved bus services.