19th December 2025 – (Hong Kong) Tap Mun, a popular outlying island destination, has in recent years become a magnet for mainland visitors seeking camping and coastal scenery. A recent post on the social media platform Xiaohongshu by a tourist from Guangdong has drawn particular attention, after they shared a detailed account of camping and barbecuing on the island – prompting online criticism over the legality of lighting fires outside designated areas in Hong Kong’s countryside.
In the post, the Xiaohongshu user outlined the full journey and experience, from transport arrangements to outdoor cooking. The group reportedly took the MTR to University Station, exited via Exit B and then made their way to Ma Liu Shui Pier, where they boarded a kaito ferry to Tap Mun. The post was titled “Camping on Tap Mun Island Without Wild Boars”, with the author remarking that it took around an hour and a half by boat from the urban area and that, during their overnight stay, they did not encounter any wild boars.
Video clips uploaded with the post show the group pitching tents on a grassy area and exploring the island before starting preparations for a barbecue. The food on display included prawns, chicken wings, vegetables and assorted skewers. A makeshift grill was constructed by stacking stones and placing a metal mesh on top, with wood pieces ignited beneath, producing a strong open flame. The group also brought along small gas canisters and simple cooking equipment, using them on camera to demonstrate a “Chaoshan-style grilled squid” method. Ingredients that were not fully cooked on the grill were instead blanched in boiling water, with the group having brought their own seasonings. Footage further shows them cooking instant noodles the following day, with the range of food appearing relatively plentiful.
However, the post quickly attracted critical comments from other users, who pointed out that such activities may breach Hong Kong’s countryside regulations. Commenters noted that, under the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations, the use of fire in country parks is strictly controlled. In general, barbecuing and campfire activities are permitted only at officially designated barbecue sites or designated camping areas. Outside these locations, it is prohibited to bring or use fire sources or fire-related equipment, such as lanterns and portable cooking stoves.
Those found contravening the regulations face a maximum penalty of a HK$25,000 fine and up to one year’s imprisonment. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has the authority to step up patrols and enforcement in response to risky behaviour and may impose a total fire ban across affected areas when the danger of hill fires is deemed high. The incident has therefore reignited discussion about responsible camping practices among visitors, as well as the importance of adhering to local laws designed to protect Hong Kong’s natural environment and public safety.
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