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About Tai Lam Country Park

Arguably Hong Kong’s most Instagrammable destination during the winter months, Sweet Gum Woods, in the vast Tai Lam Country Park, sees the leaves on its trees burst into fiery colour — all bright yellows and shades of red — once the temperature dips. In ancient times, the paths through these hills linked rural villages; today, they lead hikers to spectacular vistas over Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, also known as Thousand Island Lake, flanked by lush green rolling hills. Along the way you’ll find temples beside the forest trails, stunning craggy outcrops and streams flowing down into the catchment area. The treat at the end is a walk along Golden Beach — and a sumptuous seafood feast.

Recommended Hiking Route — Tai Lam Country Park

Refuel

There’s a water filling station at the entrance to Tai Lam Country Park to top up your water bottle before you start.

Tai Lam Country Park

Tai Lam Country Park is Hong Kong’s second largest country park, covering 5,412 hectares. It was established in 1979 and has benefitted over the years from reforestation projects. The park is known for its 12 hiking and nature trails — leading to attractions such as Sweet Gum Woods and Thousand Island Lake — which are suitable for all levels of fitness and endurance. You can enjoy spectacular views of the rolling greenery and the seven reservoirs that stretch out over the towns of Yuen Long and Tuen Mun, and even on to the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen. Wildlife abounds, and if you’re really lucky, you might catch sight of a Chinese pangolin or leopard cat, while Garnot’s house geckos and Reeve’s Smooth skinks slink among the rocks and in and out of the shadows.

...See more
Treasure village culture. Respect villagers and do not damage private property, crops or livestock, and don’t forget hiking etiquette — make sure you take your rubbish with you. Read the 8 Courtesy Steps for Visiting Country Parks to learn more.

Sweet Gum Woods in Tai Tong

You’ll find yourself immersed in the Instagrammer’s paradise of Sweet Gum Woods after a gentle stroll up the hill from Tai Lam Country Park’s gates. Sweet gum trees lining the road here burst into colour during the colder months with their leaves turning from bright green to dazzling yellows and reds. They provide a stunning backdrop for photos, while morning walkers often sit and relax at the few tables sheltered beneath the canopy of leaves. The main woods in the park, which also offer fabulous views across the area’s rolling green hills and valleys, stretch for about 400 metres. Look out for a smaller cluster of sweet gums about 150 metres further along the road, too.

...See more
A special bus carries people between Sweet Gum Woods and Tai Tong during the peak autumn foliage viewing season. Check the MTR website for the bus schedule.

Reservoir Islands Viewpoint

The Reservoir Islands Viewpoint boasts breathtaking vistas across Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and the ‘thousands’ of islands dotting its surface. A 200-metre climb will bring you to a rocky outcrop, which offers a wonderful panorama of the reservoir as its shimmering surface changes in shades that match the mood of the sky above. You can stop to rest and enjoy the view from seats located along the trail and at the viewpoint. The islands below were the peaks of hills in what were once open valleys before the area was flooded to create the reservoir. If there’s been recent rainfall, you can see waterfalls from the runoffs in the lush, green hills to the left. Look right to gaze out over Tuen Mun towards Lantau Island, and further on to spot the airport on the island of Chek Lap Kok.

...See more

Tai Lam Chung Reservoir

Built between 1952 and 1957, the striking Tai Lam Chung Reservoir was the first project of its kind after the Second World War. From the viewpoint, simply turn left and follow the path as it rises and falls through forests, past more stunning outcrops and over storm-water outflows. You’ll enjoy glorious views out over the water as you walk, with opportunities to photograph the local flora and fauna, before the path joins a paved road skirting the reservoir’s outer reaches. The road winds its way down and out past market gardens and friendly goats, with a bubbling stream to the right, and on into the village of So Kwun Wat Tsuen, ending beside a small Tin Hau temple.

...See more

Golden Beach

The hike leads you to the gates of Golden Beach, a favourite spot among locals for capturing dramatic sunsets out across the sea and over the airport. It’s among the oldest man-made beaches in Hong Kong, and swimmers come here under the protection of lifeguards while families bring their children to play in the sand along the gently curving foreshore. There are trees lining the beach for shade, changing rooms and showers if you need a freshen up, while the area is well served by cafes and restaurants, and a shopping arcade. You can take a relaxing stroll along the promenade, stretching the length of the beach, and head into the harbour for a close-up view of the local fishing and pleasure boats. Linger until late afternoon to enjoy the spectacular sunsets.

...See more

Dining Option: Sam Shing Estate, Tuen Mun

Tuen Mun’s sprawling waterfront Sam Shing Estate and its Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market are home to restaurants that will let you pick and choose your own fresh seafood before preparing it just the way you like. You’ll find the fresh, daily catch displayed in tanks and on packed ice out front. Lobsters and crabs are highly recommended, which can be served salt-baked, au gratin with a layer of crisp cheese, or simply steamed to appreciate the full sweetness of the seafood.

...See more
Tai Tong Nature Trail

Tai Lam Country Park

Tai Lam Country Park is Hong Kong’s second largest country park, covering 5,412 hectares. It was established in 1979 and has benefitted over the years from reforestation projects. The park is known for its 12 hiking and nature trails — leading to attractions such as Sweet Gum Woods and Thousand Island Lake — which are suitable for all levels of fitness and endurance. You can enjoy spectacular views of the rolling greenery and the seven reservoirs that stretch out over the towns of Yuen Long and Tuen Mun, and even on to the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen. Wildlife abounds, and if you’re really lucky, you might catch sight of a Chinese pangolin or leopard cat, while Garnot’s house geckos and Reeve’s Smooth skinks slink among the rocks and in and out of the shadows.

Next: Sweet Gum Woods in Tai Tong
picture-perfect Sweet Gum Woods

Sweet Gum Woods in Tai Tong

You’ll find yourself immersed in the Instagrammer’s paradise of Sweet Gum Woods after a gentle stroll up the hill from Tai Lam Country Park’s gates. Sweet gum trees lining the road here burst into colour during the colder months with their leaves turning from bright green to dazzling yellows and reds. They provide a stunning backdrop for photos, while morning walkers often sit and relax at the few tables sheltered beneath the canopy of leaves. The main woods in the park, which also offer fabulous views across the area’s rolling green hills and valleys, stretch for about 400 metres. Look out for a smaller cluster of sweet gums about 150 metres further along the road, too.

Next: Reservoir Islands Viewpoint
Tai Lam Chung Reservoir

Reservoir Islands Viewpoint

The Reservoir Islands Viewpoint boasts breathtaking vistas across Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and the ‘thousands’ of islands dotting its surface. A 200-metre climb will bring you to a rocky outcrop, which offers a wonderful panorama of the reservoir as its shimmering surface changes in shades that match the mood of the sky above. You can stop to rest and enjoy the view from seats located along the trail and at the viewpoint. The islands below were the peaks of hills in what were once open valleys before the area was flooded to create the reservoir. If there’s been recent rainfall, you can see waterfalls from the runoffs in the lush, green hills to the left. Look right to gaze out over Tuen Mun towards Lantau Island, and further on to spot the airport on the island of Chek Lap Kok.

Next: Tai Lam Chung Reservoir
Admire the panoramic view of the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir from viewpoint

Tai Lam Chung Reservoir

Built between 1952 and 1957, the striking Tai Lam Chung Reservoir was the first project of its kind after the Second World War. From the viewpoint, simply turn left and follow the path as it rises and falls through forests, past more stunning outcrops and over storm-water outflows. You’ll enjoy glorious views out over the water as you walk, with opportunities to photograph the local flora and fauna, before the path joins a paved road skirting the reservoir’s outer reaches. The road winds its way down and out past market gardens and friendly goats, with a bubbling stream to the right, and on into the village of So Kwun Wat Tsuen, ending beside a small Tin Hau temple.

Next: Golden Beach
Goldcoast

Golden Beach

The hike leads you to the gates of Golden Beach, a favourite spot among locals for capturing dramatic sunsets out across the sea and over the airport. It’s among the oldest man-made beaches in Hong Kong, and swimmers come here under the protection of lifeguards while families bring their children to play in the sand along the gently curving foreshore. There are trees lining the beach for shade, changing rooms and showers if you need a freshen up, while the area is well served by cafes and restaurants, and a shopping arcade. You can take a relaxing stroll along the promenade, stretching the length of the beach, and head into the harbour for a close-up view of the local fishing and pleasure boats. Linger until late afternoon to enjoy the spectacular sunsets.

Dining Option: Sam Shing Estate, Tuen Mun
Tuen Mun’s Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market

Dining Option: Sam Shing Estate, Tuen Mun

Tuen Mun’s sprawling waterfront Sam Shing Estate and its Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market are home to restaurants that will let you pick and choose your own fresh seafood before preparing it just the way you like. You’ll find the fresh, daily catch displayed in tanks and on packed ice out front. Lobsters and crabs are highly recommended, which can be served salt-baked, au gratin with a layer of crisp cheese, or simply steamed to appreciate the full sweetness of the seafood.

Start again

Transport

Getting to Tai Lam Country Park

Leaving from Golden Beach

Catch bus K66 from MTR Long Ping Station, Exit B2, which will drop you off at Tai Tong Shan Road bus stop in about 30 minutes. Walk along Tai Tong Shan Road for about 30 minutes to reach Tai Lam Country Park Tai Tong Management Centre, at the entrance of Tai Lam Country Park.
From Golden Beach, the minibus 43, 43B or 43S will take you to Sam Shing Estate in just three minutes for a wide range of dining options, or stay on the ride to reach MTR Tuen Mun Station.

Getting to Tai Lam Country Park

Catch bus K66 from MTR Long Ping Station, Exit B2, which will drop you off at Tai Tong Shan Road bus stop in about 30 minutes. Walk along Tai Tong Shan Road for about 30 minutes to reach Tai Lam Country Park Tai Tong Management Centre, at the entrance of Tai Lam Country Park.

Leaving from Golden Beach

From Golden Beach, the minibus 43, 43B or 43S will take you to Sam Shing Estate in just three minutes for a wide range of dining options, or stay on the ride to reach MTR Tuen Mun Station.

Feature stories

Explore Hong Kong with insider tips

Feature stories

Explore Hong Kong with insider tips

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