Shing Mun Country Park | 9.7 km | Easy
Located in the southwestern New Territories, Shing Mun Country Park offers ample opportunities to explore nature. Hiking around nearby Tai Mo Shan, visitors can see tall paperbark trees lining the paths and, occasionally, come across groups of wild monkeys. An overwintering site for migrating brush-footed butterflies, the park is also perfect for butterfly watching, particularly in autumn.
Designated in 1977, Shing Mun Country Park was one of the first country parks in the territory. Photo credit: meocre.smugmug.com
Butterfly Paradise
Migrating brush-footed butterflies winter in Shing Mun Country Park’s Butterfly Paradise. Commonly witnessed in the park are blue-spotted crows, glassy tigers and common tigers from the same butterfly family. Their beautiful but forbidding patterns are natural protection against predators. Photo credit: greenpower.org.hk
Pineapple Dam Nature Trail
Now a part of Shing Mun Reservoir, this dam used to be home to pineapple groves planted by Hakka villagers. Walking along the Nature Trail, visitors can enjoy picturesque views of Pineapple Dam and its 9 km-long catchwaters, as well as catch sight of wild monkeys. Photo credit: gethigh-hk.com
Paperbark Forest
The region around the reservoir is also a designated tree-planting site. The Paperbark Forest is a favourite with visiting photographers. Among the most picturesque scenery of the area are sky-high treetops, reflections of the forest on the glassy surface of the reservoir, and rows of paperbark trees submerged in the water. Photo credit: trover.com
Main Dam
The construction of Shing Mun Reservoir was commissioned in 1923 and the dam took 14 years to complete. At 84 metres in height, its Main Dam is an impressive sight; of particular note is the dam’s distinctive bellmouth overflow device. The connected Lower Shing Mun Reservoir downstream catches overflowing water from the Main Dam. Photo credit: lcsd.gov.hk
Trip ideas:
Sunny afternoons are ideal for butterfly watching, from March to October.
The visitor centre provides a detailed introduction to the native monkeys. You can also learn more about the nearby military ruins and the abandoned mine with its tools and equipment. Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (except the first two days of Chinese New Year)
Don’t capture the butterflies.
Don’t tease or feed the monkeys. Keep your distance.
Click here for a better resolution of Shing Mun Country Park Trail map.
Info:
Area: Tsuen Wan District
Starting point and Endpoint: Shing Mun Reservoir (Pineapple Dam) minibus terminus
Average hiking time: About 3 hours
Distance: About 9.7 km
Replenishing stations: There are no eateries or kiosks in the park.
Difficulty: Easy - Level paths throughout the area; suitable for all.
How to get there:
To the starting point:
From MTR Tsuen Wan Station, Exit B1, take green minibus 82 on Shiu Wo Street for Shing Mun Reservoir.
From the endpoint:
From Shing Mun Reservoir (Pineapple Dam) minibus terminus, take green minibus 82 back to Shui Wo Street.