Tai Mo Shan

Tai Mo Shan has the highest in Hong Kong, with an altitude of 958 m. It is located approximately at the geographical centre of the New Territories.

The second highest elevation of the territory is Lantau Peak , 934 m, on Lantau Island.
The area surrounding Tai Mo Shan is a country park, which covers an area of 14.40 km? and adopts the same name - Tai Mo Shan Country Park. It is located to the north of Tai Lam Country Park and, separated by Shek Kong Valley is the Lam Tsuen Country Park with an area of 15.20 km?.

Geology

Tai Mo Shan is made up of volcanic rocks of Jurassic age. The volcanic rocks are mainly coarse ash crystal tuff. To the northwest, the west and the south of the peak, the valleys contain large deposits of colluvium. The upper slopes are distinctly "ribbed", as is especially evident after a hill fire. These are stone terraces, running obliquely downhill to the valleys. It is also claimed to be Hong Kongs most misty area due to it being covered in clouds almost daily.

It is rather easy to hike to the peak as there is a road all the way at a comfortable gradient. One cannot actually reach the highest point on Tai Mo Shan as there is a fenced-off satellite compound situated there; entry is prohibited, as is taking photos or making sketches.

Vegetation

There are forest plantations in the southeastern part of the park. Limited by climatic and geographic factors, these plantations end at the 550 metre contour, above which shrubs and grasses dominate.

In the past, Tai Mo Shan was famous for a type of green tea, called ''mist'' or ''cloud'' tea, which grew wild up on the mountain side. Occasionally, local people can still be seen picking the tea shoots for brewing green tea.

''Camellia sinensis var. waldenae'' are found on the mountain.

Wildlife

Some montane birds and rare species of snakes and butterflies breed here. There are also freshwater crabs, feral dogs, feral cats, oxen, and wild boar.

Places of interest

A series of barbecue and picnic sites are provided along Route Twisk, the Shek Kong - Pat Heung catchwater and the Tuen Mun catchwater.

The Rotary Park at Tai Mo Shan which has a car-park and extensive picnic facilities, is especially popular. Tourist groups often come here for a brief stop to enjoy the panoramic view. On a clear day even Lantau and its adjacent islands can be seen. Tai Mo Shan Visitor Centre is located not far away from the carpark, along Tai Mo Shan Road, which leads to the weather station on the top of the mountain.

To learn the techniques of hiking, you may visit the Hiking Practice Trail adjacent to the Tai Mo Shan car Park. Those would prefer short walks may visit the family walks in the park.

The Country Code

Visitors in country parks are asked to help keep the parks clean and prevent hill fires so that the facilities can be enjoyed by all. In 1986, a 34 hour blaze destroyed 282,500 trees at Shing Mun and Tai Mo Shan and ravaged 7.40 km? of countryside. Fire is the greatest threat to the beauty of the country parks.

Transportation

To Route Twisk of the entrance of Tai Mo Shan Country Park: Kowloon Motor Bus route operating between Tsuen Wan Nina Tower I and Kam Tin. The bus also stops at .

External links and references

* Initial text based on information provided by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department , under the provision that the re-dissemination or reproduction is for non-commercial use.
* http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_cou/cou_vis_cou.html