Tai Tam Country Park is the eastern part of the park system in Hong Kong Island called Tai Tam Country Park. This 270 hectare section of the park is located near Quarry Bay opened in 1979.
Sites include:
* , the second highest peak on Hong Kong Island
* Mount Butler
* Quarry Bay
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Tai Po Kau Special Area
Tai Po Kau Special Area is a wilderness preserve in Tai Po area of the New Territories in northern Hong Kong.
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?.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
* 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
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
Tai Lam Country Park
Tai Lam Country Park , established on 23 February 1979, is a country park located in the Tai Lam, at the south of Yuen Long and east of Tuen Mun, in the western New Territories of Hong Kong. This has an area of 54 km?.
A series of barbecue and picnic sites are provided along Route Twisk, the Sek Kong, Pat Heung catchwater and the Tuen Mun catchwater. In addition, there are a lot of trails. For example, the MacLehose Trail, The Kap Lung Forest Trail starts from the top of Route Twisk near the Country Park Management Centre. The Twisk Nature Trail near the Country Park Management Centre introduces the natural environment and human impacts in the area.
The fitness trail at So Kwun Wat catchwater provides 14 sets of fitness equipment for visitors and morning walkers.
* To Route Twisk at Tai Lam Country Park - Kowloon Motor Bus No. 51
* To Tai Tong at Tai Lam Country Park - K66 feeder bus . The terminus is at Tai Tong.
* To Ho Pui at Tai Lam Country Park - GMB No. 71 .
* To Tuen Mun at Tai Lam Country Park - start the walk at Tuen Mun Hoh Fuk Tong (614 or 614P at
* To Sham Tseng : start the walk at Tsing Lung Tau.
* K51 - The bus Terminus is at Tai Lam, which is the south of the country park. The route passes through and
Highlights
A series of barbecue and picnic sites are provided along Route Twisk, the Sek Kong, Pat Heung catchwater and the Tuen Mun catchwater. In addition, there are a lot of trails. For example, the MacLehose Trail, The Kap Lung Forest Trail starts from the top of Route Twisk near the Country Park Management Centre. The Twisk Nature Trail near the Country Park Management Centre introduces the natural environment and human impacts in the area.
The fitness trail at So Kwun Wat catchwater provides 14 sets of fitness equipment for visitors and morning walkers.
Transportation
* To Route Twisk at Tai Lam Country Park - Kowloon Motor Bus No. 51
* To Tai Tong at Tai Lam Country Park - K66 feeder bus . The terminus is at Tai Tong.
* To Ho Pui at Tai Lam Country Park - GMB No. 71 .
* To Tuen Mun at Tai Lam Country Park - start the walk at Tuen Mun Hoh Fuk Tong (614 or 614P at
* To Sham Tseng : start the walk at Tsing Lung Tau.
* K51 - The bus Terminus is at Tai Lam, which is the south of the country park. The route passes through and
Shing Mun Country Park
The Shing Mun Country Park is a country park of Hong Kong, hugging the Shing Mun Reservoir.
Located in the central New Territories, it covers a total of 14 km?. It extends from Lead Mine Pass in the north, to the Shing Mun catchwater road in the south, and from Tai Mo Shan in the west to Grassy Hill and Needle Hill in the east.
As early as 1971, a "pilot scheme" was initiated and prototype picnic facilities were provided, using funds from Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation. These were well received by visitors. In 1977, the area was formally designated as a country park.
At the head of the near the former Tai Wai Village, a "fung shui" grove contains a rich variety of more than 70 species of trees. It has been designated as a "special area" that merits special protection. To the west of the reservoir, both sides of the stream known as Tai Shing Shek Kan are covered with a rich variety of shrubs, grasses and trees, including several species of Camellia, ''Camellia granthamiana'', which bears beautiful white flowers more than 12 cm in diameter, is a rare species found only a few decades ago. It is named after a former , Sir Alexander Grantham.
During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II, most of the trees in the park were cut down. Extensive reafforestation was carried out after the war. The main species was ''Pinus massoniana'', whilst ''Pinus elliottii'', ''Lophostemon confertus'', ''Melaleuca quinquenervia'' and ''Acacia confusa'' were introduced later. The area has now become one of the major forest plantations in Hong Kong.
As the park is situated close to the densely populated urban area of Tsuen Wan, wildlife is seldom seen. Apart from a few common birds, other animals such as squirrels, barking deer, wild boars and pangolins may occasionally be discovered. Some monkeys, believed to have migrated from nearby Kam Shan Country Park, can sometimes be found along the forest tracks. Please remember not to feed them.
The land in this area is composed of and volcanic rocks. The latter form the highest ground, while the granitic rocks, which weather relatively easily, form the lower areas in the southern parts of the park. To the east of the park is a rich deposit of which was first mined in 1936. Mining was interrupted during World War II. With the high post-war prices, mining was resumed in 1951 and continued until 1968 when the prices again fell drastically. The highest average monthly output in the latter period was 30 tonnes, and was entirely for export. There are several abandoned lead workings around Lead Mine Pass, some of which date back several centuries.
The Shing Mun Country Park Visitor Centre, is situated near the maxicab terminus. It provides displays on the origin and history of Shing Mun, the reservoir and the mining industry in the early 20th centuries. Animals and mineral specimens are also on display. Video programmes on Country Parks and Countryside Conservation matters are shown in the visitor centre at regular intervals.
The Shing Mun Arboretum, occupies 14 square kilometres, is situated in the Country Park. It extends to Shing Mun Reservoir Road in the south. The western border lies in Tai Mo Shan, while Grassy Hill and Needle Hill mark the eastern margin. There are 7000 plants, belonging to over 270 species in the Arboretum. The plants include a collection of bamboos, protected plant species, plants named after Botanists, plants first discovered in Hong Kong and Camellias found in Hong Kong Countryside, etc.
At the park entrance a large information board and a direction post have been erected, providing visitors with information and guidance. Barbecue facilities are provided throughout the areas to the south and south-east of the reservoir, near the dams. Toilets, a refreshment kiosk, rain-shelters, warden posts, jogging trails, a nature trail, viewcompasses and many other facilities are also provided. Sections 7 and 8 of the MacLehose Trail run through the Park from Smugglers' Ridge in the south-east of the park to Route Twisk in the west. A campsite is provided near Lead Mine Pass for trail hikers.
Visitors are advised to use public transport, as there is no parking space in the park. The Transport Department also prohibits coaches and private buses from using the Shing Mun Road leading to the park because of the narrowness of the road. 82 runs between Shiu Wo Street, Tsuen Wan and Shing Mun Reservoir.
*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.
*
Location
Located in the central New Territories, it covers a total of 14 km?. It extends from Lead Mine Pass in the north, to the Shing Mun catchwater road in the south, and from Tai Mo Shan in the west to Grassy Hill and Needle Hill in the east.
History
As early as 1971, a "pilot scheme" was initiated and prototype picnic facilities were provided, using funds from Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation. These were well received by visitors. In 1977, the area was formally designated as a country park.
Vegetation
At the head of the near the former Tai Wai Village, a "fung shui" grove contains a rich variety of more than 70 species of trees. It has been designated as a "special area" that merits special protection. To the west of the reservoir, both sides of the stream known as Tai Shing Shek Kan are covered with a rich variety of shrubs, grasses and trees, including several species of Camellia, ''Camellia granthamiana'', which bears beautiful white flowers more than 12 cm in diameter, is a rare species found only a few decades ago. It is named after a former , Sir Alexander Grantham.
During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II, most of the trees in the park were cut down. Extensive reafforestation was carried out after the war. The main species was ''Pinus massoniana'', whilst ''Pinus elliottii'', ''Lophostemon confertus'', ''Melaleuca quinquenervia'' and ''Acacia confusa'' were introduced later. The area has now become one of the major forest plantations in Hong Kong.
Wildlife
As the park is situated close to the densely populated urban area of Tsuen Wan, wildlife is seldom seen. Apart from a few common birds, other animals such as squirrels, barking deer, wild boars and pangolins may occasionally be discovered. Some monkeys, believed to have migrated from nearby Kam Shan Country Park, can sometimes be found along the forest tracks. Please remember not to feed them.
Geology
The land in this area is composed of and volcanic rocks. The latter form the highest ground, while the granitic rocks, which weather relatively easily, form the lower areas in the southern parts of the park. To the east of the park is a rich deposit of which was first mined in 1936. Mining was interrupted during World War II. With the high post-war prices, mining was resumed in 1951 and continued until 1968 when the prices again fell drastically. The highest average monthly output in the latter period was 30 tonnes, and was entirely for export. There are several abandoned lead workings around Lead Mine Pass, some of which date back several centuries.
Places to go
Shing Mun Country Park Visitor Centre
The Shing Mun Country Park Visitor Centre, is situated near the maxicab terminus. It provides displays on the origin and history of Shing Mun, the reservoir and the mining industry in the early 20th centuries. Animals and mineral specimens are also on display. Video programmes on Country Parks and Countryside Conservation matters are shown in the visitor centre at regular intervals.
Shing Mun Arboretum
The Shing Mun Arboretum, occupies 14 square kilometres, is situated in the Country Park. It extends to Shing Mun Reservoir Road in the south. The western border lies in Tai Mo Shan, while Grassy Hill and Needle Hill mark the eastern margin. There are 7000 plants, belonging to over 270 species in the Arboretum. The plants include a collection of bamboos, protected plant species, plants named after Botanists, plants first discovered in Hong Kong and Camellias found in Hong Kong Countryside, etc.
Other facilities
At the park entrance a large information board and a direction post have been erected, providing visitors with information and guidance. Barbecue facilities are provided throughout the areas to the south and south-east of the reservoir, near the dams. Toilets, a refreshment kiosk, rain-shelters, warden posts, jogging trails, a nature trail, viewcompasses and many other facilities are also provided. Sections 7 and 8 of the MacLehose Trail run through the Park from Smugglers' Ridge in the south-east of the park to Route Twisk in the west. A campsite is provided near Lead Mine Pass for trail hikers.
Transportation
Visitors are advised to use public transport, as there is no parking space in the park. The Transport Department also prohibits coaches and private buses from using the Shing Mun Road leading to the park because of the narrowness of the road. 82 runs between Shiu Wo Street, Tsuen Wan and Shing Mun Reservoir.
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.
*
Shek O Country Park
Shek O Country Park is a rural marine park located on Shek O, Southern District, Hong Kong and facing the South China Sea. The 701 hectare park opened in 1979.
The park's attractions include:
*Dragon's Back
*D'Aguilar Peak
*Hong Kong Trail
*To Tei Wan Village
*Shek O Beach
The park's attractions include:
*Dragon's Back
*D'Aguilar Peak
*Hong Kong Trail
*To Tei Wan Village
*Shek O Beach
Sai Kung West Country Park
Sai Kung West Country Park is 30 square kilometre country park in Sai Kung Peninsula in northeast Hong Kong. Opened in 1978 the park's sights include:
*Wong Chuk Wan
*Tai Mong Tsai
*Hoi Ha Marine Park
*Wong Chuk Wan
*Tai Mong Tsai
*Hoi Ha Marine Park
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