Sai Kung East Country Park is a 44.77 km? country park in Sai Kung Peninsula in Hong Kong. It opened in 1978 with features like:
*Po Pin Chau
*Wong Shek Pier
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Pok Fu Lam Country Park
Pok Fu Lam Country Park is located on Pok Fu Lam, the western end of the of Hong Kong Island. The 2.7 square kilometre hectare park was designated in 1979.
The park includes:
*Sylvan sanctuary
*Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
*Hong Kong Trail
*Peak Trail
The park includes:
*Sylvan sanctuary
*Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
*Hong Kong Trail
*Peak Trail
Pat Sin Leng Country Park
Pat Sin Leng Country Park , Plover Cove Country Park and Plover Cove Extension Country Park are country parks of Hong Kong,
Hills, water, trees and flowers - all the elements of the ideal Chinese landscape are to be found in the Plover Cove, Plover Cove Extension and Pat Sin Leng Country Parks. Much of the water in this area of the north-eastern New Territories consists of man-made s from the vast area of Plover Cove itself to the miniature delights of Hok Tau and Lau Shui Heung reservoirs.
The Plover Cove Extension Country Park embraces seven off-shore islands which form some of Hong Kong's most beautiful coastal scenery. The island of Ping Chau in remotest Mirs Bay has long been popular with weekend visitors from the city, but the park boundary now also includes parts of Kat O Chau ; Tui Min Chau; Ngo Mei Chau ; Wong Wan Chau ; Wu Yeung Chau; and Chek Chau which is located in Mirs Bay, near the mouth of Tolo Channel and Long Harbour.
Most parts of the Plover Cove Country Parks are dominated by views of water in one direction and by the massive range of hills which bisects the area. The Pat Sin Leng Country Park meets the Plover Cove park and turns this part of the New Territories into a complete scenic reserve. The Pat Sin Range has one of those poetic names which Chinese nature lovers bestow on their favourite haunts. Literally meaning "Eight Immortals Range", these peaks are often wreathed in mist, making them all too believable an abode for spirits.
A Chau egretry is an islet outside the country park boundaries but it is scheduled under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. Entry into the egretry is prohibited from April to September during the breeding season. Binoculars will give you a good view of the inhabitants of the untidy nests in the dense cluster of trees. The Chinese Pond Heron, Little Egret and Cattle Egret regularly nest here. Since 1972 a small number of Night Herons have also been annual visitors; they are now common here. The residents of this district have traditionally regarded the summer visitors as omens of good fortune and they have thus always been left to breed in peace, now reinforced by legislation.
This area has long been appreciated by local naturalists. The wooded valleys of the two streams which feed Bride's Pool contain many indigenous species of trees, with scarlet Rhododendron simsii lighting up the valley in spring. Other flowering shrubs line the banks of the valley, and the rocks near the waterfalls are ideal for ferns, begonias and orchids. Like all Hong Kong's wild flowers, these are protected by law and visitors who pick them are liable to prosecution.
The highest peak in the Pat Sin Range rises over 550 metres and thus only the more experienced hikers should attempt to walk along these hills - and in fine weather. A four-kilometres nature trail has been laid out from the Tai Mei Tuk Management Centre and back to Bride's Pool. The terrain is rugged in parts, however, and not recommended for casual walkers.
Hok Tau, Lau Shui Heung, Sha Lo Tung and Tsat Muk Kiu all provide good starting points for exploring the Pat Sin Range from the Sha Tau Kok roadside. Barbecue, picnic and camping sites here, as in the vicinity of Plover Cove, make this a natural base for serious exploration.
The Lau Shui Heung and Hok Tau Country Trails are also ideal for hiking.
Recreation sites are accessible by taking bus and public light bus. Moreover, limited car park spaces are also available at the roadside recreation sites.
* Bus:
** 75K to Tai Mei Tuk.
** 275R Tai Po Market KCR to Bride's Pool
* PLB :
** 56K to Luk Keng
** 52K Fanling KCR to Hok Tau
* Ferry: Ma Liu Shui to Ping Chau only available on weekend, Sunday and Public Holiday.
* 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
Hills, water, trees and flowers - all the elements of the ideal Chinese landscape are to be found in the Plover Cove, Plover Cove Extension and Pat Sin Leng Country Parks. Much of the water in this area of the north-eastern New Territories consists of man-made s from the vast area of Plover Cove itself to the miniature delights of Hok Tau and Lau Shui Heung reservoirs.
The Plover Cove Extension Country Park embraces seven off-shore islands which form some of Hong Kong's most beautiful coastal scenery. The island of Ping Chau in remotest Mirs Bay has long been popular with weekend visitors from the city, but the park boundary now also includes parts of Kat O Chau ; Tui Min Chau; Ngo Mei Chau ; Wong Wan Chau ; Wu Yeung Chau; and Chek Chau which is located in Mirs Bay, near the mouth of Tolo Channel and Long Harbour.
Characteristics
Landscape
Most parts of the Plover Cove Country Parks are dominated by views of water in one direction and by the massive range of hills which bisects the area. The Pat Sin Leng Country Park meets the Plover Cove park and turns this part of the New Territories into a complete scenic reserve. The Pat Sin Range has one of those poetic names which Chinese nature lovers bestow on their favourite haunts. Literally meaning "Eight Immortals Range", these peaks are often wreathed in mist, making them all too believable an abode for spirits.
Wild animals
A Chau egretry is an islet outside the country park boundaries but it is scheduled under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. Entry into the egretry is prohibited from April to September during the breeding season. Binoculars will give you a good view of the inhabitants of the untidy nests in the dense cluster of trees. The Chinese Pond Heron, Little Egret and Cattle Egret regularly nest here. Since 1972 a small number of Night Herons have also been annual visitors; they are now common here. The residents of this district have traditionally regarded the summer visitors as omens of good fortune and they have thus always been left to breed in peace, now reinforced by legislation.
Plants
This area has long been appreciated by local naturalists. The wooded valleys of the two streams which feed Bride's Pool contain many indigenous species of trees, with scarlet Rhododendron simsii lighting up the valley in spring. Other flowering shrubs line the banks of the valley, and the rocks near the waterfalls are ideal for ferns, begonias and orchids. Like all Hong Kong's wild flowers, these are protected by law and visitors who pick them are liable to prosecution.
Places to go
The highest peak in the Pat Sin Range rises over 550 metres and thus only the more experienced hikers should attempt to walk along these hills - and in fine weather. A four-kilometres nature trail has been laid out from the Tai Mei Tuk Management Centre and back to Bride's Pool. The terrain is rugged in parts, however, and not recommended for casual walkers.
Hok Tau, Lau Shui Heung, Sha Lo Tung and Tsat Muk Kiu all provide good starting points for exploring the Pat Sin Range from the Sha Tau Kok roadside. Barbecue, picnic and camping sites here, as in the vicinity of Plover Cove, make this a natural base for serious exploration.
The Lau Shui Heung and Hok Tau Country Trails are also ideal for hiking.
Transportation
Recreation sites are accessible by taking bus and public light bus. Moreover, limited car park spaces are also available at the roadside recreation sites.
* Bus:
** 75K to Tai Mei Tuk.
** 275R Tai Po Market KCR to Bride's Pool
* PLB :
** 56K to Luk Keng
** 52K Fanling KCR to Hok Tau
* Ferry: Ma Liu Shui to Ping Chau only available on weekend, Sunday and Public Holiday.
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.
*
Ma On Shan Country Park
Some of Hong Kong's most dramatic scenery is to be found within the boundaries of the Ma On Shan Country Park . The park was established on April 27, 1979. Located in the central neck of the Sai Kung peninsula in the eastern New Territories, this covers 28.8 square kilometres. This park links the Sai Kung Country Park and Lion Rock Country Park to form an extensive recreation area on the Ma On Shan massif.
Apart from a charming, separate section of the park of the Hebe Haven peninsula, much on the Ma On Shan Country Park is inland. Distant vistas of the sea and off-shore islands open up from many of the high vantage points within the park's boundaries, but most of the exploring keeps you far from the coast.
Iron mining has for long been carried out at Ma On Shan. The lease of the mine expired in 1981 and activity has meanwhile diminished as the quality of the ore has declined. Concealed mine shafts and man-made scree slopes are potentially dangerous and the area around the mine - excluded from the park, although surrounded by it - should be explored with care.
Most of these hills are rather bare in terms of vegetation. Their inaccessibility made it uneconomic to carry out afforestation when tree planting was necessary for fuel supply; the mainly volcanic slopes are inhospitable to all but the hardiest plants. Nevertheless some unusual pockets of vegetation have survived over the years and even the ruined slopes of Ma On Shan are notable for their wild rhododendron, orchids and some unusual ferns.
As can be imagined, such secluded and unspoilt surroundings have fostered an interesting range of wildlife within the park. Pangolin, barking deer, porcupine and wild boar are still spotted from time to time.
* Ma On Shan Country Trail - From Ma On Shan Village to Tai Shui Tseng via .
* Wilson Trail - Stage 4 is from Tseng Lan Shue to Shatin Pass via Tai Lo Au.
* MacLehose Trail - Stage 4 & 5, starting from Kei Ling Ha to Tate's Cairn and then to Tai Po Road via Shatin Pass.
Sightseeing
Apart from a charming, separate section of the park of the Hebe Haven peninsula, much on the Ma On Shan Country Park is inland. Distant vistas of the sea and off-shore islands open up from many of the high vantage points within the park's boundaries, but most of the exploring keeps you far from the coast.
Iron mine of Ma On Shan
Iron mining has for long been carried out at Ma On Shan. The lease of the mine expired in 1981 and activity has meanwhile diminished as the quality of the ore has declined. Concealed mine shafts and man-made scree slopes are potentially dangerous and the area around the mine - excluded from the park, although surrounded by it - should be explored with care.
Vegetation
Most of these hills are rather bare in terms of vegetation. Their inaccessibility made it uneconomic to carry out afforestation when tree planting was necessary for fuel supply; the mainly volcanic slopes are inhospitable to all but the hardiest plants. Nevertheless some unusual pockets of vegetation have survived over the years and even the ruined slopes of Ma On Shan are notable for their wild rhododendron, orchids and some unusual ferns.
Wildlife
As can be imagined, such secluded and unspoilt surroundings have fostered an interesting range of wildlife within the park. Pangolin, barking deer, porcupine and wild boar are still spotted from time to time.
Hiking trails
* Ma On Shan Country Trail - From Ma On Shan Village to Tai Shui Tseng via .
* Wilson Trail - Stage 4 is from Tseng Lan Shue to Shatin Pass via Tai Lo Au.
* MacLehose Trail - Stage 4 & 5, starting from Kei Ling Ha to Tate's Cairn and then to Tai Po Road via Shatin Pass.
Lung Fu Shan Country Park
Lung Fu Shan Country Park is a country park located in the Central and Western District of Hong Kong. It covers the densely vegetated slopes of Lung Fu Shan, including the disused Pinewood Battery as well as the Pinewood Garden picnic area, providing a scenic backdrop to the residential and commercial districts of Hong Kong Island. In proximity to residential areas in Mid-levels and , Lung Fu Shan area is intensively used by the public, especially by morning walkers and picnickers. It is situated at the north of Pok Fu Lam Country Park. Towards the east of Lung Fu Shan Country Park is Hatton Road, to the south is Harlech Road whereas to the north and west is a covered conduit constructed by the Water Supplies Department. This country park covers an area of about 47 hectares, making it the smallest country park in Hong Kong . It is also the newest country park, according to the establishment date.
Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail is a 2750m long trail on the Peak. Signs provide information about safe hiking on the trail. The trail starts at Pinewood Garden, routing through the Pinewood Battery, a few barbecue sites, a number of shelters, a flight of steps and a section of steep road before arriving at the junction of Harlech Road and Hatton Road. It takes about 60 minutes to complete the trail.
The disused Pinewood Battery is a historic military site constructed in around 1903, and is now under preservation. Interpretive signs are erected to illustrate the historical significance of this Battery.
With the excellent environment, the Battery became a spot for wargaming. To prevent further damage of the Battery, the Country and Marine Parks Authority, has set up a warning sign on the site, stating that "''using or possession of any firearm, airgun, propelling or releasing instrument are prohibited''". However, many plastic BB bullets are still found on the site.
The View Compass commands an excellent vistas of the western part of the territory and the Victoria Harbour.
*Pok Fu Lam Country Park
Spots
Lung Fu Shan Trail
Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail is a 2750m long trail on the Peak. Signs provide information about safe hiking on the trail. The trail starts at Pinewood Garden, routing through the Pinewood Battery, a few barbecue sites, a number of shelters, a flight of steps and a section of steep road before arriving at the junction of Harlech Road and Hatton Road. It takes about 60 minutes to complete the trail.
Pinewood Battery
The disused Pinewood Battery is a historic military site constructed in around 1903, and is now under preservation. Interpretive signs are erected to illustrate the historical significance of this Battery.
With the excellent environment, the Battery became a spot for wargaming. To prevent further damage of the Battery, the Country and Marine Parks Authority, has set up a warning sign on the site, stating that "''using or possession of any firearm, airgun, propelling or releasing instrument are prohibited''". However, many plastic BB bullets are still found on the site.
View Compass
The View Compass commands an excellent vistas of the western part of the territory and the Victoria Harbour.
Country parks nearby
*Pok Fu Lam Country Park
Sai Kung West Country Park (Wan Tsai Extension)
Sai Kung West Country Park is a 1.23 km? country park in Sai Kung Peninsula in northeast Hong Kong. Opened in 1996 the park's sights include:
*Tap Mun
*Ko Lau Wan
*Coffin Rock
*Campgrounds
*Tap Mun
*Ko Lau Wan
*Coffin Rock
*Campgrounds
Lion Rock Country Park
Lion Rock Country Park is a country park, located in the New Territories, Hong Kong. It consists of approximately 5.57 square kilometres of land, including Lion Rock and Mong Fu Shek and their surrounding scenic hillsides, of which 3.48 square kilometres is forestry plantations.
The dominant topographical feature of the park is the Lion Rock, which from some angles resembles a lion perching on a hill ridge.
Another topographical feature of the park is the Mong Fu Shek . The legend is that of a faithful wife who climbed the hills every day, carrying her son, to watch for the return of her husband, not knowing he had been drowned at sea. In reward for her faithfulness she was turned into a rock by the Goddess of the Sea so that her spirit could unite with that of her husband.
is another landscape feature of the park. Its Chinese name derives from the warning fire signals which were lit during the Qing Dynasty on the hill top, which was one of the many "lookouts" guarded by soldiers to alert surrounding areas to danger from pirates or hostile intruders. Today a radar station and a police transmitter occupy the top of the hill.
From the slopes of Golden Hill and several places along the western ridge at the park, magnificent panoramic views can be enjoyed. From these localities the whole length of Smugglers Ridge, Tai Mo Shan , Needle Hill, Shatin New Town, Lion Rock and Beacon Hill can be seen. The northern part of Kowloon, the western anchorage of , and Stonecutters Island, the housing estates of Kwai Chung, , the industrial parts of Tsing Yi Island and the town of Tsuen Wan can also be viewed from these vantage points.
The Lion Rock area has long been a favourite for picnickers, hikers and tourists because it includes scenic spots such as Lion Rock, and Mong Fu Shek.
The more common species in the area include ''Pinus elliotti'' , ''Myrica rubra'' , ''Schefflera octophylla'' , ''Reevesia thyrsoidea'' , ''Phyllostachys aurea'' , ''Enkianthus quinqueflorus'' and species of Melastoma.
The area is specially noted for two species of wildlife, the black-eared kite and the long-tailed macaque.
The black-eared kite is a migratory bird found in Asia and Australia. It is a scavenger, feeding on offal, carrion, refuse and dead fish in the harbour. , a well wooded ridge in the park, is one of the popular nesting areas near the harbour, probably because of the presence of tall pine trees.
The long-tailed macaques present in this area are not local wildstock but are descendants of monkeys released in 1920. Their food includes leaves, fruits, insects and small animals. It is illegal to feed monkeys. They can attack and inflict painful bites on human being, especially in their mating season or when they have their young with them.
Varieties of granite which occur include Sung Kong, Cheung Chau and Ma On Shan Granites. In some places the granites are cut by quartz veins containing, amongst other minerals, wolframite, which is tungsten-bearing.
Owing to the most convenient transport, people enjoy themselves in the parks with different kinds of activities, such as morning walking and hiking. Particularly on Sunday and Public Holiday, it is very busy in the parks. There are jogging trail, morning walker gardens and barbecue sites etc. provided in the parks.
An extensive network of footpaths has been laid out in the park providing access to almost every part or the park. MacLehose Trail - Stages 5 and 6 starts from Sha Tin Pass to Shing Mun Reservoir. Wilson Trail - Stage 6 begins from Tai Po Road to Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam via Smugglers Ridge .
Within the park there is a family walk provided for family users.
Surrounding the and reservoirs are two jogging trails specially designed for visitors who enjoy morning exercises and keeping fit.
Moreover, there is a tree walk to guide visitors who wish to know more about trees in the park.
A 15-station fitness trail, with specially designed equipment, is located on the catchwater track leading eastwards from the Tai Po Road near 51 milestone. In the western part of the park there is a nature trail which provides an opportunity for studying the natural history and geography of the area.
Visitors in country parks are asked to help keep the parks clean and prevent hill fires so that the facilities can he enjoyed by all. Nearly all of the hill fires, and certainly all the litter, can be attributed to those visitors who do not observe the country code. Fire must only be lit in the barbecue and camping places which are specially designated and clearly marked. Every bit of unwanted waste and litter must be put into litter bin or stockade or taken away by those who brought it.
There is no road access to the Lion Rock Country Park; walkers may enter by footpaths via Hung Mui Kuk, Tsok Pok Hang from Sha Tin, or via Wang Tau Hom from Kowloon and from Tai Po Road via the catchwater footpath near Kowloon Reservoir.
Landmarks
The dominant topographical feature of the park is the Lion Rock, which from some angles resembles a lion perching on a hill ridge.
Another topographical feature of the park is the Mong Fu Shek . The legend is that of a faithful wife who climbed the hills every day, carrying her son, to watch for the return of her husband, not knowing he had been drowned at sea. In reward for her faithfulness she was turned into a rock by the Goddess of the Sea so that her spirit could unite with that of her husband.
is another landscape feature of the park. Its Chinese name derives from the warning fire signals which were lit during the Qing Dynasty on the hill top, which was one of the many "lookouts" guarded by soldiers to alert surrounding areas to danger from pirates or hostile intruders. Today a radar station and a police transmitter occupy the top of the hill.
Sightseeing
From the slopes of Golden Hill and several places along the western ridge at the park, magnificent panoramic views can be enjoyed. From these localities the whole length of Smugglers Ridge, Tai Mo Shan , Needle Hill, Shatin New Town, Lion Rock and Beacon Hill can be seen. The northern part of Kowloon, the western anchorage of , and Stonecutters Island, the housing estates of Kwai Chung, , the industrial parts of Tsing Yi Island and the town of Tsuen Wan can also be viewed from these vantage points.
The Lion Rock area has long been a favourite for picnickers, hikers and tourists because it includes scenic spots such as Lion Rock, and Mong Fu Shek.
Vegetation
The more common species in the area include ''Pinus elliotti'' , ''Myrica rubra'' , ''Schefflera octophylla'' , ''Reevesia thyrsoidea'' , ''Phyllostachys aurea'' , ''Enkianthus quinqueflorus'' and species of Melastoma.
Wildlife
The area is specially noted for two species of wildlife, the black-eared kite and the long-tailed macaque.
The black-eared kite is a migratory bird found in Asia and Australia. It is a scavenger, feeding on offal, carrion, refuse and dead fish in the harbour. , a well wooded ridge in the park, is one of the popular nesting areas near the harbour, probably because of the presence of tall pine trees.
The long-tailed macaques present in this area are not local wildstock but are descendants of monkeys released in 1920. Their food includes leaves, fruits, insects and small animals. It is illegal to feed monkeys. They can attack and inflict painful bites on human being, especially in their mating season or when they have their young with them.
Geology
Varieties of granite which occur include Sung Kong, Cheung Chau and Ma On Shan Granites. In some places the granites are cut by quartz veins containing, amongst other minerals, wolframite, which is tungsten-bearing.
Places to go
Owing to the most convenient transport, people enjoy themselves in the parks with different kinds of activities, such as morning walking and hiking. Particularly on Sunday and Public Holiday, it is very busy in the parks. There are jogging trail, morning walker gardens and barbecue sites etc. provided in the parks.
An extensive network of footpaths has been laid out in the park providing access to almost every part or the park. MacLehose Trail - Stages 5 and 6 starts from Sha Tin Pass to Shing Mun Reservoir. Wilson Trail - Stage 6 begins from Tai Po Road to Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam via Smugglers Ridge .
Within the park there is a family walk provided for family users.
Surrounding the and reservoirs are two jogging trails specially designed for visitors who enjoy morning exercises and keeping fit.
Moreover, there is a tree walk to guide visitors who wish to know more about trees in the park.
A 15-station fitness trail, with specially designed equipment, is located on the catchwater track leading eastwards from the Tai Po Road near 51 milestone. In the western part of the park there is a nature trail which provides an opportunity for studying the natural history and geography of the area.
The Country Code
Visitors in country parks are asked to help keep the parks clean and prevent hill fires so that the facilities can he enjoyed by all. Nearly all of the hill fires, and certainly all the litter, can be attributed to those visitors who do not observe the country code. Fire must only be lit in the barbecue and camping places which are specially designated and clearly marked. Every bit of unwanted waste and litter must be put into litter bin or stockade or taken away by those who brought it.
Transportation
There is no road access to the Lion Rock Country Park; walkers may enter by footpaths via Hung Mui Kuk, Tsok Pok Hang from Sha Tin, or via Wang Tau Hom from Kowloon and from Tai Po Road via the catchwater footpath near Kowloon Reservoir.
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