Imagine, if you will, villagers three centuries past traversing a stone path. This is Mau Ping Au, an area and former village site in Hong Kong. Today, we explore its trails and history.
Mau Ping Au is located within Ma On Shan Country Park. It’s part of the Sha Tin District. This area, once a village, is now recognized under the New Territories Small House Policy. Historically, Mau Ping, along with Mui Tsz Lam, belonged to the Luk Yeuk league. Sai Kung was the center of this league. In 1911, Mau Ping had a population of 124. Fifty-seven were male.
Getting to Mau Ping Au is part of the adventure. Hiking paths are the only way. You can access it via Mau Ping Ancient Trail from Mui Tsz Lam. Also, you can take the Pak Kong Ancient Trail from Pak Kong. The Wong Chuk Shan Ancient Trail from Buffalo Pass is another route. Section 4 of the MacLehose Trail also leads here.
Mau Ping Ancient Trail connects Mui Tsz Lam Village to the mountains between Ma On Shan and Sai Kung. It links to Pak Kong Ancient Trail, which ends in Sai Kung. Villagers built this stone trail. They used it for easier travel to other villages and markets. These villagers mainly sold firewoods and grains. The trail connected to Shatin, Sai Kung, and Ma On Shan. Poor yields led to the villages being abandoned after World War II. Now, it serves as a leisure hiking trail.
The Mau Ping Ancient Trail begins at Tai Shui Hang. From the MTR exit at Chevalier Garden, hike up Mui Tsz Lam Road. The paved trail runs alongside the river. This marks the start. The trail slopes gently upwards. You’ll pass a family mountain grave shrine. The trail is shaded and easy to walk on.
Hikers pass the Mau Ping Old House. It’s an abandoned structure. After that, the trail turns left out of the forest. Then you reach abandoned farmland.
Mau Ping Au itself is a spacious field. It features a small pavilion. Once a school for nearby villages, it now serves as a pit stop. The Vine King, or Box Bean, is a highlight. Find it by taking a small offshoot to the pavilion’s right.
The Vine King, or St Thomas Bean, is a liana in the bean family. Its scientific name is Entada phaseoloides. It blooms between March and June. It has stunningly wrapped itself around a house. Remember to protect nature by not climbing on the vine.
Pak Kong Ancient Trail offers views of High Junk Peak and the Port Shelter. The stone stairs here are steeper than those on Mau Ping Ancient Trail. These stairs lead to the Bamboo Tunnels. The first tunnel features bamboos sloping towards each other. They form a perfect arch. Further down, another stretch showcases a wave-like bamboo structure.
A short walk leads to the main road. Passing Pak Kong village, you’ll reach Hiram’s Highway. This leads to Sai Kung. From there, buses are available to Sai Kung or Diamond Hill. Today, Mau Ping Au offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. It reminds us of Hong Kong’s past. It also invites us to appreciate its present.