Ng Tung Chai

Did you know a cluster of waterfalls tumbles down the slopes of Tai Mo Shan? This is Ng Tung Chai, also known as “Parasol Tree Village”. Ng Tung Chai isn’t just a village. It’s a starting point for an unforgettable hike to these stunning waterfalls. The village itself, nestled in the Lam Tsuen Valley, has a rich history dating back to 1739, possibly even earlier. Originally a Hakka village, Ng Tung Chai was primarily home to the Yau, Sham, and Koo families. Their ancestral halls still stand as testaments to their heritage. The Yau Ancestral Hall, built around 1800, is now a Grade III historic building. Imagine the stories these walls could tell. Now, let’s talk about those waterfalls. The Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls are a series of four cascades: Bottom Fall, Middle Fall, Main Fall, and Scatter Fall. Prepare to be amazed by Main Fall. It plunges a dramatic 35 meters, earning the title of the highest waterfall in Hong Kong. The hike to the falls begins near the village, passing by the Man Tak Yuen Taoist temple. Built in the mid-1970s, this temple adds a touch of spiritual serenity to the natural beauty surrounding Ng Tung Chai. The trail, approximately 5.6 kilometers long, takes about 2-3 hours to complete. As you ascend, the terrain becomes more challenging with steep climbs and cliff drop-offs. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, and bug spray. The hike is worth it, offering stunning views and a chance to cool off in the refreshing spray of the falls. But Ng Tung Chai offers more than just waterfalls. The surrounding ravine is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, teeming with rare and diverse plant life. Look out for the dysoxylum hongkongense, dendrobenthamia hongkongensis, and the intriguing “Incense Tree,” Aquilaria sinensis. Ng Tung Chai is a place where history, spirituality, and natural beauty intertwine.