Shek Pik Campsite

Seven years. That’s how long it took to build the Shek Pik Reservoir, a monumental undertaking that forever changed the landscape around Shek Pik Campsite. Shek Pik Campsite sits nestled near this marvel of engineering, offering a tranquil escape into nature. The reservoir, completed in 1963, became a lifeline for Hong Kong. It boasts a main dam stretching an impressive 713 meters in length and towering 54 meters high. This massive structure cuts across the Shek Pik Valley, diligently collecting water from the surrounding mountains. Imagine the sheer scale of this project, a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Now, picture yourself at Shek Pik Campsite. You’re surrounded by the lush greenery of Lantau South Country Park. Perhaps you’re setting up your tent on one of the campsite’s platforms, preparing for a night under the stars. The air is fresh, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. As you unpack your gear, you notice the convenient amenities: barbeque pits, cooking places, benches, and even clotheslines. Shek Pik Campsite may be small, with fewer than 20 tent spaces, but it offers everything you need for a comfortable camping experience. Nearby, flushing toilets provide a touch of modern convenience. But beyond the campsite’s practical features lies a richer story. Just a short distance away, you’ll find Tai Long Wan Tsuen, a village with a poignant history. Built in 1959, it became a new home for families displaced by the rising waters of the Shek Pik Reservoir. Villagers from Shek Pik Wai, Fan Pui, Kong Pui, Sha Tsui, Chung Hau, and Hang Tsai were relocated here. Today, over ten families, mostly members of the Fung and Tsui clans, continue to call Tai Long Wan Tsuen home. The Fung Ancestral Hall stands as a symbol of their enduring heritage. Shek Pik Campsite, therefore, is more than just a place to pitch a tent. It’s a gateway to a landscape shaped by human endeavor, a place where nature and history intertwine. As you settle in for the night, remember the stories etched into this land. Consider the families who once lived in the valley now submerged beneath the reservoir’s waters. Their displacement allowed for the creation of this vital resource, and their new village stands as a testament to their resilience. Let the tranquility of Shek Pik Campsite wash over you, and appreciate the delicate balance between human progress and the preservation of our natural world.