How about a hike where you can admire fish farms rock paintings shrines and the Shenzhen skyline? This is Kai Kung Shan. It is a mountain within the western part of Sai Kung Peninsula in northeastern Hong Kong.
Kai Kung Shan’s summit reaches 399 meters above sea level. That’s 1309 feet. Stage 3 of the MacLehose Trail crosses this mountain. But there is another Kai Kung Shan. This one is in the Yuen Long District. That Kai Kung Shan offers a unique viewpoint. It overlooks Fung Lok Wai Nam Sang Wai and Tai Sang Wai fish farms. Beyond them is the Shenzhen skyline.
Kai Kung Shan in Yuen Long is an easy hike. It takes about 75 minutes. The highest elevation is 121 meters. That’s about 400 feet. It is a neighborhood trail. Locals use it to travel between Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai. People have lovingly curated secret spots along the routes. You might find chairs in scenic spots. There could be a makeshift pull-up bar. Look out for rock paintings. There is even a shrine to the Hindu god Shiva near the top of Kai Kung Shan.
The Tang Clan settled in Hong Kong long ago. It was during the Song Dynasty from A.D. 960-1279. Kai Kung Shan is said to belong to them. Many tombs lie along the mountain trail. They mark where important members of the Tang Clan were laid to rest. Treat these sites with respect when visiting.
To get to Kai Kung Shan take the MTR to Tin Shui Wai MTR Station. Leave through Exit D. Follow Tin Fuk Road. Walk past the bus stops and light rail terminus. You will see Kai Kung Shan in the distance. Go through the cycling park. There is a public toilet there. Cross Long Tin Road. Follow Ha Mei San Tsuen Road. Turn left when you see the sign for La Montaña. Walk to the left of the wooden fence. Turn left again. In the village go up through the large car park. Head left toward AKKI Academy. Look for wooden signs marking the trail. One will say “Kai Shan” on it. Begin climbing past the tombs. Take the left path initially.
When you arrive at a small shrine you can turn right. Check out the first of three peaks there. It is skippable if short on time. Follow the trail to the peak if you want to conquer it. Head back to the shrine when done. Continue past the shrine. You will soon come to a fork in the trail. Go right if you want to climb the second peak. This is also optional. From the summit of the second peak head back. Take the trail toward the final peak. There are many paths heading to the summit. Pick the one that suits you. Note that there is a safer stairs path. Take that one if you do not want to scramble up steeper paths. Look for the trigonometrical station at the top of Kai Kung Shan.
Take the small path onward just below the trigonometrical station. You will see a small copse of trees ahead. In the copse of trees do not miss the statue of Lord Shiva. The rock paintings are to the left of the statue. Start your descent and enjoy views of Fung Lok Wai Nam Sang Wai and Tai Sang Wai. At the bottom of Kai Kung Shan follow a small road through a village. You will eventually arrive at Fuk Shun Street. Turn right and follow Fuk Shun Street. After a few minutes you will see a green minibus stop. Get the number 74 green minibus to Long Ping MTR Station from here.
Hiking Kai Kung Shan offers not only a physical journey. It provides a glimpse into Hong Kong’s natural beauty local culture and ancient history.