Feel the wind whipping through the peaks of Lam Tsuen Country Park. This sprawling 1520-hectare park in Hong Kong’s northern New Territories is a breathtaking blend of rugged beauty and rich history. Established in 1979 it stretches across Tai Po Fanling and Yuen Long.
Imagine yourself standing at the foot of Tai To Yan. This isn’t just any hill. Its Chinese name translates to “Big knife ridge”. The name speaks volumes. The trail is narrow and exposed. It’s a challenging climb. Only experienced hikers should attempt it. But the view from the top is worth the effort.
From the summit of Tai To Yan you can look down on the Yuen Long Plain. You can see the Lam Tsuen Valley below. On a clear day you can even glimpse Shenzhen in the distance. The ascent itself is an adventure. The path winds its way up steep slopes. It’s a strenuous hike suitable only for the very fit. Metal chains are installed along dangerous sections to aid hikers.
And then there’s Kai Kung Leng. This peak is even higher than Tai To Yan. Kwai Kok Shan its highest point reaches 585 meters. It’s a different kind of challenge. The trail is steep and littered with loose gravel. Mountain bikers sometimes use the path adding to the challenge. But the reward is a sweeping panorama of the Kam Tin Basin Nam Sang Wai Mai Po and Deep Bay.
Lam Tsuen Country Park is more than just mountains. The area has rich biodiversity. Creeping Psychotria thrives here. This tenacious vine clings to rocks and trees. It has thick leaves to survive droughts. The plant even has small white fruits that look like a dragon’s eye. The park also hosts a variety of animals including Chinese porcupines Chinese ferret badgers and even Chinese leopard cats. You can also find a variety of bird species. Butterflies are abundant.
The park’s history is as captivating as its scenery. The Kam Tin Basin near Kai Kung Leng has been inhabited for centuries. It’s the ancestral home of the Tang clan. The Tang family’s genealogy shows that their ancestors arrived in the Song Dynasty. They even founded the Liying School at the foot of Kwai Kok Shan. Throughout Lam Tsuen Country Park the past meets the present creating a truly unforgettable experience. So breathe in the fresh air. Feel the spirit of this place. Embrace the adventure that awaits in Lam Tsuen Country Park.