Delight in the fresh air and the promise of a relaxing break. This is Shing Mun Picnic Site No.6. It is a perfect spot to unwind in nature.
Shing Mun Country Park, established in 1977, is where this picnic site resides. The park spans 14 square kilometers in the central New Territories. It stretches from Lead Mine Pass to the Shing Mun catchwater road. Tai Mo Shan, Grassy Hill, and Needle Hill border its area.
Did you know that Shing Mun’s history goes back further than its park designation? Prototype picnic facilities were provided as early as 1971. This initial effort was funded by the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation. Visitors enjoyed the early picnic spots. This positive response led to the area’s formal designation as a country park in 1977.
Imagine this area before it was a park. The area around Shing Mun Reservoir was once pineapple-rich. Hakka villagers called the dam Pineapple Dam. This was a testament to the area’s agricultural past.
Notice the diverse vegetation around you. The park has undergone significant reforestation. This was needed after extensive tree loss during the Japanese occupation of World War II. Pinus massoniana was the primary species replanted. Other species like Pinus elliottii were introduced later.
Look around. You might spot some of the park’s wildlife. While sightings are infrequent, squirrels and barking deer are occasionally seen. Monkeys are sometimes spotted along the forest tracks. They migrated from the nearby Kam Shan Country Park.
Consider the geology of this area. The land comprises granitic and volcanic rocks. The volcanic rocks form the higher ground. Granitic rocks make up the lower areas.
Before it became a picnic spot, this area had mining activity. Wolfram was mined east of the park from 1936. Mining stopped during World War II. It resumed in 1951 due to high post-war prices. It continued until 1968.
Shing Mun Country Park provides many facilities. There are barbecue areas, toilets, and rain shelters. Jogging trails and a nature trail offer various recreational activities. The MacLehose Trail sections 7 and 8 pass through the park. They connect Smugglers Ridge and Route Twisk.
Take a moment to appreciate the blend of history. Shing Mun Picnic Site No.6 offers a peaceful retreat. Its story reflects Hong Kong’s blend of nature, history, and recreation.