What connects Sha Tin and Kowloon? Once, the Tsz Sha Ancient Trail served as a major link between them back in the Qing Dynasty. Today, we explore Shui Chuen O. It is a modern estate, but its location has historical echoes.
Shui Chuen O Estate is the largest public housing estate in Sha Tin. It features 18 blocks. These offer 11123 public rental flats. The first phase of the estate opened in 2015.
The estate sits on a hillside. Footbridges and lift towers connect it to lower areas. This provides easy access to Pok Hong Estate and Sha Tin Wai station. One footbridge stands out. At 70 metres long, it is the longest in any Hong Kong public housing estate. It is located at the main entrance of the estate.
Shui Chuen O boasts a unique eco-trail. This green path runs throughout the estate. It links to trails in the adjoining country parks. Residents can easily hike into the countryside. The eco-trail connects directly with the Tsz Sha Ancient Trail. Ambitious hikers can walk from Tsz Wan Shan to Sha Tin Pass and then to Shui Chuen O Estate via the Wilson Trail.
Need supplies? The eco-trail links to the estate’s shopping centre. Hikers can purchase necessities before setting off. Delicious food awaits after their hike. The Shui Chuen O Shopping Centre has 59 shops. The Shui Chuen O Market connects to the shopping centre.
Shui Chuen O Plaza is located on Pok Chuen Street. It offers a wide range of trades. You can find Chinese restaurants fast food shops and specialty eateries there. A supermarket convenience store and household groceries are also available. Pharmacies medical clinics and self-service banks serve the residents.
Public transport is readily available. The Plaza is easily accessible to residents and shoppers. Footbridges and lift towers connect Shui Chuen O Plaza to the MTR Sha Tin Wai Station. A Public Transport Interchange and hourly parking spaces are available.
The estate’s design facilitates pedestrian movement. Six lift towers nine footbridges and ten sets of escalators are in place.
Shui Chuen O Estate is designed to accommodate a population of 28800. As of 2016 the estate had over 14000 residents. Shui Chuen O continues to grow and evolve. It provides housing and amenities to its residents. It also offers a connection to nature and history.