Does Hong Kong always only remind you of the bustling metropolis? Has it occurred to you that the city is never not surrounded by nature?
See, it did occur to me that it would have been a total waste to not take advantage of Hong Kong’s mountainous landscape. I’ve been wanting to go on a hike the whole summer break, yet none of my friends are interested in sweating gallons underneath the scorching sun for four hours, and I definitely don’t welcome the idea of doing that alone, considering my lack of experience.
It wasn’t until my dad suggested we all visit Tai Mo Shan [Misty Mountain], Hong Kong’s highest peak, that I went on my first (sort of) hike. A group of 14 people, including my family and family friends, in a couple of cars, first drove to a traditional buffet-style Chinese restaurant called Choi Long. From its exterior to its interior, from the food to the (lack of) service, everything screamed authenticity and quality. For dim sums, not only did they have the classics: shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and the lot, they also had the silky tofu pudding that is a not-too-sweet dessert we all thoroughly enjoyed. The self-serve format in which costumers can grab whatever dish they want at the buffet table was definitely a fun and not chaotic experience, it saved us the effort of reading menus in small fonts. And for foreigners, it saved them the frustration of being told “No English menu!”
The top floor of the restaurant has a view of the nearby hills and clear sky, natural light seeped in the room and gently illuminated everything. Chatter and laughter filled the air, the place has a very localised atmosphere yet not too lousy.
Thanks to the drivers, our workout routine that day wasn’t as intense as most hikers’. Moreover, my camera had an equally satisfying meal as I did, the marvellous aerial view guaranteed excellent photography results. Both the exercise and the scenery were breathtaking – and totally worth it.
To be one of the most mountainous cities in the world, can be burdensome for such a cramped place like Hong Kong. Limited residential space escalated to persisting housing problems. But the sunny side to it, is that there are various outdoor locations worth visiting. If you ever need fresh air and time away from the concrete jungle, hiking in Tai Mo Shan is probably one of the most therapeutic activities – it’s where tourists can sweat it all out after indulging themselves in this foodie paradise.
A couple of things to beware of:
1. Do not visit Tai Mo Shan during the hottest season (around June to September), Hong Kong’s summer is dreadful. The ideal time to visit would be from September to December. Hong Kong’s actual winter only lasts for a week maximum, be sure to check the weather forecast to avoid the cold front. Remember to bring an extra jacket, as the temperature on the windy peak is about 5-6 degrees Celsius. But from my experience, with fine weather it would be a chill and not freezing hike.
2. Also avoid rainy days, duh.
3. If you want to check out the Taiwanese cherry blossoms at the Rotary Park (near the entrance of Tai Mo Shan Country Park), they’re there from February through early March.
4. There is an exhibition gallery at the Tai Mo Shan Country Park Visitor Centre that can help you explore more about the forests and climate change issues of the mountain.
5. The Tai Mo Shan lookout would be your first milestone. Here you can already admire the views of plains and surrounding hillsides.
6. After that, you can continue on Tai Mo Shan Road to reach the mountaintop, which is the Weather Radar Station.
7. Last but not least, bring water and stay hydrated.
FACT BOX
Where: Tsuen Wan District
Where to start: Rotary Park
Where to end: Weather Radar Station
How long it takes: 2 hours (One way)
How long: About 5 km (One way)
If you need refreshments: There is an eatery at the Tai Mo Shan Country Park Car Park
Difficulty level: Moderate, consists of mostly exposed level and paved uphill road
How to get there: From MTR Tsuen Wan Station Exit A, walk to the bus stop on Tai Ho Road North and take bus 51 to the Country Park stop. The entrance of the country park is on Tai Mo Shan Road. Of course, the alternative is taking a taxi, Hong Kong’s taxi fares are relatively cheap.
How to leave: Return by the way you came. Take bus 51 at the Country Park bus stop to MTR Tsuen Wan Station, where multiple modes of transportation offer access to the rest of the city. By this time, you’ll probably be too exhausted, so take a taxi.
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