Kai Shan Hike: Fish Farms, Rock Paintings, Shrines and the Shenzhen Skyline
Content
- Essential Information
- Kai Shan Hike Highlights
- Google Route Map
- How to Get There
- Quick Route Summary
- Walking from MTR to Trail Start Point
- First Hill
- The Second Hill
- Hiking to the Summit of Kai Shan
- Shiva Shrine, Rock Paintings and Best View
- Final Descent
- Getting Back
Essential Kai Shan Hike Details
- District: New Territories
- Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Distance: 3.6km
- Highest Elevation: 121 meters
- Difficulty: 1/5
- Facilities: None. Use the toilet and stock up on drinks beforehand
Why Hike Kai Shan?
Kai Shan (髻山) is a really easy hike in Yuen Long (takes around an hour and 15 mins) that has one of the most unique viewpoints in the entire city. This route’s claim to fame is the vista that looks over Fung Lok Wai, Nam Sang Wai and Tai Sang Wai fish farms before ceding to the looming wall of skyscrapers that demark Shenzhen, China.
I will say that since this hike is pretty short and far out, only come here when the weather is primo. The view isn't nearly as breathtaking on a smoggy or cloudy day.
Views aside, the hill is also used as a neighborhood trail that connects the districts of Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai together. Frequented by locals regularly, there are many routes to explore, each seemingly hiding a secret spot that a resident has lovingly curated for when they visit. Some examples include several chairs in scenic spots to enjoy the views, a makeshift pull-up bar for exercise, beautiful rock paintings and even a shrine to the Hindu god Shiva near the top.
While the locals are busy creating modern history on the hill, this is also a place steeped in ancient lore. Kai Shan is said to belong to the Tang Clan, who settled in Hong Kong as far back as the Song Dynasty, which lasted from A.D. 960-1279. There are many tombs along the mountain trail that signify where important members of the Tang Clan were laid to rest.
When visiting, please be sure to treat these sites with respect as you enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
Google Route Map
How to Get to the Kai Shan Hike Start Point
Take the MTR to Tin Shui Wai MTR Station and leave through Exit D.
Quick Kai Shan Hike Route Summary
- Take the MTR to Tin Shui Wai Station and leave through Exit D
- Follow Tin Fuk Road by walking past the bus stops and light rail terminus
- You will be able to see Kai Shan in the distance as you keep walking straight
- Go through the cycling park (there’s a public toilet here)
- Cross Long Tin Road and then follow Ha Mei San Tsuen Road just to the left of the crossing
- Stay on Ha Mei San Tsuen Road and turn left when you see the sign for La Montaña
- Walk to the left of the wooden fence until you are able to turn left again
- In the village, continue up through the large car park and head left again toward AKKI Academy
- Look for wooden signs marking the trail. One of them will say “Kai Shan” on it
- Begin climbing up past the tombs and take the left path initially.
- When you arrive at a ramshackle little shrine, you can turn right if you want to check out the first of 3 peaks. This little peak is skippable if you’re short on time
- Simply follow the trail to the right until you reach the peak (if you want to conquer it). Head back to the little shrine when you’re done
- Continue past the shrine and you’ll soon come to a fork in the trail. Go right if you want to climb the second peak (also optional)
- From the summit of the second peak, you will head back the way you came and take the trail toward the final peak
- There are many paths heading to the summit. Pick the one that sates your curiosity. Just note, there is a safer stairs path, so take that one if you don’t want to scramble up some steeper paths
- Look for the trigonometrical station at the top
- Take the little path onward just below the trigonometrical station. You will see a little copse of trees ahead.
- In the copse of trees, don’t miss the statue of Lord Shiva and the rock paintings to the left of the statue
- Start your descent and enjoy views of Fung Lok Wai, Nam Sang Wai and Tai Sang Wai
20. At the bottom of Kai Shan, you will follow a small road through a village and eventually arrive at Fuk Shun Street
21. Turn right and follow Fuk Shun Street for a few minutes until you see a green minibus stop. Get the number 74 green minibus to Long Ping MTR Station from here. Show this to the driver so you get off at the right stop: 朗屏地铁站
How to Walk From Tin Shui Wai MTR to the Trail Start Point
After leaving Tin Shui Wai MTR Station through Exit D, head down and follow Tin Fuk Road past the Light Rail station and bus stops on your left. It's easy to spot Kai Shan sticking out in the distance, so as long as you can see it, you'll know you're going in the correct direction.
Keep heading straight and go through the little park (where you can find toilets) and cross Long Tin Road. Look for Ha Mei San Tsuen Road just to the left of where you crossed and continue down it.
At the large brown fence, you can head into Ha Mei San Tsuen village and make your way to AKKI Academy, which seems to be some kind of cycling training center. The trail begins just beside AKKI Academy.
Getting to the First Little Hill
It's a little tricky to find the first hill from the start point, but even if you don't take this exact path, just remember that the first hill is actually in the opposite direction to Kai Shan's summit. The easiest marker for where to turn is the shrine that you'll see on the way to the first hill.
Since most of the trail is open, even if you miss the first hill, it's not too far to retrace your steps back if you want.
That's one of the benefits of this being such an easy hike!
The Second Hill
It's quite easy to reach the second hill. Just make sure to take the right fork and you'll be able to reach the top with minimal navigational and physical effort.
When you're ready to move on, head back down via the same path, and it'll lead you toward the summit of Kai Shan!
Hiking to the Summit of Kai Shan
The climb up to the summit of Kai Shan is a little steep, but since the hill is not really that tall, it doesn't last long. Try to take the safer route with steps on it to the summit if you're less experienced with hiking.
If you feel comfortable and know what you're doing, have at it with one of the wilder routes. As long as you're heading upward, you'll make it to the trees at the top.
Don't miss the actual summit, which is a few meters higher than the seating area in the trees. If you see the black and white trigonometrical station, you know you're at the summit.
Take the path on your left when descending from the trigonometrical station viewpoint to continue the hike.
Shiva Shrine, Rock Paintings and Best View
Just follow the trail from the summit to the next hill. This is where you'll find an amalgamation of interesting and weird things! I particularly enjoyed the random makeshift pull-up bar, the mysterious shrine to Lord Shiva and the rock paintings.
However, the view of the fish farms, village homes and Shenzhen skyline was just the coolest!
Hiking Down to the End of the Hike
This part of the hike is pretty easy. Just follow the trail downward and enjoy the epic views along the way!
When you arrive in the village area, take a right on Fuk Shun Street and you'll see the number 72 green minibus stop a few minutes later.
If you are keen to visit the fish farms, the ones by the end of the hike are actually private, so don't trespass. Luckily, I have a guide on how to visit very similar fish farms close by!
Getting Back
Once you end the hike, take a right on Fuk Shun Street and you'll see the number 74 green minibus stop a few minutes away.
Take the minibus to Long Ping MTR Station. If you're unsure where to get off, show the driver this: 朗屏地铁站.
From the MTR station, you can take the train wherever you like.
