One of the traditions of Lunar New Year is to hike and seek good luck for the upcoming year. TrailWatch has selected three scenic hiking routes, ranging from a backyard trail, a challenging reservoir circuit, to a family-friendly trail. This year, we especially recommend the Shing Mun Reservoir Walk, where hikers can explore the limited-time creative project that combines local culture, nature, and the integration of art into country parks. TrailWatch wishes everyone good health in 2025 and a prosperous Year of the Snake.
Route Recommendation 1: Shing Mun Reservoir Walk
The top choice for the New Year is the Shing Mun Reservoir Walk, an easy and relaxing route where you can admire the Paperbarks, rocky streams and the dam. The initial part leads through the Pineapple Dam Nature Trail, with lush trees surrounding the Shing Mun Reservoir, passing by attractions such as the Butterfly Garden and Butterfly Paradise. In the middle section, you will arrive at Picnic Site No. 6, where you can appreciate the limited-time art installation “Flowing Natural”. Continuing along the road, you will reach the Evergreen Lush Viewing Point and Shing Mun Leisure Deck, offering views of the reservoir and the areas around Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan. In the Year of the Snake, take a hike around Shing Mun Reservoir with family and friends, welcoming a year of fair winds and following seas.
If you find the Shing Mun Reservoir Walk too long and want a more relaxing option, you can choose to complete only the Pineapple Dam Nature Trail.
When you see the wooden sign for the Waterside Paperbarks, remember to walk onto the small wooden walkway to not miss the beautiful view.
The art installation “Flowing Natural” is located at Shing Mun Picnic Site No. 6.
Passing through the Gray Bridge, you can stop and admire the Tai Shing Stream.
The Evergreen Lush Viewing Point and Shing Mun Leisure Deck offer panoramic views of Shing Mun Reservoir and the scenic areas around Tsuen Wan.
Shing Mun Reservoir Walk
https://www.trailwatch.hk/en/plan-share/239342
Route: Pineapple Dam Minibus Terminal＞Shing Mun Forest Track – Reservoir Section＞Butterfly Garden＞Paperbark Trees Forest＞Evergreen Lush Viewing Point＞Shing Mun Leisure Deck＞Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam＞Shung Mun Road＞Pineapple Dam Minibus Terminal
Length: Approximately 8.5km
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Difficulty: The paved route is long which requires a certain level of physical strength, but is not difficult
Route Recommendation 2: Tai Mei Tuk Family Walk
The second recommendation is a family-friendly route, the Tai Mei Tuk Family Walk, which is short but rich in scenic beauty. The entire trail is only 1km long, with detailed information boards along the way and several pavilions for hikers to rest. The viewing point at the Family Walk is expansive, offering views of the Plover Cove Reservoir and the surrounding area. Towards the end of the trail, visitors can enjoy the view of Pat Sin Leng. Many tourists make a special trip up the hill to watch the sunset. During the Lunar New Year, let’s try to spot the wooden pillars representing the 12 Chinese zodiac signs and take a photo with the one representing the Year of the Snake.
The zodiac wooden pillar representing the Year of the Snake is located in the middle section of the trail.
The distinctive feature of the Tai Mei Tuk Family Walk is the 12 zodiac wooden pillars.
The trail has 4 view points and a Tai Mei Tuk Family Walk viewing point. The second view point is named “Luk Heung”, which introduces the history of Plover Cove Reservoir.
You can enjoy panoramic views of Pat Sin Leng at the latter part of the trail.
There is a water filling station near the Family Walk where hikers can replenish their supplies before or after their hike.
Tai Mei Tuk Family Walk
https://www.trailwatch.hk/en/plan-share/229959
Route: Tai Mei Tuk Road＞Tai Mei Tuk Family Walk＞Tai Mei Tuk Family Walk Viewing Point＞Tai Mei Tuk Road
Length: Approximately 1km
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy, suitable for beginners and families
Route Recommendation 3: Tuen Mun Trail (Rainbow Railing)
The hiking recommendations for the Year of the Snake include the popular Tuen Mun Trail. As a backyard trail of Tuen Mun, many local residents can be seen exercising and stretching along the way. Colorful rainbow road signs can be found at the starting point and in the middle section of the trail. The middle section features a popular photo spot – the Rainbow Railing, where you can overlook the scenery of Tuen Mun and Castle Peak. Visitors can explore the “Yeuk Mung Yuen” built by hikers, a garden filled with various deities’ statues, to take a break and pray for blessings in the new year. The Tuen Mun Trail has different sections, and you can also choose to visit the Fu Tei Barbecue Area or Lam Tei Reservoir. During the New Year holidays, consider planning a BBQ picnic with family and friends to enhance the hiking experience. Remember to “Leave No Trace” and take your litter home.
The popular photo spot “Rainbow Railing” with a view of Castle Peak.
Yeuk Mung Yuen, a garden built by hikers.
Come with family and friends to experience the tranquil environment of Yeuk Mung Yuen.
The various deity statues in Yeuk Mung Yuen.
The entire route is dotted with several pavilions for hikers to rest, incorporating rainbow elements.
Near the starting point, there are rainbow-themed signposts.
Tuen Mun Trail (Rainbow Railing)
https://www.trailwatch.hk/en/plan-share/244231
Route: The end of the MacLehose Trail＞MacLehose Trail Section 10 (M199)＞Tuen Mun Trail＞King Fung Path
Length: Approximately 2.5km
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: The trail consists of concrete steps for both uphill and downhill sections, requiring a certain level of physical fitness.