Shing Mun Reservoir Hong Kong
A serene reservoir surrounded by lush forests, offering accessible trails and abundant wildlife, including playful monkeys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Shing Mun Reservoir Hong Kong
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene reservoir surrounded by lush forests, offering accessible trails and abundant wildlife, including playful monkeys.
"A peaceful escape with stunning views and a chance to see monkeys – a must-visit for nature lovers!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be long and uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for enjoying the hikes.
🐒 Respect the Wildlife
Monkeys are common. Keep your distance, secure your belongings, and never feed them.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam
Central area of the reservoir
Iconic concrete dam offering panoramic views of the water and surrounding hills. Perfect for photos!
Monkey Kingdom
Along the trails
Encounter playful monkeys in their natural habitat. Keep a safe distance and do not feed them.
Pineapple Hut Trail
Eastern side of the reservoir
A moderate hike leading to a historic hut, offering scenic vistas and a glimpse into the past.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Beat the Heat & Crowds
Trail Prep & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be long and uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for enjoying the hikes.
🐒 Respect the Wildlife
Monkeys are common. Keep your distance, secure your belongings, and never feed them.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Refill stations are scarce.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent, particularly in wooded areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be long and uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for enjoying the hikes.
🐒 Respect the Wildlife
Monkeys are common. Keep your distance, secure your belongings, and never feed them.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Refill stations are scarce.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent, particularly in wooded areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Shing Mun Reservoir for its stunning natural beauty, accessible trails, and the unique opportunity to see monkeys in their natural habitat. It's a popular escape from the city, offering a peaceful retreat with picturesque views of the water and surrounding hills. Some find the lack of food vendors inconvenient, and the heat can be intense during summer months.
"10/10 would recommend. Its is so gorgeous it doesn't look like its in HK. Its very beginner friendly given you can walk paved walkway for 3 hours. Long wait on holidays to get on the van. Taxi is a better choice."
Chris
"It was such a good weather that day and we decided to go hiking after lunch. Shing Mun reservoir was really a good choice. A very scenic place, greenery where u can enjoy tranquility with fabulous views. There're lots of hiking tracks around that u can choose. U may even walk to Taipo from here. It takes about 2 hours for the most common track and u can take minibus to Tsuen Wan. It's really convenient."
Irene
"A very beautiful hiking trail in Hong Kong especially during the autumn and winter seasons! Some parts of this pretty reservoir looked like the lakes in Switzerland and Scotland!"
Steve Chan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take the MTR to Tsuen Wan Station and then catch bus 32 or 82 to the reservoir entrance. Alternatively, taxis are available but can be pricier. Some visitors opt for a combination of MTR and a short walk.
Yes, there is a car park near the main dam area. However, it can fill up quickly on weekends and public holidays, so arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive.
Bus routes 32 and 82 from Tsuen Wan MTR station are the primary public transport options that go directly to the reservoir area. Check bus schedules for the most up-to-date timings.
For hikers, taking public transport to the reservoir entrance is often preferred. From there, you can access various trailheads leading into the country park. Consider using a local transit app for real-time route planning.
Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services directly to Shing Mun Reservoir. Relying on public buses or taxis from nearby MTR stations is the most practical approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Shing Mun Reservoir and the surrounding country park is free. You do not need to purchase any tickets to access the area or its trails.
Shing Mun Reservoir and the country park are generally accessible 24 hours a day. However, visitor facilities like restrooms might have specific operating hours.
All hiking trails within the Shing Mun Country Park are free to access. Enjoy the natural beauty without any entry charges.
While the park is technically open 24/7, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns. Stick to daylight hours for a better experience.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for individuals. However, large group activities might require prior permits from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Shing Mun Reservoir Nature Trail (easy, paved), the Pineapple Hut Trail (moderate), and the MacLehose Trail Section 7 (challenging). The reservoir loop itself is also a pleasant walk.
Swimming is strictly prohibited in Shing Mun Reservoir for safety reasons and to protect water quality. Please adhere to all posted signs.
You're likely to see various species of monkeys, birds, and butterflies. Keep an eye out for the unique flora and fauna of the Hong Kong countryside.
Basic facilities, including restrooms, are available near the main dam and visitor areas. It's advisable to check the AFCD website for the most current information on facility availability.
Yes, the paved nature trail around the reservoir is suitable for families with strollers and young children. Longer hikes might be more challenging for very young kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes directly within Shing Mun Reservoir. It's best to pack your own food and drinks or dine in Tsuen Wan before or after your visit.
Picnicking is a popular activity. There are designated areas, but you can also find scenic spots along the trails. Remember to take all your trash with you to keep the park clean.
The closest dining options are in Tsuen Wan town. You'll find a wide variety of local eateries, fast food, and restaurants there.
Barbecuing is generally not permitted within the main reservoir area or on the trails to prevent fire hazards and maintain the natural environment. Check AFCD guidelines for any designated BBQ pits in the wider country park.
It's highly recommended to purchase snacks and drinks before heading to Shing Mun Reservoir, as there are no vendors on-site. Tsuen Wan offers numerous convenience stores and supermarkets.
📸 📸 Photography
The main dam offers stunning panoramic shots. The winding roads, lush greenery, and the reservoir's reflections are also very photogenic. Look for unique angles along the hiking trails.
Monkeys are often visible along the trails. While they can be photogenic, remember to maintain a safe distance and avoid using flash, which can disturb them.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photography, offering softer light and fewer harsh shadows. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
Drone usage is generally restricted in country parks to protect wildlife and ensure public safety. It's best to check the latest regulations with the AFCD before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive reservoir and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography, but remember to keep a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a picnic by the reservoir for a relaxed family meal. The open spaces provide room for children to move around. While longer hikes might be too much for toddlers, the accessible loop ensures everyone can enjoy the natural beauty. It's a great way to introduce children to Hong Kong's natural landscapes away from the urban bustle.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the biodiversity of the area, from diverse bird species to unique flora. The reservoir itself is a serene focal point, offering a peaceful environment for contemplation. Remember to check trail conditions, carry a map, and inform someone of your hiking plans, especially if venturing onto less-trafficked routes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Shing Mun
For those seeking a bit more challenge, the Pineapple Hut Trail provides a moderate hike with rewarding vistas. This trail leads to a historic hut, offering a glimpse into the area's past. More adventurous hikers can tackle sections of the MacLehose Trail, a renowned long-distance path that passes through the Shing Mun Country Park, offering more rugged terrain and stunning natural scenery. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry sufficient water, as some trails can be steep and exposed.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to observe. The area is known for its diverse birdlife, butterflies, and, most famously, its population of long-tailed macaques. While seeing these monkeys is a highlight for many, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance, never feed them, and secure your belongings, as they can be quite bold.
A Photographer's Paradise
Beyond the dam, the winding roads leading into the park and the lush greenery of the surrounding forests provide endless scenic shots. The play of light and shadow through the trees, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, can add a magical quality to your photographs. Don't forget to look for the smaller details – the intricate patterns of leaves, the textures of tree bark, and the vibrant colors of wildflowers.
For wildlife photography, patience is key. The monkeys are often visible along the trails, offering chances for candid shots. However, always prioritize safety and respect for the animals. Birdwatching can also yield great photographic moments, so keep your telephoto lens ready. The changing seasons also bring different photographic moods, with autumn foliage offering a particularly vibrant palette.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit