Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail & Sheung Yiu Family Walk (1.8km)
Short Walks: Sheung Yiu
The Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail starts as you cross the creek past the picnic area inside the Sai Kung Country Park barrier. This pleasant, easy walk includes both natural and cultural highlights - providing insight into life in a 19th century Hakka village as well and points out a variety of native plant species along the way. Wander over the bridge and follow the paved walkway just over half and hour to Sheung Yiu Folk Museum. This restored village and business was originally owned by the Wong family. Nearby is the lime kiln.
Originally fishermen and farmers - the Wongs also engaged in the manufacture of lime bricks and tiles and, at its peak, their business employed over 100 people. The kiln that brought them prosperity has also been restored - you'll find it just outside the village. However the introduction of cement heralded a rapid decline in the need for lime and the 1950s saw villagers all over the New Territories flocking to urban areas or moving overseas to seek their fortunes. The village was deserted in the 1960s but today offers a wonderful opportunity for both young and old to get a picture of what life was like for some of the early residents of Sai Kung peninsula.
After visiting the village, follow the path a little further and then take the trail leading back up the hill. The Sheung Yiu Family Walk doubles back just above the Nature Trail and is a pleasant walk of approximately one hour, ending up a little further from the park barrier than you started, on the road to High Island Reservoir. Turn left and left again onto Tai Mong Tsai Road and follow it back to the park barrier and bus area.
Time & Difficulty
(one way on) Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail - 1 km, approx. 30 minutes, easy
(returning on) Sheung Yiu Family Walk - 1.8 km, approx 1 hour, easy
Getting there:
Take the KMB Bus 94 towards Wong Shek Pier, Green Minibus 7 towards Hoi Ha Wan, or Green Minibus 9 towards Lady Maclehose Holiday Camp from Sai Kung Town Centre. On weekends only - you can take the 96R or Citybus 698R. Get off at Pak Tam Chung Bus Terminus (94 - stop #14, 96R - stop #41, 698R - stop #64). Go to our Getting There pages for more detailed information.
Further Information:
The Country & Marine Parks Authority (who administer the trails) have good, basic, trail maps on their website. Check here for the Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail and here for the Sheung Yiu Family Walk.
The Sheung Yiu Folk Museum is administered by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Their website will give you the most recent opening hours and closing dates.
The best map to have for hiking in the district is the Countryside Series for Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay. It is 1:25,000 and includes topographic detail and symbols to various amenities and facilities as well as marking the various levels of trail and road. The 8th edition (2004) is due to be available in July 2005. Copies are available at various government outlets selected bookshops and Sai Kung's Ali Oli Bakery.