Taking you through ancient villages, war ruins and more, these Hong Kong heritage hiking trails are perfect for those looking for a dose of history and adventure
Hong Kong’s countryside is known for its breath-taking views, but from ancient villages to war ruins and rock carvings, it has another mysterious and nostalgic side to offer those looking for summer adventures.
If you want to discover a lesser-known side of the city and get a good dose of history along the way, head out to one of these Hong Kong heritage hiking trails:
Ancient villages
Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail
Before it became the well-paved country trail it is today, Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail used to be the major footpath back in the days when no public transport was available to connect Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan. Villagers had to travel on foot across the hill ranges in Tai Tong and Tin Fu Tsai, which spans around 15km, in order to transport crops.
Not much has remained since urban development changed the area’s landscape. Yet along the way, there are still a few huts and family graves, as well as patches of farmland. Near the picnic site in Tai Lam Chung Country Park is Kut Hing Bridge. Currently inaccessible, this small, ancient bridge was the only way for the villagers in the past to cross the river to the other end.
Apart from historical relics, the ancient trail offers a multitude of natural scenery: pristine subtropical forests, a majestic view of Hong Kong’s highest hill Tai Mo Shan, and lush valleys. Upon overlooking the hillside squatter village of tin-roofed huts (a common sight before the 1960s), you arrive in Sham Tseng at the end of the hike. This area is famous for its succulent roasted geese with crispy skins. The family-owned Yue Kee Restaurant was founded in 1958 by Ng Chun Yim, who brought his hometown recipe from Chaozhou. The charcoal-roasted geese are popular among villagers, hikers, tourists and even Michelin food critics.
How to get there: To start, hop on to bus 39M, 30, or 30X to Allway Gardens from Tsuen Wan MTR station. Get off at Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital. Walk uphill along Tsuen King Circuit for a short distance. You’ll find a path with a flight of stairs on the left, which is the start of Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail.