TSING FAI TONG - New Territories
Shawn, Wai Nung, Curtis and George
History
Located in New Territories, Tsing Fai Tong is a well known hike behind Sham Tseng village, a village famous for its roasted goose. Tsing Fai Tong trail connects to Maclehose stage 9, which leads to Yuen Long town hall. There is also another way from the trail to go to Tuen Mun Gold Coast.
The last emperor from the Song Dynasty, Zhao Bing (Emperor Bing of Song), once lived in one of the villages above the hike trail to hide from people wanting to kill him, as to fake a death. Some of the villagers who live there now have descended from servants for the emperor who then followed Zhao Bing into hiding, with the family names of Choi. The villagers now farm for a living, growing their fresh crops up in the mountains and then hiking back down the mountain to sell their vegetables in the market. Zhao Bing later then suicided at Kowloon Tong, the place that he suicided was named Song Wong Toi after him. |
Gallery
Things to do and see
WATER LILY POND
Along the hike you will see a beautiful pond that is around 35 minutes from the start of the hike. It is really vibrant and filled with pretty water lilies, there is more chance to seeing more water lilies during the summer and autumn months. It is a really large area to admire and it is definitely a must-see when walking the trail! It is also nearby to the village Zhao Bing has lived before, so it is a win-win situation, looking at beautiful flowers and taking a look at history on the trail. |
VILLAGE HOUSES
Before starting the hike, you will pass by many old houses that people have lived in for many generations. But there are some houses that especially stand out. Here, a house is decorated with Chinese religions and beliefs, with a lantern that shines brightly day and night, all red and proud. It is not a stand out amongst other fantastic sights to see, but it is one that shows Chinese culture fabulously to everyone passing by. The decorations were never taken off before, so they are available all year 'round! However it is not certain that someday the owners might take the decorations down. |
VIEW FROM PAVILIONS
There are around 2-3 pavilions along Tsing Fai Tong. Many up along the mountain have amazing views and look down on the mountains below. They are great places to sit around and rest before continuing on the hike. Nearby there are usually some places to fill your bottle with mountain water, collectable at a small stream. Even though it's just water, it has a sweet taste to it that's a must-try. There is often more water in the summer if you want more, but there is enough water all year round. |
Things to Bring
Activities
MOUNTAIN WATER
Along the trial you will find few lakes to fill up at small streams. Villagers who pass by along the years have developed filters for others to try a taste of the sweet water. There are a few stops throughout the hike so you do not need to worry about dehydration if you want mountain water. |
WATCHING THE SUNRISE
Throughout the hike you can see the scenery of the many mountains. In the morning, usually around 7:10am in the winter, you will see the beautiful sunrise. You can watch with your family and friends to enjoy such an amazing experience. Best part is you do not have to wake up that early because it only takes 20-30 minutes to get to the high spots. |
PICNIC AT THE PAVILIONS
Why take a quick rest stop, when you have time to have a meal? The pavilions throughout the hike are really clean and perfect for sight seeing. There are more pavilions at the start of the hike so you do not need to carry your food and supplies for a very long time. |
Trail Flora
SHAME PLANT
It’s thin lavender petals with white specks at the end make the flower look fierce and unique. The petals of this flower curls up when it comes in contact with something that is determined to hurt them. |
ROSE MYRTLE
This vibrant flower grows small fruit. This beautiful pink flower ranges from white, baby pink, to the hot pink above. It has a wonderful scent as the fruit is very sweet but small. |
TICKSEED
This flower is also known as “little yellow flower” in Chinese. It’s small form and beautiful chipped end petals makes it pop. A common name for Coreopsis is Tickseed. Coreopsis species are used as nector and pollen for insects. |
BELLFLOWER
Such a unique flower is grown in the sides of the hike, It is grown in batches of 5-9. Though usually in the colour purple, here in the trail it is white with a nice pink gradient. They usually bloom in the winter and many decorate their houses with this flower when it is Chinese New Year. |
MELASTOMA
This beautiful big petaled flower make the flower stand out even more from it’s dark green leaves. It has about 50 species distributed around Southeast Asia, India, and Australia. |
GORDONIA
It’s peaceful white colour with a honey yellow bud makes the flower look more young and strong. This flower is particularly adapted to rainfall. |
MORNING GLORY
Though not a specific specie name, it is a common name for over 1,00 types of flowers. They are everywhere in the summer as the spread really quickly, but they dry in the autumn. |
CLIMBING BAUHINIA
it’s gorgeous pearly white petals and red bud makes that flower look more elegant. This flower is usually grown in groups due to their small size. |
WATER LILY
Located at the water lily pond, in the night the flower will close and in the morning it will open again. They live as aquatic herbs with a family with about 70 known species. |
Trail Fauna
BAMBOO SNAKE
It’s cold green scales and striking orange eyes make the creature look fierce as it slithers slow and careful. It’s bites are very painful and can cause rapid swelling in bit area. |
MUNTJAC DEER
This sensitive species of deer as well as it is a extremely rare animal to find in Hong Kong. These deers can live up to a astounding 16 to 19 years. However, they can get scared to death when meeting unsuspected guests. So we do not recommend getting up close with this animal. |
PORCUPINE
This may come as a shock for there are actually porcupines in Hong Kong. It comes in a variety of colors and shapes yet again. It’s defensive system of shooting needles are actually quite dangerous. Though really rare on the hike, I do not recommend getting on their bad side. |
CASCADE FROG
The Hong Kong cascade frog or the torrent frog can be found near the southern coastal of China. They are patterned with beautiful and unique dots on the body and faint stripes on the limbs. On the trail they can be found near the water lily pond. |
Trail Birds
SIBERIAN WHITE CRANE
These white delicate and pose birds found in Hong Kong are called Siberian White Cranes. There long legs help that get a clear view of their food as they do fish in the ponds and waters. They are the third most endangered crane species in the world, with unique flute like calls. |
RED WHISKERED BLULB
The Red Whiskered Bull is found mainly in Asia. It’s small gentle size and unique patterns would catch the eye of anyone, the little red spot on it’s cheek gives it’s features a little bit of emphasis. |
SPARROW
This brown patterned bird is very common in Hong kong. This specie usually travels in groups. As each and every bird as a unique body and pattern with unique colours that stretch from brown to white. |
How to get there
To get there, you can go to Tsing Yi MTR station and take the minibus 308M to Sham Tseng Village, it will take around 15-20 minutes from the MTR station. From Tsing Yi to Li Do Garden for $8.40.
52X is a public bus that goes from Mong Kok Park Avenue or from Tuen Mun Center (Gold Coast) to Sham Tseng village, it would take around 20-30 minutes from Mong Kok and 30 minutes from Tuen Mun Center. From Mong Kok to Sham Tseng Village is for $11.50.
962B is another option of public transport that goes from Central and Admiralty to Sham Tseng Village. It would take around 30 minutes from Wing On Center, which is nearby Admiralty station. From Admiralty to Sham Tseng Village is for $18.80.
From Tsuen Wan West Railway Station, you can also take 234A or 234B straight to Sham Tseng Village, it would take around 20 minutes from the railway station. 234A is $6.10 and 234B is for $5.10.
This trail connects to the Maclehose trail, stage 9, which you can change and go to Yuen Long, Main Hall.
52X is a public bus that goes from Mong Kok Park Avenue or from Tuen Mun Center (Gold Coast) to Sham Tseng village, it would take around 20-30 minutes from Mong Kok and 30 minutes from Tuen Mun Center. From Mong Kok to Sham Tseng Village is for $11.50.
962B is another option of public transport that goes from Central and Admiralty to Sham Tseng Village. It would take around 30 minutes from Wing On Center, which is nearby Admiralty station. From Admiralty to Sham Tseng Village is for $18.80.
From Tsuen Wan West Railway Station, you can also take 234A or 234B straight to Sham Tseng Village, it would take around 20 minutes from the railway station. 234A is $6.10 and 234B is for $5.10.
This trail connects to the Maclehose trail, stage 9, which you can change and go to Yuen Long, Main Hall.
Risk Assessment
HAZARDS |
RISKS |
CONTROL |
EMERGENCY |
Narrow Steps |
Tripping or injuring foot or ankle |
Watching your step, better shoes |
Ask help from parents |
Steep Ramps |
Slip and fall backwards |
Slowly walk up, better shoes |
Help from others |
Shard Plants |
Cuts, rashes and splinters |
Look where you are going more protection around legs and arms |
Bandage to cover up womb or bring medicine |
Steep Cliffs |
Falling off, causing severe injuries. |
Stay away from steep cliffs, keep to the mountain side or secure railings |
Help from others and immediately call for help using mobile devices or hikers nearby |
Wild Animals |
Bitten, rammed, stung, rabies... |
Don’t go close to them, don’t harass them |
Ask someone to stop the animal |
Overcrowding |
Pushing, tripping causing people to slip, injuries or falling off cliffs |
Hike in one straight file |
Contact Police if any serious accidents occur |
Slippery Steps |
Fall, break bones, injuries. |
Don’t push, and don’t run |
Immediately contact hospital |
Dehydration |
Light headed, dizzy, faint |
Drink more water |
hospital Contact doctor or hospital if any serious injuries happen |
Uneven Paths |
ValueTripping, falling to cause injuries, cuts etc. |
Watch your step, walk carefully and slowly |
Use first aid kit or call for help |
Bibliography
"Oriental Bird Club Image Database : Red-whiskered Bulbul » Pycnonotus Jocosus." Oriental Bird Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Mar. 2017. <http://orientalbirdimages.org/search.php?Bird_ID=1679&Bird_Image_ID=68451>.