The weather in Hong Kong has been cooling down, creating the perfect conditions for a refreshing hike. Recently, we decided to take our parents to the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk located in Yuen Long for a leisurely walk.
Ho Pui Reservoir Walk Summary
Distance: approximately 5 kilometers
Duration: 2.5 hours including breaks
Here’s a summary of our route:
Ho Pui Tsuen – Ho Pui Campsite – Waterfall – Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk – Ho Pui Tsuen
We started at Ho Pui Tsuen, then headed to Ho Pui Campsite, followed by the Waterfall. After that, we continued to the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk. Our entire walk covered approximately 5 kilometers. Our exploration of the area, including breaks, took approximately 2.5 hours.
As we neared the exit, there was an option to visit Tai Lam Chung Reservoir. According to the signage, this additional route is approximately 4.4 km and will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. After considering our options, we decided to skip Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and retrace our steps to Ho Pui Tsuen. To return to the city, we took minibus 71 back to Kam Sheung Road MTR station.
Noteworthy features of this trail include a serene bamboo grove, the distinctive S-shaped reservoir, and stunning reflections of the nearby mountains.
Getting Here
To reach Ho Pui Tsuen:
- Take the MTR to Yuen Long station and walk for about 10 minutes to Tai Hang Street.
- From there, you can catch minibus #71 to Ho Pui Tsuen and get off at the terminus.
Tip: If you use Google Maps to plan your route, it may suggest taking minibus #71 from the stop in front of Kam Sheung Road MTR station. However, it’s worth noting that most seats on the minibus are usually occupied by the time it reaches Kam Sheung Road station, leaving only one or two seats available. Therefore, it’s advisable to board the minibus from Yuen Long Tai Hang Street to ensure a better chance of getting a seat.
Ho Pui Tsuen
Ho Pui Tsuen, located in Yuen Long District, is a small village with a tranquil atmosphere. Upon alighting from the minibus, look for a sign pointing you toward the reservoir. It’s common to find fellow travelers disembarking at this point, all eager to explore the same route. To assist you further, I’ve attached a photo for your reference.
Consider this spot as the starting point of your hiking/walking adventure. The initial leg of the journey entails a 30-minute walk up a gentle slope leading to the Ho Pui Campsite. Along the way, take the opportunity to pause and admire the breathtaking scenery. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Shenzhen.
Ho Pui Campsite
After a leisurely 30-minute walk from Ho Pui Tsuen, you will find yourself at the Ho Pui Campsite. Nestled atop a hill, this cozy campsite offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located near a barbecue site and equipped with a convenient mobile toilet, the campsite can accommodate fewer than twenty 4-person tents. During our visit, which coincided with a holiday, we noticed a steady stream of nature enthusiasts making their way up the hill, laden with camping gear. The barbecue site was abuzz with activity as people prepared delicious outdoor meals.
Upon reaching the campsite, the soothing sound of a nearby waterfall immediately caught our attention. We took a quick detour to check it out and found a family having a wonderful time in the stream under the bridge. It looked refreshing and fun!
Note: The road to the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk is shared by mountain bikes and authorized vehicles, so be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
HKFYG Organic Farm
On the way to the reservoir, you will pass by the HKFYG Organic Farm. Established in 2010, this organic farm offers a constant supply of organic vegetables. If you’re interested in learning more about an organic lifestyle, you can make a reservation for a guided tour of the farm. The guided tour costs about HKD 30 for half an hour (entrance to the greenhouse not included).
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun (Closed on Tue, except Public Holidays), 9 AM – 5 PM.
Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk
The route is very straightforward; just follow the signs to continue toward the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk. The family walk is a loop around the reservoir. The main path is a dirt trail, mostly shaded, and offers views of the reservoir. However, I was caught off guard by the amount of animal droppings along the way. This made our experience a little less enjoyable, as we had to watch every step.
Ho Pui Reservoir
The Ho Pui Reservoir, located in the northwest New Territories, serves as an irrigation reservoir primarily used for agricultural purposes. This reservoir, the smallest one managed by the Water Supplies Department, offers the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk. This family-friendly outdoor trail provides an easy loop around the reservoir, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Bamboo Grove
One of the highlights of this trail is the bamboo grove. It reminds me of the Arashiyama bamboo grove in Kyoto, Japan, but on a smaller scale and with fewer people.
After walking more than halfway along the trail, you’ll get to view the reservoir from a different angle. I love how peaceful this place looks and how you can see the reflections of the mountains in the water.
After completing the family walk, we decided to retrace our steps back to the village. Since it was already past lunchtime, we opted to grab a bite to eat before heading back to the minibus stop.
Happy Gathering Tea Restaurant 河背悠遊聚腳店士多
If you want to grab something to eat after the walk, there is only one option available: the small tea restaurant called Happy Gathering Tea Restaurant, located near the minibus terminus. The menu typically features what you’d expect from a tea restaurant, including noodles, sandwiches, fried rice, and other Chinese-style dishes.
Things to Bring
Please remember to pack the following items for the trail loop:
- Bring enough water to stay hydrated and some snacks for energy.
- Wear appropriate shoes for the trail, as there are muddy and slippery rocks.
- Don’t forget mosquito repellent to keep the bugs away.
- Also, bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
Conclusion
Although this is a fairly easy family walk, I would not recommend traveling all the way from Hong Kong Island if you have limited time. I suggest trying other walks and hikes in Hong Kong that are more scenic and convenient. However, you can definitely include this one if you plan to explore Yuen Long.
For other easy walks and hikes in Hong Kong, consider the following posts: