Hong Kong Hiking Challenge 2022

The Hong Kong Reunification Pavilion was built in 1997 to commemorate Hong Kong's reunification with the Motherland, and bears the inscription of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Tung Chee-hwa. From the pavilion, you can enjoy the cityscape of Kowloon in a myriad of lights and the Victoria Harbour. With the bustling city just beneath you, and mountains stretching out behind you, this combination weaves into a picturesque landscape second to none.

Enjoy Hiking - MacLehose Trail (Section 5) Tate's Cairn to Tai Po Road

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Hong Kong Orchid Tree
(Bauhinia x blakeana)

Checkpoint 1

The Hong Kong Orchid Tree in nature is a miracle. Unknown seeds were born after a very rare encounter between White Bauhinia (Bauhinia variegate) and Purple Camel's Foot (Bauhinia purpurea), which flourished along the coasts of Pok Fu Lam. It was then discovered in around 1880 and was adopted as Hong Kong’s city flower in 1965, and adopted as the logo of the city’s emblem and flag.

HK Plant Database

"Biu Tsim Kok" is a headland to the north of the High Island Reservoir East Dam. The hills are composed of volcanic hexagonal rock columns, creating a spectacular geological collage. This is one of the few places where you can see the hexagonal volcanic pillars from above, making it a popular spot for visitors to 'check-in'.

Enjoy Hiking - Biu Tsim Kok - Viewing Points

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Hong Kong Paradise Fish
(Macropodus hongkongensis)

Checkpoint 2

With the Chinese name of a warrior, the Hong Kong Paradise Fish is very territorial. Any creature swimming by its home are warned not to approach as the fish opens all its fins, any doubt will trigger the Hong Kong Paradise Fish to drive it away. The gill of it can extend to an auxiliary breathing apparatus, allowing it to maintain combat state physically and mentally even if it is in a low oxygen environment unbearable to ordinary aquatic animals.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

Sharp Island located in Port Shelter, Sai Kung, hosts a Geo Trail and a Country Trail. At high tide, Sharp Island and Kiu Tau are two islands; at low tide, a tombolo connecting the two islands is exposed, allowing visitors to access the islands on foot. The island''s trails also offer great view from Kiu Tsui Viewing Point to the east over the vast grasslands of Kau Sai Chau and Yim Tin Tsai area, or to the west over the tombolo.

Enjoy Hiking - Sharp Island Geo Trail
Enjoy Hiking - Sharp Island - Waterscapes
Enjoy Hiking - Sharp Island Country Trail

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Caridina trifasciata

Checkpoint 3

Caridina trifasciata has three dark blue stripes on its translucent body, so its nomenclature is straightforward to reflect their characteristic stripes. Caridina trifasciata also has a straightforward character – not picky with food, mainly feeding on algae, organic debris and dead leaves. First discovered in Hong Kong in 2003, it has a very narrow distribution given its high standard for water quality, favouring only clean streams. Protect these small lives by keeping freshwater habitats clean.

Yung Shue O is located in the inner bay of Three Fathoms Cove, a calm bay full of fishing rafts. Three Fathoms Cove is surrounded by mountains, with the villages of San Wai and Lo Wai built along its shoreline, and huts scattered around the hillside, giving off a fishing village vibe. Nearby is the Cheung Sheung Country Trail; Cheung Sheung is a wetland on highland surrounded by mountains.

Enjoy Hiking - Cheung Sheung Country Trail

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Rhodoleia
(Rhodoleia championii)

Checkpoint 4

Plants are very picky about seasons; the Rhodoleia loves early spring and blooms around the Lunar New Year. First discovered in the mountains of Aberdeen in 1849, Rhodoleia is famous for hanging blooms clothed in bright red festive gowns that also earned it the title of the king of hanging bell flowers. During the Lunar New Year, Rhodoleia blesses the mountains with a cheerful and festive vibe, as if wishing that all growth will flourish for many generations to come.

HK Plant Database

The lush green hillside near Tai Hang Tun is Hong Kong's most open and scenic kite-flying site, offering panoramic view of Hong Kong's south-eastern waters, from the Ninepin Group, Green Island, Tung Lung Chau, to Wang Lang Island, Beaufort Island and other islands in the south. Located on the eastern side of Hong Kong, far from the city's light pollution, the Kite Flying Area is ideal for star and moon gazing at night. At Tai Hang Tun, anyone, from children to grown-ups, can discover a unique and enjoyable countryside experience.

Enjoy Hiking - Lung Ha Wan Country Trail
Enjoy Hiking -Tai Hang Tun Kite-Flying Area

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Red Muntjac
(Muntiacus vaginalis)

Checkpoint 5

Red Muntjac is the only species of deer in Hong Kong. Timid in nature, it is also called barking deer, because it will bark like a dog when it is frightened or courting. Male Red Muntjac has thick horns on its head, which will fall off and grow again every year. Female Red Muntjac has manes and small joints. If you come across a barking deer, please stay quiet and let them pass; avoid scaring these timid animals as they may die from shock.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

From Kowloon Peak Viewing Point, you can enjoy the proximate view of Kowloon Peninsula, and on a clear day, even the view on both sides of the Victoria Harbour is clearly visible. As the sun sets and the sky blazes with different shades of orange red with ever-changing clouds, the city lights up as if it is hustling for the next round of festivities. The splendid scene dotted with vivid colours is definitely a sight to behold.

Enjoy Hiking - Sunset at Kowloon Peak
Enjoy Hiking - Wilson Trail (Section 4) Tseng Lan Shue to Shatin Pass Road

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Hong Kong Newt
(Paramesotriton hongkongensis)

Checkpoint 6

In Hong Kong, you can only name one amphibian with a tail – Hong Kong Newt. It has a cute face and orange markings on its tummy which are unique for each individual. In case of danger, it immediately flips over to play dead, simultaneously sending a warning signal with its bright tummy markings. When touched, it secretes venom to send the message “Poison, do not eat!” Hong Kong Newt enjoys slow living, it uses Grassy-leaved Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus) as a waterside nursery, and lives on both land and water and migrates with the seasons, swimming and climbing slowly. If you come across a Hong Kong Newt, just leave it alone and let it be.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

Beacon Hill, named after the pen rest it resembles from a distance, offers breath-taking view of the entire Kowloon Peninsula that even stretches to as far as Tseung Kwan O and Chai Wan. At sunset, you can fully take in the views of blinking lights of the dynamic and vibrant city while basking in the warm rays of the receding sun.

Enjoy Hiking -
MacLehose Trail (Section 5) Tate's Cairn to Tai Po Road

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Shiuying Bamboo
(Oligostachyum shiuyingianum)

Checkpoint 7

Shiuying Bamboo is unique to Hong Kong. As the Chinese saying goes, “A gentleman is like the bamboo, humble and upright”. Discovered by Prof. Hu Shiu-Ying at Eagle's Nest in 1981, the Bamboo is named after her as recognition for her contribution to Hong Kong's botanical research. Shiuying Bamboo lives quietly and elegantly in Hong Kong; in its younger stages, the lush green bamboo sheaths are dotted with purple speckles.

HK Plant Database

A walk through Kam Shan Country Park brings view of all four reservoirs of the Kowloon Reservoir Group– Kowloon Reservoir, Kowloon Secondary Reservoir, Kowloon Receiving Reservoir and Shek Lei Pui Reservoir. Attention often falls on Kowloon Reservoir, with its famous arched main dam, the valve house and the overflow dam, all of which are declared monuments. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city while you immerse in the calmness of the vast reservoir and the reflection of the sky.

Enjoy Hiking -
MacLehose Trail (Section 6) Tai Po Road to Shing Mun
Enjoy Hiking - Kam Shan Tree Walk
Enjoy Hiking - Kam Shan Family Walk

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Anderson's Stream Snake
(Opisthotropis andersonii)

Checkpoint 8

Unattractive but gentle! The aquatic Anderson's Stream Snake favours a shaded creek habitat; as a good swimmer, it feeds on fish, shrimp and earthworms. A gentle and docile snake, it is not only non-toxic, but also so timid that it will flee if it meets you. In fact, they are probably more afraid of humans than humans are afraid of snakes! Next time you see a snake, don't yell or panic, it is just part of nature, where there is no good or evil.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

Shing Mun Leisure Deck is a viewing point located on the eastern slope of Shing Mun Reservoir surrounded by the Reservoir and lush green mountains. When water levels is high in the reservoir, the Paperbark plantation is reflected everywhere, curating a poetic landscape of a picturesque mix of mountains and trees.

Enjoy Hiking - Shing Mun Leisure Deck

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Hong Kong Clubtail
(Leptogomphus hongkongensis)

Checkpoint 9

Many dragonflies are beautiful, but when it comes to the ones that can be easily seen, the Hong Kong Clubtail must be one of them. It is the only native dragonfly species named after Hong Kong, every summer, they rest gracefully on plants beside streams, or fly slowly in woods. In addition to their aesthetic value, dragonflies are also biological indicators for environmental monitoring. The number of dragonflies is closely related to the water quality of rivers and streams. There is a saying that “You can tell the quality of the habitat just by looking at the dragonflies!”

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong's highest peak, serving a 180-degree view of the Kam Tin plain from the northern viewing point. From high above, you can see as far as Lam Tsuen, Kai Kung Leng, Tai To Yan, and even Shenzhen. Tai Mo Shan offers different seasonal specials: in summer, the setting sun falls over Kam Tin plain at Pat Heung, colouring the distant Lau Fau Shan orange; in autumn and winter, the silvergrass dancing in the strong winds is common at this height. Looking back down from the peak, the view of the meandering road is a unique landmark of Tai Mo Shan.

Enjoy Hiking - Tai Mo Shan - Sunrise and Sunset
Enjoy Hiking - Silvergrass on Tai Mo Shan
Enjoy Hiking -
MacLehose Trail (Section 8) Lead Mine Pass to Route Twisk

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Creeping Gentian
(Tripterospermum nienkui)

Checkpoint 10

There are more than 200 recorded butterfly species in Hong Kong, but Creeping Gentian, literally means “Hong Kong twin butterflies” is not on the list. Creeping Gentian is indeed a perennial climbing herb and was discovered in Hong Kong in 1930. Its deep purple flowers bloom on spirally twisted stems. Besides, its calyxes and leaves are also the highlights, intertwining with each other, like tango. As to which part of it is more similar to a butterfly, let your imagination run wild!

HK Plant Database

This viewing point offers a panoramic view of Tsuen Wan, Rambler Channel and Stonecutters Island. Look further and observe countless ships busy scuttling within Victoria Harbour. Turn your sight to the container terminals, decorated by rainbow-coloured containers stacked up like a neat map of building bricks.

Enjoy Hiking - MacLehose Trail (Section 9) Route Twisk to Tin Fu Tsai

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Harland's Tanbark
(Lithocarpus harlandii)

Checkpoint 11

Harland's Tanbark was first discovered in a wood in Happy Valley in 1850. Its hat-shaped cupules are family symbols, which grow happily on the trees like upside-down hats. The nuts under these hats grow gradually from green and astringent ones in fruiting time to mature ones with dark colours. Some of them shake off their cupules alone, and others escape from treetops in groups, and then fall into the mud, nevertheless, all are enjoyed as delicacies by wild animals.

HK Plant Database

The Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, also known as Thousand-Island Lake, was completed in 1957 as the first reservoir built in Hong Kong after the Second World War. Located in an undulating river valley, the sight of islands of various sizes magically materialized after the area was flooded with water stored. The islands are vegetated with Chinese Red Pine, Slash Pine, Swamp Mahogany and Lemon-scented Gum, creating a lush green landscape on Thousand-Island Lake.

Enjoy Hiking - Tai Lam Reservoir Islands Viewpoint
Enjoy Hiking -
MacLehose Trail (Section 10) Tin Fu Tsai to Tuen Mun

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Three-banded Box Turtle
(Cuora trifasciata)

Checkpoint 12

Three-banded Box Turtle was originally widely distributed in southern China and Vietnam. Commonly known as the Golden-coin Turtle, it is being hunted and traded for the belief that it could bring wealth and fortune. Over the years, its wild population has diminished drastically, and rated as critically endangered in the IUCN red list of threatened species, making it one of the most endangered turtles in the world. The very small population of Three-banded Box Turtle that remains in Hong Kong requires our protection for survival. If it has a choice, it would definitely choose to be ordinary.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

The ancient Hakka village of Lai Chi Wo has a history of over 400 years; it is named after lychee that was once produced in abundance. The village has retained its traditional Hakka character in many aspects. With over 100 years' history, the village's ancestral hall, the Hip Tin Temple and the Hok Shan Monastery are listed as Grade III historic buildings. A trip to Lai Chi Wo sends you back in time to the old days of Hong Kong for a deep sense of the unique traditional Hakka culture.

Enjoy Hiking - Lai Chi Wo
Enjoy Hiking - Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail

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Incense Tree
(Aquilaria sinensis)

Checkpoint 13

Aquilaria sinensis, commonly known as the Incense Tree, was born and bred in Hong Kong. Hong Kong translates to “Fragrant Harbour” in Chinese; many believed that the fragrance from the export of locally-harvested agarwood gave the city its name. When it comes to its attractiveness, its fruits are more remarkable than its pale-yellow flowers. The seeds disguise themselves as caterpillars, hanging in mid-air to attract wasps who contribute to expanding the tree's territories.

HK Plant Database

Surrounded by serene valleys and lush green hillsides, Cloudy Hill is located at the junction of Section 8 and 9 of the Wilson Trail. Atop its undulating ridge, breath-taking views of of Tai Po City and Tolo Harbour unravels beneath you, immerse in this mountain paradise as a quick getaway from the repetitive city life.

Enjoy Hiking - Wilson Trail (Section 8) Yuen Tun Ha to Cloudy Hill
Enjoy Hiking - Wilson Trail (Section 9) Cloudy Hill to Pat Sin Leng

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Chinese Greenwing
(Neurobasis chinensis chinensis)

Checkpoint 14

This species has a kind of low-key beauty. When its wings are closed, there is nothing remarkable, but when it spreads its wings and flies, the beauty is amazing. Male Chinese Greenwing has wings with a metallic green lustre, which slowly unfold as it rests. When it flutters, the wings gleam a seductive green, dazzling like winged jewel flying in the forests. You will never forget its charm if you get to see one.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

Tai To Yan literally means“large knife edge” in Chinese; from far, the mountain ridge resembles a knife blade resting on its spine with the edge pointing towards the sky. A narrow walkway lines the ridge sandwiched by near-vertical slopes on both sides. On top of the physical challenge, on a windy day, the hike might call for more willpower as you manoeuvre the knife's edge. Take a break on the flat grass field and adjust the rhythm of your breath and your body before climbing the summit.

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Hong Kong Balsam
(Impatiens hongkongensis)

Checkpoint 15

Bearing a similar Chinese name as the vintage pineapple popsicle, Hong Kong Balsam should ring a bell in locals' minds. Dotting the mountains with pale-yellow flowers, Hong Kong Balsam have petals with reddish-purple blotches at the throat, with the base constricted into an incurved petal. First discovered in Tai Po in 1925 and described as a new species in 1979, this species is of special botanical interests.

HK Plant Database

The ridge of Shek O Peak to Wan Cham Shan undulates like a giant dragon, hence the name "Dragon's Back". The viewing point at the highest point offers a panoramic view of Shek O, Tung Lung Island, Stanley and Tai Tam. Strolling along the shady paths along the hillside of Wan Cham Shan, drown yourself in the music of rustling trees and chirping birds as you embrace nature's tranquillity and comfort.

Enjoy Hiking - Hong Kong Trail (Section 8) To Tei Wan to Tai Long Wan

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Hong Kong Iris
(Iris speculatrix)

Checkpoint 16

Hong Kong Iris was first discovered on Hong Kong Island in 1875, and grows in moist grassland or woods. Its corolla presents a view into a kaleidoscope: one circle is elegant while the other is bright; and the outer segments are spatulate while the inner segments are oblanceolate. The large and colourful flowers are violet or light blue, making it an attractive accessory in the countryside.

HK Plant Database

The Tai Tam Reservoir Group is home to over 20 declared monuments ,including the the upper reservoir's dam, masonry bridge and aqueduct, , the byewash reservoir dam and valve house and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir masonry bridge. The paths around the reservoirs form easy walks with breathtaking views between these special reservoirs, the landscape and the unique stone bridges and historic buildings.

Enjoy Hiking - Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Masonry Bridge

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Hong Kong Lady's Slipper Orchid
(Paphiopedilum purpuratum)

Checkpoint 17

The colours of Hong Kong Lady's Slipper Orchid are between the tones of cold and warm. First discovered on Hong Kong Island in 1850, it is the only native plant of the genus Paphiopedilum. When in bloom, the flowers' graceful demeanour attracts the bad luck of being dug and removed from its home. If being admired will be at the expense of leaving its home, Hong Kong Lady's Slipper Orchid would rather indulge in self-admiration. If you are lucky enough to meet it, just admire its beauty and express your love for it from a distance.

HK Plant Database

Mount Butler Viewing Point is located in the centre of Hong Kong Island. Hikers along this route will climb Jardine's Lookout and Mount Butler back-to-back. With both mountains peaking at over 400 metres, Jardine's Lookout offers a view from Victoria Harbour to the bustling commercial area of Kowloon Peninsula. Mount Butler is reportedly the best viewing point on Hong Kong Island as it overlooks Lamma Island, the Tai Tam Reservoir Group, Stanley andthe southern part of Hong Kong Island.

Enjoy Hiking -
Hong Kong Trail (Section 5) Wong Nai Chung Gap to Mount Parker Road

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Mountain Crab
(Nanhaipotamon hongkongense)

Checkpoint 18

This crab lives in clean forest streams in the mountain. Unlike its marine counterparts, it stays in its burrow in the daytime and comes out at night, flashing its red carapace and navigating with its two beady eyes. Mountain Crab was first discovered on Hong Kong Island and confirmed as a new species in 1940. As a mother, it takes care of its own children in every detail. After laying eggs, it holds them in its abdomen to protect them, which is a rare scene among crabs.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

The 17th Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Cecil Clementi, was said to have been a frequent equestrian on this route, which was then named after him. This trail overlaps with the 2-kilometre Quarry Bay Jogging Trail, which connects Mount Parker Road in the south to Choi Sai Woo of North Point in the north. The viewpoint near the northern start of the jogging trail offers panoramic views of the eastern part of Hong Kong and Kowloon, showcasing Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui to Lei Yue Mun.

Tai Tam Country Park and Tai Tam Country Park (Quarry Bay Extension)

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Hong Kong Cascade Frog
(Amolops hongkongensis)

Checkpoint 19

Hong Kong Cascade Frog does not go with the flow, but propels against strong currents. With a flat body, strong legs and developed webbed toes with suction discs, it can easily shuttle among waterfalls and slippery rocks in currents like a martial arts master. It was first discovered in Tai Mo Shan in 1950, distributed in several mountain streams on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories. Hong Kong Cascade Frog is certainly a good example of how species evolve and adapt to harsh challenges from nature.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

Middle Gap is located in the centre of Hong Kong Island between Mount Cameron and Mount Nicholson, with Wanchai Gap to the west and Wong Nai Chung Gap to the east. Given its moderate elevation, the viewpoint still offers an amazing bird's eye view sweeping from the west to south, over Nam Long Shan, Ocean Park, Shouson Hill, Repulse Bay and Chung Hom Shan, as well as the small islands of Ngan Chau and Middle Island.

Enjoy Hiking -
Hong Kong Trail (Section 4) Wan Chai Gap to Wong Nai Chung Gap

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Hong Kong Tree Gecko
(Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis)

Checkpoint 20

To escape by dropping their tail is a common survival technique in the animal world, nevertheless, geckos are definitely the best masters of this technique. Hong Kong Tree Gecko was discovered in 2018, and by far, is unique to Hong Kong. Its tail is not only the standard gear for escaping from predators, but serves the daily function of coiling around branches to allow the arboreal species to move more freely among their tree habitat. Unfortunately, many people misunderstand geckos as “pests” and try to exterminate them. Contrary to popular believe that geckos are “pests” that deserve to be exterminated, they are silent predators of cockroaches. In the future, if you see geckos, please spare them to repay their kindness of exterminating the real pests for us.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)

The fourth highest peak on Hong Kong Island, Mount High West separates the bustle of the Central and Western District from the tranquillity of the Southern District. After climbing more than 600 steps, you will reach the unobstructed peak and enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and sky of the West Lamma Channel. Near dusk, as the sun slowly descends behind the mountain ranges of Lantau Island, the sky, the sea and the Victoria Harbour are illuminated in a fiery red, while skyscrapers on both sides of the harbour glow in gold slowly transform into night lights.

Enjoy Hiking - High West Viewing Point

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Hong Kong Camellia
(Camellia hongkongensis)

Checkpoint 21

Hong Kong Camellia was first discovered at Victoria Peak in 1849, and is the only local camellia plant with red flowers. Its pale red corolla is remarkable but not ostentatious; blooming in the cold winter, the sight of these red blossom in the mountains are a sight to behold.

HK Plant Database

Lung Fu Shan Country Park is the smallest country park in Hong Kong, with Victoria Peak to the east, Mount High West to the south, Shek Tong Tsui to the north and Mount Davis to the west. Despite being petite, this country park is a conglomeration of rich natural ecology and historic backgrounds, including the renowned relics of Pinewood Battery. Lung Fu Shan Viewing Point was once an artillery observation post, but today the smoke and fumes are gone and only the setting sun remains, allowing visitors to enjoy the view of the western side of Hong Kong Island.

Enjoy Hiking - Observation Post at High West
Enjoy Hiking - Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail
Enjoy Hiking - Pinewood Battery

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Hong Kong Loosestrife
(Lysimachia alpestris)

Checkpoint 22

Hong Kong Loosestrife has a funny Chinese name that reminisces the childhood game “Red light, green light!”. There is no traffic light in the mountain, but if you look back, yellow blooms on rosette-shaped leaves wave to you from the side of the trail. First discovered in 1850 at the Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Loosestrife can only been found in a few location in Guangdong in addition to Hong Kong. In recent years, rarer sightings of Hong Kong Loosestrife see a shrinking distribution of the species; hopefully, this species will not wither into a passer-by in the passage of time.

HK Plant Database

There are two viewpoints at the top of Lo Fu Tau that offer very different views, one faces north towards the airport and Tuen Mun, and the other faces south towards Discovery Bay Reservoir and the golf course. The rolling mountain ranges, with strange rocks protruding here and there, are like a beautiful landscape painting. Come autumn, and the silvergrass and other wild grasses on the hills turn golden, like a tiger's dazzling fur.

Enjoy Hiking - Lo Fu Tau Country Trail
Enjoy Hiking - Lo Fu Tau Sword Testing Stone

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Hong Kong Azalea
(Rhododendron hongkongense)

Checkpoint 23

The elegant Hong Kong Azalea was first discovered on Hong Kong Island between 1847 and 1850, and was officially named after Hong Kong in 1930. After flowering in spring, the egg-shaped capsule of Hong Kong azalea awaits silently until it cracks and set seeds flying afar, hoping for an endless growth in the woods of Hong Kong.

HK Plant Database

Hong Kong's third highest mountain, Sunset Peak offers spectacular views of South Lantau. The mountain is undoubtedly the most popular attraction of late autumn, as visitors flock to capture its glistening cape of silvergrass in the slanting sun. Away from the lights of the city, the mountain brings you closer to the infinite sky, feast your eyes to the ever-changing views of sunrise and sunset and immerse in nature as the sea of clouds float towards and over you.

Enjoy Hiking - Silvergrass on Sunset Peak and Stone Chalets
Enjoy Hiking - Lantau Trail (Section 2) Nam Shan to Pak Kung Au
Enjoy Hiking - South Lantau Country Trail

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Lantau Star-anise
(Illicium angustisepalum)

Checkpoint 24

Unlike the star anise used in cuisines, the Lantau Star-anise is a species unique to Hong Kong. It was first discovered on Lantau Peak in 1905, and still is found on Lantau Island only. Despite its familiar shape as the star anise, this fruit is inedible, but nonetheless deserves all of our conservation efforts.

HK Plant Database

Nei Lak Shan Country Trail offers varied views of Tung Chung City to the east and the flying chessboard of the airport to the north. In spring and summer, the hills are encompassed in fog, while in autumn and winter, the blanket of silvergrass is in full bloom. The route overlaps midway with the cable car ropeway, providing opportunities to photograph cable cars zooming overhead. At dusk, the spectacular view of Ngong Ping Village and the Big Buddha is enhanced with the setting sun in the background.

Enjoy Hiking - Nei Lak Shan Country Trail

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Romer's Tree Frog
(Liuixalus romeri)

Checkpoint 25

Romer's Tree Frog is as small as a fingertip. However, it has a famous successful conservation story behind it. In the 1990s, when the new airport was to be constructed on Chek Lap Kok, a rescue operation of ex situ conservation was immediately carried out. Experts brought Romer's Tree Frog to laboratories for breeding and later released them to several country parks. Nowadays, this species has multiplied in its new homes, and some of the groups even gradually expanding their territories. We can be proud of this encouraging case of conservation in such a densely populated city like Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub (HKBIH)