TUNG YEUNG SHAN
A Challenging Climb... and a spectacular sunset view
The spectacle of the day, but also the challenge of challenges, this section takes you from 104 metres above sea level to the 533-metre peak of Tung Yueng Shan!
From the road, the trail does not hesitate in giving you a sweat, as the trail immediately turns into a never-ending staircase, but not before passing through the deserted village of Ngau Liu, which is a little creepy, with delicate tea sets suspiciously undisturbed. Best not to touch them.
As you make turn after turn on the stairs in the forest and slowly gain elevation, take small breaks along the way, especially if it's a hot day. But if you are those who came here for a challenge, or running out of time, sprinting up the stairway would definitely prove to be an obstacle. But soon, as you climb the steep mountain and come out into the open, don't forget to savour the views of Marine Cove and Sai Kung, and the climb would be well deserved for this magnificent view!
The trail still continues upwards, but now the path becomes much more treacherous, where at times it becomes a pile of loose rocks that you have to carefully pick your way through. But keep your eye on the weather station in front of you; that's the peak of Tate's Cairn, and also your goal for the day!
This part would take at least an hour if you're fitter, or two or even three hours if you're those who loves photography or just want to take it slow. But as you climb the mountain, you would soon realise that the more you climb the greater the view, and as you close in on the peak of Tung Yueng Shan, the views of Sai Kung are magnificent!
Near the peak, you could see that there is a fork, with signs telling you to turn right to continue up the hill and on the Wilson Trail. The Wilson Trail is supposed to turn left here, but because of a recent landslide, that path is closed, as you could see from a warning sign. Even though you have to climb, even more, the views at the top would definitely worth it,
Especially if you come during sunset, you could savour unforgettable views of Sai Kung, and if you walk a bit further on the peak, Kowloon Peninsula. Here, you can already see fantastical views of the city, and with the golden light from the setting sun, the view is like a drawing! Here, you could also enjoy the golden mountain-line of the ridge of the nine mountains of Kowloon. (That's why it's called Kowloon!) It is truly a beautiful 360-degree panorama. To add on, if you come during Autumn, 芒草 (Miscanthus floridulus, I don't know the English!) would cover entire slopes of the hill, adding on to the spetacle. But don't stay too late! Because you won't want to miss the star view of today's hike, the view compass! But before that, you have to slide your way down the slippery slope of Tung Yueng Shan to join Fei Ngo Shan Road below. Don't get distracted by the views, because you won't want to roll down the mountain! The slope is also covered with fine sand, making it even easier to slip on.
After you finish the difficult slide, you would finally reach a road, where you could continue straight up the slope, before turning right towards the amazing view compass. And from afar, if you come at sunset, you could already see tens of people gathering. Go closer, and you would really agree that the trail saves the best for last.
The spectacle of today's hike is a magnificent view of Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria Harbour and beyond, but not only that, you could see the mountains on either side of the prosperous city. Here, you could identify the best; the pearl, of the city, the financial hub of Hong Kong. Here, you could see the whole urban side of Hong Kong, the side people know Hong Kong as. And especially if you've been living in Hong Kong for years and are leaving Hong Kong, this is especially a moving view, to see ships in the distance, tightly-packed buildings, and the tall skyscrapers of Hong Kong. And if you come at sunset, the sun setting over the horizon like an egg yolk, saying goodbye to the city for the day, illuminating its golden rays across the sky is a spectacular bonus. Not many views can match this one! And I'm definitely not exaggerating, go there and see for yourself, and the view would be unforgettable!
