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Discover Hong Kong’s Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, the ‘Thousand Island Lake’ in Tuen Mun, with our comprehensive hiking guide — and catch some Autumn foliage along the way!
Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, otherwise known as Thousand Island Lake, offers one of Hong Kong’s most spectacular and Instagram-worthy hiking experiences. This beginner-friendly trail combines stunning reservoir views with rich history, making it the perfect weekend adventure for both novice and experienced hikers. This guide provides everything you need to know to conquer this beautiful hike safely and confidently!
Read More: Our Favourite Beginner-Friendly & Easy Hikes In Hong Kong
Thousand Island Lake Hike Overview
Distance: 7km to 9km, depending on route
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly to moderate
Duration: 2 to 4 hours round trip
Facilities: Portable toilets available near viewing points
Read More: Best Hong Kong Hikes – Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List
Why Hike The Tai Lam Chung Reservoir?
History lesson incoming: The Tai Lam Chung Reservoir opened in 1957, securing the distinction of the first reservoir built in Hong Kong after WWII. But here’s the cool part — those dozens of tiny islands visible from the top of the hike? They’re actually the tops of former hills that were never submerged when the valley was flooded!
The unique landscape earned it the nickname ‘Thousand Island Lake,’ a hat-tip to the original in Zhejiang, China. Tucked within the sprawling Tai Lam Country Park (Hong Kong’s second-biggest!), this hike serves up incredible views and a chance to spot local wildlife. Here, you can snag a glimpse of anything from colourful birds to leopard cats — and if you’re really lucky, the elusive Chinese pangolin (the real-life Pokemon Sandshrew)!
Read More: Hikes With History — The Best Historic Walking Trails In Hong Kong
How To Get To The Thousand Island Lake: Step-By-Step Routes To Tai Lam Chung Reservoir
There are two main routes to choose from, each offering a different kind of adventure. The viewpoint itself is a short, well-signed detour off the main MacLehose Trail. For the quickest and most direct path to the famous Thousand Island Lake photo spot, take the popular route from So Kwun Wat (see far left from the above image!).
Hikers looking for a longer and more varied journey that also passes the stunning Wong Nai Tun Reservoir should begin from the Yuen Long side. Just remember that the Yuen Long route is a one-way trek, so you’ll need to plan your finish — either retracing your steps for a challenging day, or continuing on to exit at So Kwun Wat. Above, you can see a rough outline of this longer route!
Read More: 6 Short Hiking Trails In Hong Kong – Easy Hikes Under Two Hours
Route 1: Direct & Easy From So Kwun Wat
Step 1: Start At So Kwun Wat Tsuen Road Village
Begin at the Tin Hau Temple in So Kwun Wat Tsuen (your minibus 43/43S drop-off point). Follow So Kwun Wat Tsuen Road past village homes — you may even spot some friendly goats!
Step 2: Join The MacLehose Trail Section 10
After a 15-20 minute walk, you’ll reach a car park with a boom barrier. Cross it, and congratulations, you’re now officially on MacLehose Trail Section 10! Begin your ascent on the paved road.
Step 3: Find The Reservoir Islands Viewpoint
The paved path winds uphill for about 2km, offering peeks of the reservoir. It ends at a basic viewing area with a portable toilet. Don’t stop here! Look for the colourful, illustrated signpost pointing to the ‘Reservoir Islands Viewpoint.’ This is your turn.
Step 4: The Final Climb
Take the rugged dirt trail and stone steps up to your right. In about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at the main viewing platform with the breathtaking, uninterrupted view of Thousand Island Lake.
Read More: Your Guide To The Top Picnic Spots In Hong Kong
Route 2: Scenic Foliage & Country Park Across Tai Tong
Step 1: Start From Yuen Long
Take the bus to the Tai Tong Shan Road stop on the K66 route. From here, follow the yellow and green railing through Yeung Ka Tsuen, before reaching a sign pointing you up towards the Wong Nai Tun Reservoir — where your hike begins!
Step 2: Discover Wong Nai Tun Reservoir
Before you get to the main event, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning, deep-turquoise waters of Wong Nai Tun Reservoir. It’s a fantastic photo stop in its own right, especially when the sun hits it.
Step 3: Approach The Reservoir Islands Viewpoint
Continue on the trail as it winds through the forest from Wong Nai Tun Reservoir. Eventually, you’ll see the famous colourful signpost for the ‘Reservoir Islands Viewpoint’, where you’ll converge with the So Kwun Wat route. Take the short, final climb up to the platform for your reward.
Step 4: Choose Your Finish Line
Once you’ve soaked in the views, you have a decision to make. The most straightforward would be to continue forward down the trail towards So Kwun Wat, which leads out to Tuen Mun and is your gateway to the Gold Coast. Alternatively, to create a scenic loop back to Yuen Long, you can head in the direction of the Tai Tong Sweet Gum Woods. This route allows you to pass through the peaceful Tai Tong Nature Trail, where you can soak in some beautiful seasonal foliage!
Read More: Where To See Seasonal Foliage In Hong Kong
Post-Hike Food & Transportation Options
Return Transportation Options
Same Route Return: Retrace your steps to So Kwun Wat Tsuen and take minibus 43 or 43S back to Tuen Mun Station.
Alternative Finish: From the viewpoint, continue to Tai Tong and take minibus 39 to Yuen Long Station.
Taxi Option: Taxis are often available at So Kwun Wat Tsuen for return trips.
Recommended Post-Hike Meals
Tuen Mun Seafood: Head to Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market, where restaurants will prepare fresh seafood you select!
Gold Coast: Visit the restaurants and cafes near Golden Beach (for a crowd pleaser, try Nonna) to enjoy beautiful sunset views.
Yuen Long: Explore our full Yuen Long guide for more food recommendations!
