Hong Kong Photo Gallery - Tuen Mun Trail

Uphill on the east side of Tuen Mun is a relatively easy trail with nice views and coloured railings. The Tuen Mun Trail has made headlines recently because of the railings, and I waited for the initial rush before coming to see for myself. From Hoh Fuk Tong light rail station, head towards Pui To Road for the entry point into Maclehose Trail Section 10. This initial section is a slow climb under the shade. There were a few run-down shacks along the way. A kind person has posted various bus routes back to the city for those heading in the other direction and ending their hike where I started. At the intersection, head to the left to start the Tuen Mun Trail. A long staircase begins but luckily it is still shaded. At this sign, continue left. You are in the middle of the ridge and the worst of the climb is over. The walk now is more exposed and beautiful views emerge in between the greenery. There are makeshift shrines and rest areas along the way. Castle Peak is on the other side of Tuen Mun and is quite a gruelling long climb. The star attraction of this trail is not the view, but the rainbow-coloured railings that go with the view. After a long exposed section where crowds can space out to take photos, the shade returns. It is also possible to climb higher to a reservoir, but I was satisfied with the star attraction and continued ahead, and then downhill. A short walk from the sign is a shrine with a covered rest area. The staircase down felt much longer than the climb up, but it is all paved and easy. I would rather go downhill here than the other way. The ridges on the other side have many expert-level hikes with slippery and sandy sections. The Tuen Mun Trail is a lot easier and even families can tackle it. The hike ends just behind Elegance Gardens, a short walk to Prime View light rail station. The 1.5 hour hike is straight forward with nice views. The scenery is well worth the short climb and the coloured railings make this trail a little more interesting.