2022.04.10 SUN
【Hiking • 014】
Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool . Tiu Tang Lung Path . Yung Shue Au
長排頭 • 天池 . 吊燈籠徑 . 榕樹凹
This hiking route kicks off from 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】, hitting 【Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑)】, 【Fung Hang (鳳坑)】, 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】, 【Yung Shue Au (榕樹凹)】, 【Tai Sum Chung (大深涌)】, 【Cheung Pai Tau (長排頭)】, and the 【Sky Pool (天池)】, before finally doubling back to 【Nam Chung (南涌)】. It’s a scenic trail packed with natural wonders, perfect for hikers who love a bit of exploration. The whole loop is about 18km and takes roughly 7 hours to complete, so it’s best suited for those with decent fitness. This route doesn’t just offer killer views of Hong Kong’s natural beauty — it also lets you experience diverse ecosystems and local history, making it a must-try for any serious hiker.
Route:
Luk Keng (鹿頸) → Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑) → Fung Hang (鳳坑) → Kuk Po (谷埔) → Yung Shue Au (榕樹凹) → Tai Sum Chung (大深涌) → Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池) → Nam Chung (南涌)
Duration
6.9
hrs
Distance
18.3
km
Highest Point
51
m
Difficulty
3.5
m
Explore the Route
Route Overview
Luk Keng (鹿頸) → Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑) → Fung Hang (鳳坑) → Kuk Po (谷埔) → Yung Shue Au (榕樹凹) → Tai Sum Chung (大深涌) → Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池) → Nam Chung (南涌)
【Start】 Setting off from 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】, you’ll first hit the 【Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑)】. This coastal trail offers some seriously stunning views. Along the way, you can check out the mangroves and wetland ecosystems — these aren’t just for show; they act as a natural barrier against the waves. Keep an eye out while you’re trekking, as you’ll see heaps of little red crabs scurrying around the mangroves, which definitely adds a bit of fun to the hike.
【Mid-section】 Next, the trail leads you into 【Fung Hang (鳳坑)】. It’s a tiny village with a few local 『store-cafes (士多)』 where you can grab some supplies or a quick snack. After passing through, you’ll reach 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】. This is an old-school Hakka village with deep history; the ancient buildings and ruins are well worth exploring. One highlight is the 【Kai Choi School (啟才學校)】, a Grade 3 historic building with nearly 80 years of history. Although it’s abandoned now, it still keeps its classic architectural charm. Leaving the village, you’ll enter 【Yung Shue Au (榕樹凹)】. This spot is a total “eye candy” location with a long embankment where you can soak in the coastal scenery. Continue pushing on to 【Tai Sum Chung (大深涌)】, a natural water source with crystal-clear water—the perfect spot to take a breather.
【Finish】 From 【Tai Sum Chung (大深涌)】, the route heads into 【Cheung Pai Tau (長排頭)】 and the 【Sky Pool (天池)】. 【Cheung Pai Tau (長排頭)】 is a high point where you can overlook the entire area, while the 【Sky Pool (天池)】 is a natural pool with water so clear you can see the bottom. Surrounded by lush forest, it’s an incredibly chill and peaceful spot. Finally, follow the same route back towards 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】 to finish up at 【Nam Chung (南涌)】. 【Nam Chung (南涌)】 is a beautiful bay with fine sand and clear water, making it a solid end to the trip. The whole route is roughly 18km and takes about 7 hours, so it’s best for hikers with pretty good fitness.
Duration
6.9
hrs
Distance
18.3
km
Highest Point
51
m
Scenery
3
⭐️
Difficulty
3.5
⭐️
Exposure Index
3
⭐️
Here are the reference statistics for this journey:
Total Ascent
223
m
Total Descent
222
m
Moving Speed
3.8
km/h
Average Speed
2.6
km/h
Moving Time
4.8
hrs
Total Journey Time
6.9
hrs
Related Videos
Transport Guide
START
🚩
MTR • Fanling Station (港鐵 • 粉嶺站) 《Exit C》
- Take 《Green Minibus 56K》, get off at the 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】 terminus.
- Take a 《Taxi》, get off at 【Chan Fung Kee (陳鳳記茶座)】 or 【BB Cafe (BB 開心茶座)】 in 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】. The fare is roughly $120.
END
🏁
Nam Chung • Sha Tau Kok Road 《Wo Hang Section》 ( 南涌 • 沙頭角公路 《禾坑段》)
- Take 《Bus 78》 back to 【Fanling Station (粉嶺站)】.
- Take 《Bus 78K》 heading towards 【Sheung Shui • Tai Ping (上水 • 太平)】.
Route Breakdown
🚩
Outbound Route
《Luk Keng (鹿頸) → Kuk Po (谷埔) → Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池)》
1. 📍 Start: Luk Keng (鹿頸)
Chan Fung Kee (陳鳳記茶座)
Starting Point: If you’re taking a taxi, you can hop off right here.
BB Cafe (BB 開心茶座)
Starting Point: Another spot to get dropped off if you’re coming by taxi.
2. 📍 Bride’s Pool Road 《I》｜Outbound
Bride’s Pool Road (新娘潭路) 《I》｜Outbound
After crossing the road and turning right onto 【Bride’s Pool Road (新娘潭路)】, your journey to 【Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池)】 officially begins.
3. 📍 56K Minibus • Terminus
56K Minibus • Terminus (56K 小巴 • 總站)
Walk along 【Bride’s Pool Road (新娘潭路)】 for about 100m to reach the 【56K Minibus Terminus (56K 小巴 • 總站)】.
Sun Bok Pavilion (新壆亭)
Right near the minibus terminus, there’s a pavilion called 【Sun Bok Pavilion (新壆亭)】 where hikers can take a break in the shade.
4. 📍 Kai Kuk Shue Ha
Kai Kuk Shue Ha (雞谷樹下)
Pass the pavilion and continue along 【Bride’s Pool Road (新娘潭路)】 for another 200m until you hit a junction. Take a left toward the direction of 【Kai Kuk Shue Ha (雞谷樹下)】.
5. 📍 Fat Kee Store & Cafe
Fat Kee Store & Cafe (發記士多茶座)
There are plenty of cafes at the start of the 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】 trail to stock up on supplies. This is already the third one you’ll pass within the first 400m!
6. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path • Entrance
Tiu Tang Lung Path • Entrance (吊燈籠徑 • 入口)
Directly opposite 【Fat Kee Store & Cafe (發記士多茶座)】, you’ll see a very inconspicuous small path—that’s the entrance to 【Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑)】.
Plover Cove • Country Park ｜ Information Map (糧船灣 • 郊野公園 ｜ 導覽地圖 ) 《I》
On the left side of the entrance, there’s a 【Plover Cove • Country Park ｜ Information Map (糧船灣 • 郊野公園 ｜ 導覽地圖 )】 put up by the AFCD. It’s worth a stop to check out the local landmarks and surrounding areas. The grid reference is KK 139936.
7. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《I》
Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑) 《I》
About 100m into the path, you’ll pass some village houses. Since people live right next to the trail and it gets packed on weekends, try to keep your voice down and walk quietly to avoid disturbing the residents. Once past the houses, the path turns into a lovely shaded trail — with the trees and the cool breeze, it’s a very comfortable walk.
8. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《II》
Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑) 《II》
在【吊燈籠徑】的初段路程，都是林蔭處處，夏天時份，也可以來這裡郊遊。
9. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《III》
Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑) 《III》
The early section of the 【Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑)】 is well-shaded throughout, making it a great choice even for a summer hike.
10. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《IV》
Plover Cove • Country Park ｜ Information Map (糧船灣 • 郊野公園 ｜ 導覽地圖 ) 《II》
After finishing the long climb, you’ll find yourself on top of the small hill. The shade here makes it a perfect spot to cool off. There’s another 【Plover Cove Country Park • Information Map (糧船灣郊野公園 • 導覽地圖)】 here if you want to brush up on your local geography. Grid reference: KK 143939.
11. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《V》
Tiu Tang Lung Path 《V》
Once you cross the hill, the trail drops down to flat ground near the coast, allowing for an easy, breezy stroll.
12. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《VI》
Tiu Tang Lung Path 《VI》
After setting off from 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】 and passing through 【Fung Hang (鳳坑)】, you’ll have covered 2.5km. 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】 is now right ahead of you.
13. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《VII》
Kuk Po • Seaside (谷埔 • 海邊)
Once you hit the coast at 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】, you’ll notice some strange-looking installations on the beach—these are likely for ecological purposes. Across the water is 【Sha Tau Kok (沙頭角)】 in Shenzhen, and the towering peak behind it is 【Wutong Mountain (梧桐山)】.
14. 📍 Kuk Po
Kuk Po (谷埔)
After a 3.2km trek from 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】, you’ll arrive at 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】, a village nestled between the mountains and the sea with epic scenery. The mountain behind is 【Tsim Kwong Tung (尖光峒)】 and the water out front is 【Starling Inlet (沙頭角海)】.
15. 📍 Kuk Po • Chung Kee Store
Kuk Po • Chung Kee Store (谷埔 • 松記士多)
As you reach the end of the 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】 section, this is your final pit stop for supplies before pushing on to 【Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池)】. You can catch a glimpse of village life here—the village dogs love lounging around, soaking up the sun.
📷 Tips:
- The village dog at 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】 might act like a 『waiter』 for Chung Kee Store. He’s very friendly to hikers passing by the junction. Because of his yellow fur, everyone calls him 『Ah Wong (阿黃)』.
16. 📍 Kuk Po • Pier
Kuk Po • Pier (谷埔 • 碼頭)
【Kuk Po • Pier (谷埔 • 碼頭)】 is located right in front of 【Chung Kee Store (松記士多)】, which used to be the main way for villagers to commute to the city. At the pier, there’s a fork in the road; the small path on the right is the way to 【Cheung Pai Tau (長排頭)】.
17. 📍 Cheung Pai Tau Path • Entrance
Cheung Pai Tau Path • Entrance (長排頭徑 • 入口)
Walk about 200m past 【Kuk Po • Pier (谷埔 • 碼頭)】 to reach another junction. There’s a signpost by the road; follow the direction towards 【Lai Chi Wo (荔枝窩)】.
18. 📍 Cheung Pai Tau Path 《I》
Cheung Pai Tau Path (長排頭徑) 《I》
Follow the coastal mountain trail alongside 【Starling Inlet (沙頭角海)】. Besides the trail scenery itself, you can enjoy the view of the 【Sha Tau Kok (沙頭角)】 port and the mountains behind it on your left.
19. 📍 Cheung Pai Tau Path 《II》
Cheung Pai Tau Path (長排頭徑) 《II》
This section is a lush, tree-lined mountain path. In addition to 【Cheung Pai Tau (長排頭)】, this trail also connects to 【Lai Chi Wo (荔枝窩)】.
20. 📍 Cheung Pai Tau Path 《III》
Cheung Pai Tau Path (長排頭徑) 《III》
After 2.1km of ups and downs from 【Kuk Po • Pier (谷埔 • 碼頭)】, you’re almost back down to ground level.
21. 📍 Yung Shue Au Village • Entrance
Yung Shue Au Village • Entrance (榕樹凹村 • 村口)
After trekking about 3km from 【Kuk Po • Pier (谷埔 • 碼頭)】, you’ll finally reach the next village, 【Yung Shue Au Village (榕樹凹村)】. At the village entrance, there is a signpost for 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】, indicating that it’s a 4.8km walk (about 2.5 hours) back from this point.
22. 📍 Yung Shue Au Village 《I》
Yung Shue Au Village • Fuk On Kui (榕樹凹村 • 福安居)
Take the path to the left of the village entrance; just a few steps in and you’ll reach 【Fuk On Kui (福安居)】, an abandoned village house.
23. 📍 Yung Shue Au Village 《II》
Junction • Route Info Board (分岔口 • 路線資訊牌)
After passing 【Ha Miu Tin (下苗田)】, walk about 200m to reach the junction for 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】 and 【Tai Tung (大峒)】. Since our goal is 【Tai Tung (大峒)】, we’ll take the uphill path.
24. 📍 Yung Shue Au Wan
Yung Shue Au Wan (榕樹凹灣)
Walk about 300m from the entrance of 【Yung Shue Au Village (榕樹凹村)】 and you’ll arrive here at 【Yung Shue Au Wan (榕樹凹灣)】.
25. 📍 Cheung Pai Tau Path 《IV》
Cheung Pai Tau Path (長排頭徑) 《III》
After passing 【Yung Shue Au Wan (榕樹凹灣)】, follow the shoreline for about 300m, then follow the ribbons (ribbon markers) and turn right up the mountain trail.
26. 📍 Tai Sham Chung Tuk 《I》
Tai Sham Chung Tuk (大深涌篤) 《I》
After trekking about 200m along the mountain trail, you’ll reach another bay called 【Tai Sham Chung Tuk (大深涌篤)】.
27. 📍 Tai Sham Chung Tuk 《II》
Tai Sham Chung Tuk (大深涌篤) 《II》
Keep going for about 300m past 【Ngau Kok Chung Reservoir (牛角涌水塘)】, and you’ll hit another junction. Some 『good samaritan』 hikers (山友) have laid out a neat pile of stones on the ground to remind us to turn right for the path to 【Hung Shek Mun (紅石門)】. Turn right at the junction and a few steps in, you’ll spot a paper sign for 【Hung Shek Mun (紅石門)】, with plenty of ribbons hanging nearby as reminders.
28. 📍 Tai Sham Chung 《I》
Tai Sham Chung (大深涌) 《I》
Head along the shore of 【Tai Sham Chung Tuk (大深涌篤)】; once you cross the stone embankment, you’re at 【Tai Sham Chung (大深涌)】. Standing on the embankment gives you a 180-degree panoramic view of both 【Tai Sham Chung Tuk (大深涌篤)】 and 【Tai Sham Chung (大深涌)】.
29. 📍 Tai Sham Chung 《II》
Tai Sham Chung 《II》
Once across the embankment, you’ve arrived at 【Tai Sham Chung (大深涌)】. From here, you can soak in the full 180-degree view of the bay.
30. 📍 Tai Sham Chung 《III》
Tai Sham Chung (大深涌) 《III》
Keep walking along the 【Tai Sum Chung (大深涌)】 seaside. Once you round the bay ahead, you’ll reach the highlight of this trip: 【Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池)】.
31. 📍 Tai Sham Chung 《IV》
Tai Sham Chung (大深涌) 《IV》
After rounding the 【Tai Sham Chung (大深涌)】 bay, the view really opens up. Across the water is the 【Yantian Port (鹽田港)】 in Shenzhen, and you can see several distant peaks. Looking further right, you’ll spot the 【Cheung Pai Tau • Lighthouse (長排頭 • 燈塔)】. Along the 【Tai Sham Chung (大深涌)】 bay stands a lone tree that towers above the rest, acting as a solitary guardian for the 【Sky Pool (天池)】 nearby — quietly watching the tides come and go under the sun and stars.
32. 📍 Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool
Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池)
Starting from 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】 and trekking 7.6km through 【Fung Hang (鳳坑)】, 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】, 【Yung Shue Au (榕樹凹)】, and 【Tai Sum Chung (大深涌)】, we’ve finally arrived at our destination: 【Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池)】.
Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池) 《180° View》
After the 7.6km journey from 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】, you are rewarded with this stunning view. Standing here, you can enjoy a 180-degree panorama of this 『heavenly pool』 on earth.
Route Breakdown
🏁
Return Route
《Cheung Pai Tau (長排頭) → Luk Keng (鹿頸) → Nam Chung (南涌)》
33. 📍 Tai Sum Chung • The Lone Tree
Tai Sum Chung • The Lone Tree (大深涌 • 孤獨的樹) 《II》
After soaking in the views at 【Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池)】, it’s time to head back the way we came. Say goodbye to this 『Lone Tree』 for now — see you next time!
34. 📍 Tai Sum Chung Tuk • Bulldozer
Tai Sum Chung Tuk • Bulldozer (大深涌篤 • 推土機)
On the way back, once you pass the Lone Tree and return to 【Tai Sum Chung Tuk (大深涌篤)】, you can take a quick detour to 『check-in』 (打卡) with a local landmark: the 【Tai Sum Chung Tuk • Bulldozer (大深涌篤 • 推土機)】.
35. 📍 Yung Shue Au Village 《III》 ｜Return
Yung Shue Au Village • Tree House (榕樹凹村 • 樹屋)
The sight of an abandoned house completely swallowed by tree roots is incredible. Nature’s persistence and the raw power of these plants are honestly mind-blowing.
36. 📍 Yung Shue Au Village 《IV》 ｜Return
Luk Keng / Lai Chi Wo • Signpost (鹿頸、荔枝窩 • 路牌)
Spotting the signpost again on the way back; it shows that 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】 is about 4.3km away, which should take roughly 2 hours.
37. 📍 Yung Shue Au Village 《V》 ｜Return
Luk Keng / Lai Chi Wo / Wu Kau Tang • Signpost (鹿頸、荔枝窩、烏蛟騰 • 路牌)
Another signpost check—now only 3km left to 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】, about 1.3 hours to go.
38. 📍 Kuk Po • Chung Kee Store｜Return
Kuk Po • Chung Kee Store (谷埔 • 松記士多)
After walking about 4.5km from 【Cheung Pai Tau • Sky Pool (長排頭 • 天池)】, we’re back at 【Kuk Po • Chung Kee Store (谷埔 • 松記士多)】. The 『gatekeeper』 village dog, Little Yellow (小黃), must have finished his shift and gone home, as he wasn’t there to say hi this time.
39. 📍 Uncle Sung’s Store
Uncle Sung’s Store (宋伯山水豆腐花)
It was closed when we passed by this morning, but it’s finally open now! This spot is super popular and always packed. You should definitely try their 『Mountain Water Tofu Pudding』 — it’s a local favorite.
40. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《VIII》｜Return
Lai Chi Wo / Fung Hang • Signpost (荔枝窩、鳳坑 • 路牌)
Leaving 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】, we’re back on the 【Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑)】 heading towards 【Fung Hang (鳳坑)】. The sign says it’s about 1km away, roughly a 30-minute walk.
41. 📍 Fung Hang
Fung Hang (鳳坑)
【Fung Hang (鳳坑)】 is a village located right between 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】 and 【Kuk Po (谷埔)】. Like the others, it’s nestled between the mountains and the sea and has its own pier for villagers to get to the city.
42. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《IX》｜Return
Plover Cove • Country Park (船灣 • 郊野公園) ｜Info Map 《III》
After clearing 【Fung Hang (鳳坑)】, it’s time for one last uphill grind. After struggling back up this small hill, you’ll see the info board. Remember the coordinates? The grid reference is KK 143939.
43. 📍 Tiu Tang Lung Path 《X》｜Return
Plover Cove • Country Park (船灣 • 郊野公園) ｜Info Map 《IV》
Once you descend from the hill back to ground level, you’ll spot another map info board.
44. 📍 Bride’s Pool Road 《II》｜Return
Bride’s Pool Road 《II》｜Return
Leaving the 【Tiu Tang Lung Path (吊燈籠徑)】, you’ll hit the main road: 【Bride’s Pool Road (新娘潭路)】.
45. 📍 Nam Chung
Nam Chung (南涌)
Walk along 【Bride’s Pool Road (新娘潭路)】 back to 【Luk Keng (鹿頸)】, then just keep following the road to reach 【Nam Chung (南涌)】.
46. 📍 Nam Chung • Tin Hau Temple
Nam Chung • Tin Hau Temple (南涌 • 天后宮)
Following 【Luk Keng Road (鹿頸路)】, you’ll pass a 【Tin Hau Temple (天后宮)】 in 【Nam Chung (南涌)】.
Temple Notice Board
Whether you’re there to pray or just visiting, remember to check the notice board. Temples are sacred spaces, so keep quiet and follow the house rules.
47. 📍 Luk Keng Road • Keung Kee Store
Luk Keng Road • Keung Kee Store (鹿頸路 • 強記士多)
Another pit stop here if you need to refuel.
48. 📍 Luk Keng Road • Yeung Sum College
Luk Keng Road • Yeung Sum College (鹿頸路 • 養心書院)
On 【Luk Keng Road (鹿頸路)】, you’ll see a very eye-catching building called 【Yeung Sum College (養心書院)】.
49. 📍 Pok Tau Ha
Shadow Warrior (影武者) 🥷
Under the setting sun, my shadow is stretched out long.
Pok Tau Ha (膊頭下)
Keep heading along 【Luk Keng Road (鹿頸路)】 towards 【Sha Tau Kok Road (沙頭角公路)】, passing through 【Pok Tau Ha (膊頭下)】.
50. 📍 Yim Tso Ha Village
Yim Tso Ha Village (鹽灶下村)
Past 【Pok Tau Ha (膊頭下)】, you’ll arrive at 【Yim Tso Ha Village (鹽灶下村)】.
51. 📍 Luk Keng Road → Sha Tau Kok Road
Sha Tau Kok Road (沙頭角公路)
At the end of 【Luk Keng Road (鹿頸路)】, you’ll hit a junction. The main road ahead is 【Sha Tau Kok Road • Wo Hang Section (沙頭角公路 • 禾坑段)】.
52. 📍 Finish: Nam Chung • Bus Stop
Nam Chung • Bus Stop (南涌 • 巴士站) 《I》
At the junction at the end of 【Luk Keng Road (鹿頸路)】, turn left onto 【Sha Tau Kok Road • Wo Hang Section (沙頭角公路 • 禾坑段)】. Walk about 100m to reach the end of the journey: the 【Nam Chung • Bus Stop (南涌 • 巴士站)】.
Nam Chung • Bus Stop (南涌 • 巴士站) 《II》
While waiting for the bus, I even spotted two doggos (汪星人) hanging out in the car park opposite!
