2026.01.31 SUN
【山道行 • 022】
Lai Chi Wo . So Lo Pun . Yung Shue Au
New Territories Northeast Ancient Villages Hike:
荔枝窩 . 鎖羅盆 . 榕樹凹
This hiking route kicks off from Wu Kau Tang, passes through Sam A Tsuen, Lai Chi Wo, So Lo Pun, Yung Shue Au, and Kuk Po, before finally wrapping up at Luk Keng—it honestly feels like a journey through time. The starting points at Wu Kau Tang and Sam A Tsuen still retain their strong, traditional Hakka old-village vibes, where the old stone paths and crystal-clear streams give you a real taste of the old-school farming life. Moving on to Lai Chi Wo, you get a beautiful mix of culture and nature with its century-old trees, stone-paved alleys, and lush mangroves. As you hike up towards So Lo Pun and Yung Shue Au, the views start opening up, treating you to stunning vistas of valleys and bays. Coming down into Kuk Po, the wetlands and fish ponds interlock, teeming with birds and showcasing how humans and nature vibe together perfectly. Finally, you reach Luk Keng, where the bay glistens under the sunset, bringing this poetic journey to a perfect close.
Route:
Wu Kau Tang → Sam A Tsuen → Lai Chi Wo → So Lo Pun → Yung Shue Au → Kuk Po → Fung Hang → Luk Keng
Duration
8.1
hrs
Distance
20
km
Highest Point
116
m
Difficulty
3
⭐️
Explore the Route
Route Overview
Wu Kau Tang → Sam A Tsuen → Lai Chi Wo → So Lo Pun → Yung Shue Au → Kuk Po → Fung Hang → Luk Keng
【Start】 tarting from Wu Kau Tang, you’ll head along the ancient trail toward Sam A Tsuen. This section is all about rustic village vibes and Hakka heritage. Wu Kau Tang itself is a famous Hakka settlement, home to well-preserved old houses and stone-paved paths. As you walk into Sam A Tsuen, you can really feel the traces of the old-school farming life. With lush canopy overhead and crystal-clear streams running alongside, the start of the hike sets a perfectly chilled tone, blending rich culture with scenic nature.
【Mid-section】 Continuing from Sam A Tsuen toward Lai Chi Wo, you’ll reach one of the few remaining intact Hakka villages in Hong Kong. The ancient trees and stone walls at the village entrance are seriously impressive. Lai Chi Wo is also a major geological and ecological hotspot, where mangroves, intertidal flats, and diverse bird species thrive together. Moving on to So Lo Pun, the terrain gets a bit higher and the view opens up, offering a great vantage point overlooking the bay and valleys. Next up is Yung Shue Au, a mountain pass surrounded by dense woods—making it a perfect pit stop and a key transition to the final leg of the trail.
【End】 Heading downhill from Yung Shue Au, you’ll arrive at Kuk Po, which is famous for its wetlands and traditional fishing village scenery. The mix of paddies and fishponds draws in tons of birds, showing a beautiful harmony between humans and nature. Finally, you’ll reach Luk Keng, the exit of the entire trail and a major transport hub for the Northeast New Territories. The wide, open bay at Luk Keng looks incredibly poetic under the sunset, bringing a perfect end to a journey that takes you from mountain villages to wetlands, and ancient trails to the coast.
Duration
8.1
hrs
Distance
20
km
Highest Point
116
m
Scenery
3
⭐️
Difficulty
3
⭐️
Exposure Index
3
⭐️
Here are the reference statistics for this journey:
Total Ascent
640
m
Total Descent
731
m
Moving Speed
2.9
km/h
Average Speed
2.6
km/h
Moving Time
7.2
hrs
Total Journey Time
8.1
hrs
Transport Guide
START
🚩
MTR East Rail Line, Tai Po Market Station
- Take 《green minibus 20R》 to Wu Kau Tang – Bus Terminus.
END
🏁
Luk Keng – Minibus Terminus
- The end point of this hike is Luk Keng. You can take 《green minibus 56K》 at Luk Keng Minibus Terminus to head back to the urban area at MTR Fanling Station.
Route Breakdown
🚩
Start
《Luk Keng → Sam A Tsuen → Lai Chi Wo》
1.
📍
Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus
Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus
Take 《green minibus 20R》 at MTR Tai Po Market Station to Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus.
2.
📍
Wu Kau Tang Road
Wu Kau Tang Road
After getting off at Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus, follow the side path along Wu Kau Tang Road and head toward San Uk Ha.
3.
📍
Wu Kau Tang Public Toilet
Wu Kau Tang Public Toilet
It’s going to be a long walk, so you can freshen up and get sorted here before kicking off today’s hike with a light heart.
4.
📍
Wu Kau Tang, San Uk Ha
Wu Kau Tang, San Uk Ha
Passing the Wu Kau Tang Public Toilet, you’ll arrive at San Uk Ha Village. We spotted a dog here that looked just like “Little Black,” a pup we seemed to have met before.
5.
📍
Wu Kau Tang, Leng Pui
Wu Kau Tang, Leng Pui
Head past San Uk Ha Village to reach Leng Pui. There’s a little stream running right by the path where you can spot tons of koi fish swimming around.
6.
📍
Kau Tam Tso, Sweet Gum Woods
Kau Tam Tso, Sweet Gum Woods
After walking about 500 meters from the start, you’ll reach a famous Kau Tam Tso (九担租) landmark—the Sweet Gum Woods. The sweet gum trees here soar over 10 meters high and turn a vibrant red every year between December and January, forming a spectacular crimson screen. It’s super easy to get to, taking just a 10-minute walk.
7.
📍
Distance Post C2701
Distance Post C2701
C2701 is the very first distance post on the Double Haven Country Trail. The entire main route from Wu Kau Tang to Lai Chi Wo extends all the way to C2716. Grid Ref: KK 166 912.
8.
📍
Kau Tam Tso
Kau Tam Tso
After walking for about 1 km, you’ll arrive at Kau Tam Tso (九担租). There’s a fork in the road here; just follow the trail sign and keep heading up towards the right.
9.
📍
Distance Post C2702
Distance Post C2702
Distance post C2702 is the second distance post on the Double Haven Country Trail. Grid Ref: KK 170 911.
10.
📍
Miu Sam Ancient Trail
Miu Sam Ancient Trail
After walking for about 25 minutes and covering 1.6 km from the starting point at 【Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus, you’ll reach the entrance of the Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道). Alternatively, you can take the upper path via the Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道)—both routes will lead you to Sam A Tsuen (三椏村).
11.
📍
Distance Post C2703
Distance Post C2703
Distance post C2703 is the third distance post on the Double Haven Country Trail. Grid Ref: KK 174 912.
12.
📍
Landslide Area
Landslide Area
You’ll pass a section affected by a landslide. It’s a bit tricky to navigate, so everyone should watch their step and pass through slowly and carefully.
13.
📍
Distance Post C2704
Distance Post C2704
Grid Ref: KK 178 911.
14.
📍
Sheung Miu Tin
Sheung Miu Tin
About 46 minutes and 2.5 km into the hike from Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus, you’ll arrive at Sheung Miu Tin (上苗田).
15.
📍
Distance Post C2705
Distance Post C2705
Grid Ref: KK 182 910.
16.
📍
Ha Miu Tin
Ha Miu Tin
Shortly after passing Sheung Miu Tin (上苗田), you’ll quickly reach Ha Miu Tin (下苗田).
17.
📍
Miu Sam Stream
Miu Sam Stream
After cutting through Ha Miu Tin, you’ll hit a fork in the road. Going straight takes you to Sam A Tsuen, while the path heading up to the right is the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail, which leads to Tai Mei Tuk or spots like Hung Shek Mun.
18.
📍
Distance Post C2706
Distance Post C2706
Grid Ref: KK 186 910.
19.
📍
Bamboo Forest 《I》
Bamboo Forest 《I》
After passing Miu Sam Stream, walk for about 500 meters and you’ll hit a bamboo forest.
20.
📍
Distance Post C2707
Distance Post C2707
Grid Ref: KK 190 912.
21.
📍
Bamboo Forest 《II》
Bamboo Forest 《II》
There is a unique little stone bridge right here.
22.
📍
Distance Post C2708
Distance Post C2708
Grid Ref: KK 192 915.2 915。
23.
📍
Sam A Chung Campsite
Sam A Chung Campsite
About 1 hour 40 minutes and 4.5 km away from the starting point at Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus, you’ll reach Sam A Chung Campsite. I said I’d come camping here a few years ago, but until now, it still hasn’t happened.
24.
📍
Sam A Chung
Sam A Chung
Sam A Chung is located inside Plover Cove Country Park in the Northeast New Territories. As part of Double Haven Marine Park and sitting close to Ta Kwu Ling and Wu Kau Tang, this stream area perfectly blends border geography with raw, natural ecology. The water here is crystal clear, the ecosystem is incredibly diverse, and it offers stunning, distant views of Double Haven (Yan Chau Tong).
25.
📍
Mangroves
Mangroves
Once you pass Sam A Chung, you’ll arrive where the stream meets the bay. This brackish water zone features unique coastal mudflats and sedimentary rocks—the perfect environment for mangroves to thrive.
26.
📍
Distance Post C2709
Distance Post C2709
Grid Ref: KK 193 919.
27.
📍
Red Rock Geo-Features Viewing Area
Red Rock Geo-Features Viewing Area
Famous for its purplish-red sedimentary rocks, this area forms a spectacular 『Fiery Coastline』 landscape. It’s one of the rare examples of Danxia landforms in Hong Kong. Not only is it a geological wonder, but it’s also a super popular hiking route and nature sightseeing spot.
28.
📍
Distance Post C2710
Distance Post C2710
Grid Ref: KK 193 922.
29.
📍
Sam A Tsuen – Entrance
Sam A Tsuen – Entrance
After walking for about 2 hours and covering 5.3 km from the starting point at Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus, you’ll finally reach the entrance of Sam A Tsuen.
30.
📍
Sam A Tsuen
Sam A Tsuen
Located on the north shore of Plover Cove Reservoir in the Northeast New Territories, Sam A Tsuen is an ancient Hakka village with over 300 years of history. Known for its striking reddish-brown rocky shores, vast mangroves, and serene fishing village vibes, it is widely dubbed the 『Little Guilin of Hong Kong』.
31.
📍
Distance Post C2711
Distance Post C2711
Grid Ref: KK 192 926.
32.
📍
Sam A Tsuen – Public Toilet
Sam A Tsuen – Public Toilet
This public toilet is tucked between Fook Lee Tea House and Hop Yick Bee Farm, right near the pavilion and the Sai Lau Kong (西流江) signpost. Since leaving the Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰) public toilet at the start, it takes almost 2 hours and 5.5 km of hiking before you hit this second restroom.
33.
📍
Sam A Tsuen, Hop Yick Bee Farm Kitchen
Sam A Tsuen, Hop Yick Bee Farm Kitchen
Famous for using honey produced from their own beehives, they serve up honey drinks, desserts, and local village snacks.
34.
📍
Sam A Tsuen, Green Villa
Sam A Tsuen, Green Villa
Green Villa (綠悠遊山莊) is a well-known Hakka restaurant in the village. Mixing natural scenery with a great food experience, it’s become a hot spot for hikers and eco-tourists alike.
35.
📍
Distance Post C2712
Distance Post C2712
Grid Ref: KK 189 928.
36.
📍
Distance Post C2713
Distance Post C2713
Grid Ref: KK 186 931.
37.
📍
Siu Tan
Siu Tan
Siu Tan (小灘) is a peaceful, calm bay where the glassy water mirrors the surrounding woods. It’s packed with aquatic plants and mangroves, and serves as a major path connecting Sam A Tsuen and Lai Chi Wo, as well as a great pit stop on the hike.
38.
📍
Distance Post C2714
Distance Post C2714
Grid Ref: KK 185 935.
39.
📍
Fork: Lai Chi Wo – Ha Tong
Fork: Lai Chi Wo – Ha Tong
You’ll hit a fork in the road here. The left path leads to Ha Tong (哈塘), a traditional Hakka village where old houses are built along the hillsides, beautifully preserving traces of old farming culture.
40.
📍
Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail 《I》
Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail 《I》
The Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail is about 1.2 km long. Showcasing a blend of Hakka culture and rich biodiversity, it is a key attraction within Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
41.
📍
Distance Post C2715
Distance Post C2715
Grid Ref: KK 183 936.
42.
📍
Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail 《II》
Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail 《II》
Aside from the beautifully preserved, centuries-old Hakka walled village, you can also take in incredible natural landscapes here like mangroves, feng shui woods, and wetlands.
43.
📍
Lai Chi Wo Village – Piazza
Lai Chi Wo Village – Piazza
After hiking for about 3.5 hours and covering 8 km from the starting point at Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus, you will finally arrive at the highlight village of this trip — Lai Chi Wo Village. Located within Double Haven Marine Park, Lai Chi Wo Village boasts over 300 years of history and is one of the most intact Hakka walled villages left in Hong Kong, packing immense geographical, ecological, and cultural value.
Route Breakdown
🚩
Mid-section
《Lai Chi Wo → So Lo Pun → Yung Shue Au》
44.
📍
Lai Chi Wo Pier
Lai Chi Wo Pier
Lai Chi Wo Pier is a major transport hub for Double Haven Marine Park and serves as the main gateway for visitors entering Lai Chi Wo Village. This pier doesn’t just hold the living memories of the village; it perfectly showcases a geography where nature and human history intertwine.
45.
📍
Lai Chi Wo, Pak Kok Wan
Lai Chi Wo, Pak Kok Wan
Pak Kok Wan (白角灣) is a natural little bay nestled on the northeast coast of Lai Chi Wo. The water here is crystal clear, surrounded by rocky shores, sandy beaches, and low rolling hills, giving it a super open and spacious feel.
46.
📍
Lai Chi Wo, Shan Wu
Lai Chi Wo, Shan Wu
After passing Pak Kok Wan (白角灣), you’ll start the uphill climb. Shan Wu (山塢), located north of Lai Chi Wo, is a small settlement set in a valley. The terrain is relatively low-lying and cupped by mountains, with streams and fields crisscrossing the area. It connects with neighboring villages like Lai Chi Wo and So Lo Pun (鎖羅盆), forming part of the cultural alliance known as the 『Hing Chun Yeuk Seven Villages』.
47.
📍
So Lo Pun Wan
So Lo Pun Wan
After passing Pak Kok Wan (白角灣) and tackling about 1 km of uphill mountain trails (roughly a 30-minute walk), you’ll hit So Lo Pun Wan (鎖羅盆灣). Featuring a pier and a seawall, this is hands-down the best spot to take in the serene sea views of Wong Chuk Kok Hoi (黃竹角海). From here, you can also catch a distant glimpse of Ap Chau (鴨洲) and Yantian Port (鹽田港).
48.
📍
So Lo Pun Village
So Lo Pun Village
After leaving Lai Chi Wo Village and walking for about 3.6 km (roughly 1.5 hours), you’ll reach another major village attraction—So Lo Pun Village. Tucked away near Lai Chi Wo in the North District of the New Territories, So Lo Pun Village is an ancient Hakka village flanked by mountains on three sides and facing the bay. It’s pretty famous for being incredibly remote, abandoned, and the subject of ghost stories, but its unique geography and cultural ruins make it a hot spot for adventurous hikers.
49.
📍
Fork: So Lo Pun – Yung Shue Au
Fork: So Lo Pun – Yung Shue Au
After cutting through So Lo Pun Village, you’ll hit a fork in the road. Keep heading up the mountain path to push on toward Yung Shue Au Village (榕樹凹村).
50.
📍
So Lo Pun － Yung Shue Au Trail 《I》
So Lo Pun － Yung Shue Au Trail 《I》
The section leading from So Lo Pun to Yung Shue Au is an uphill trek through dense forest.
51.
📍
So Lo Pun － Yung Shue Au Trail 《II》
So Lo Pun － Yung Shue Au Trail 《II》
There’s a warning sign here about bee attacks 🐝! Everyone should stay alert, stay quiet, and walk slowly through here so we don’t disturb the local bugs and bees 🤫.
52.
📍
So Lo Pun － Yung Shue Au Trail 《III》
So Lo Pun － Yung Shue Au Trail 《III》
The trail sign here shows that Yung Shue Au is still 1 km and about a 30-minute walk away.
53.
📍
Yung Shue Au Village – Entrance
Yung Shue Au Village – Entrance
Before you know it, you’ll arrive at the entrance of Yung Shue Au Village.
54.
📍
Yung Shue Au Village
Yung Shue Au Village
After walking about 2 km and taking 1 hour from So Lo Pun Village, we arrive at another major village highlight of this trip — Yung Shue Au Village. Located at the northeastern tip of Plover Cove (船灣) in the North District of the New Territories, this Hakka village has over 300 years of history. Though it has been abandoned for many years, it still beautifully preserves its unique geography and cultural footprints.
55.
📍
Yung Shue Au Wan
Yung Shue Au Wan
Yung Shue Au Village also has its own bay — Yung Shue Au Wan (榕樹凹灣). This is a serene bay packed with raw beauty, historical vibes, and distinctive geographical features. Miles away from the city hustle, it was once a booming Hakka village, but today it has become a favorite “hidden gem” for hikers looking to get away from it all.
Route Breakdown
🏁
Finish
《Yung Shue Au → Kuk Po → Luk Keng》
56.
📍
Yung Shue Au － Kuk Po Trail 《I》
Yung Shue Au － Kuk Po Trail 《I》
After chilling out and spacing trackside at Yung Shue Au Wan (榕樹凹灣), we trace our steps back to the entrance of Yung Shue Au Village (榕樹凹村) and keep pushing forward to our next stop, Kuk Po (谷埔).
57.
📍
Yung Shue Au Landmark – Banyan House
Yung Shue Au Landmark – Banyan House
There’s an iconic landmark right at the village exit from Yung Shue Au to Kuk Po that you definitely won’t miss when walking past. It’s a house completely wrapped and swallowed up by the sprawling roots of a massive banyan tree, making it the most signature landmark of the village.
58.
📍
Yung Shue Au － Kuk Po Trail 《II》
Yung Shue Au － Kuk Po Trail 《II》
The very first stretch of the path from Yung Shue Au to Kuk Po starts with an uphill climb.
59.
📍
Yung Shue Au － Kuk Po Trail 《III》
Yung Shue Au － Kuk Po Trail 《III》
According to the trail sign, our final destination — Luk Keng, it is still about 4.25 km away, which should take around 2 hours.
60.
📍
Yung Shue Au － Kuk Po Trail 《IV》
Yung Shue Au － Kuk Po Trail 《IV》
Sometimes you wonder: what’s the real goal of going hiking? Space out? Explore? Relax? Or challenge yourself? Whatever your reason is, just don’t forget to take in the views right in front of you, enjoy the journey, and keep exploring beautiful Hong Kong.
61.
📍
Kuk Po Pier
Kuk Po Pier
After walking about 2 km and taking 1 hour from Yung Shue Au Village, we arrive at Kuk Po Village. Kuk Po Pier is located along the inner sea of Sha Tau Kok (沙頭角) in the Northeast New Territories. Backed by mountains and facing Yantian Port (鹽田港) in Shenzhen, it is a frontier village pier rich in both natural ecology and historical heritage.
62.
📍
Kuk Po, Chung Kee Store
Kuk Po, Chung Kee Store
Passing Kuk Po Pier, we arrive at Chung Kee Store. Revisiting after many years, we even ran into old friend 『🐶 Ah Wong』. Chung Kee Store is the most iconic eatery in Kuk Po Village, famous for its Hakka dishes and fresh seafood. Combined with the rural natural scenery, it’s an absolute must-visit spot for hikers and culture seekers.
63.
📍
Kuk Po, Uncle Sung’s Mountain Water Tofu Pudding
Kuk Po, Uncle Sung’s Mountain Water Tofu Pudding
Uncle Sung’s Mountain Water Tofu Pudding is run by local villager Uncle Sung, who always chats with visitors, turning his spot into a cultural symbol of Kuk Po. It is famous for its tofu pudding and cha kwo (tea rice cakes), served alongside great sea views and a cozy village vibe.
64.
📍
Kuk Po, Kai Choi School
Kuk Po, Kai Choi School
Kai Choi School once served as the primary place of education for the children of Kuk Po villagers, symbolizing community autonomy and cultural continuity. Its exterior design blends Chinese and Western architectural styles, witnessing nearly a century of the village’s educational and cultural growth. Aside from being a Grade 3 Historic Building, it beautifully mirrors Kuk Po’s wetland ecology and Hakka settlements, standing as a landmark where culture and nature entwine.
65.
📍
Kuk Po, Village Entrance
Kuk Po, Village Entrance
After checking out Kai Choi School, we keep going forward toward our next stop — Fung Hang (鳳坑).
66.
📍
Kuk Po － Fung Hang Trail, Looking Back at Kuk Po
Kuk Po － Fung Hang Trail, Looking Back at Kuk Po
Looking back at Kuk Po from here, the surrounding ridgeline reveals that Kuk Po is enclosed by three peaks: Shek Nga Tau at 245m, the most prominent high point on the left; Tsim Kwong Tung at 229m, featuring a sharp, pointed peak true to its name; and Fan Tsang Ka Tung at 225m on the right, forming part of this continuous ridge.
67.
📍
Fung Hang Pier
Fung Hang Pier
After walking about 1.3 km and taking 30 minutes from Kuk Po Village (谷埔村), we arrive at Fung Hang Village (鳳坑村).
68.
📍
Fung Hang Village
Fung Hang Village
Located around the Luk Keng area in the Northeast New Territories, Fung Hang Village sits right by Starling Inlet (Sha Tau Kok, 沙頭角海) and is a Hakka village with over 300 years of history. It’s famous for its mangroves, reed beds, and intertidal ecosystem, though only a handful of long-term residents live here today.
69.
📍
Fung Hang － Luk Keng Trail
Fung Hang － Luk Keng Trail
The path from Fung Hang to Luk Keng is another uphill stretch where we need to push up a small hill about 30 meters high.
70.
📍
Kai Kuk Shue Ha, Fat Kee Store
Kai Kuk Shue Ha, Fat Kee Store
After getting over the 30-meter-high hill, we arrive at Kai Kuk Shue Ha Village (雞谷樹下村). Fat Kee Store provides hikers and day-trippers with quick refreshments like sandwiches, toast, instant noodles, iced pineapple, and classic cha chaan teng hot drinks.
71.
📍
Luk Keng – Minibus Stop
Luk Keng – Minibus Stop
Starting out from Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰) and trekking through Sam A Tsuen, Lai Chi Wo, So Lo Pun, Yung Shue Au, Kuk Po, Fung Hang, and finally here to Luk Keng—covering roughly 20 km and taking 8.1 hours—we have finally completed this epic journey through the ancient villages of the Northeast New Territories.