Sham Chung Manor

🌴 【Sham Chung Manor (深涌農莊)】is nestled in the rustic countryside of Sham Chung, Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong, sitting on the western shore of Three Fathoms Cove (企嶺下海). This area was once a lush freshwater wetland and traditional paddy field. Although a subsequent plan to develop it into a golf course was ultimately scrapped, the project accidentally left behind a massive, manicured English-style lawn that is incredibly rare to see in Hong Kong. Today, Sham Chung Manor—with its bright rolling green fields, tranquil artificial lake, and distant emerald mountain ridges—is praised by hikers as Hong Kong’s very own “hidden paradise” or the “New Zealand of Hong Kong.” Whether you are looking to enjoy a weekend picnic, take a slow stroll along the lakeside, or sample authentic Hakka tea cakes (Chaa Kwo) at a village kiosk, this is the ultimate healing getaway from the city hustle. —

📞 Manor Information

Address:Sham Chung, Sai Kung

Phone: 9334 5704

Average Cost: Around HK$50 or less per person

Opening Hours: It’s a good idea to call ahead to check or make a booking before heading out.

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🏞️ Geography & Environmental Highlights

Item In-Depth Details

Name Sham Chung Manor (深涌農莊) / Sham Chung Village

Geographical District Tai Po, New Territories. Geographically located on the western shore of Three Fathoms Cove (企嶺下海), Sai Kung North.

Terrain Features A textbook “Feng Shui valley” surrounded by mountains on three sides, forming a beautiful natural shield against the elements.

Ecological Profile Once an incredibly vital freshwater wetland and a high-priority conservation site for biodiversity. Today, it has evolved into a thriving composite ecological zone featuring secondary grasslands and intertidal mangroves.

Cultural History A century-old Hakka walled village made up of five traditional clans (Lee, Cheung, Wong, Leung, and Tai), showcasing a unique blend of ancestral clan culture and early Catholic history.

Village Supply Local village kiosks (stores) serve up comforting treats like traditional Hakka tea cakes (mugwort or black-eyed pea flavors), refreshing red bean ice, and freshly cooked instant noodles.

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🌄 Experiences & Activities

🚶‍♂️ Hiking Adventure: Catch a kaito ferry from Ma Liu Shui straight to Sham Chung Pier, followed by a super easy 10 to 15-minute walk.

🐾 Pet-Friendly: Furry friends are more than welcome! The wide-open lawns are absolutely perfect for dogs to run around and burn off some energy.

📸 Insta-Worthy Spots: Looking out across the vast, endless grassland makes you feel like you’ve been instantly transported straight to the countryside abroad.

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🥾 Detailed Hiking Routes

There are two main walking routes to get to Sham Chung Manor, each offering a completely different vibe and scenery along the way:

Route Start Point & Via Time & Distance Highlights

Route A: Yung Tsui Ancient Trail 🌊 Yung Shue O ➔ Tap Shek ➔ Sham Chung Manor Around 3.5 km, about 1.5 hours (one way) – Winds gracefully along the inner bay of Three Fathoms Cove.
– Shady trees line your right, while the gorgeous open bay hugs your left.
– Offers stunning views of the dramatic cliffs of Ma On Shan.
– Completely flat path, making it perfect for pets and seniors.

Route B: She Tau Cross-Country Trail ⛰️ Hoi Ha Road ➔ Lai Chi Chong ➔ Sham Chung Manor Around 6.5 km, about 2.5–3 hours – Start by catching a minibus from Sai Kung to She Tau.
– Pass through Lai Chi Chong to check out spectacular volcanic sedimentary rock formations.
– Climb over a historic mountain pass trail.
– Perfect for experiencing both rugged geology and serene meadows in one single trip.

🚢 Transport Links

Since Sham Chung has zero roads for cars connecting it to the outside world, nailing down your transport plan is the most important part of your trip:

Method Details Tips & Suggestions

Kaito Ferry Strategy 🚢 Departure: Ma Liu Shui Pier No. 3 Landing ➔ Sham Chung Pier.
Ride time: Around 30 minutes. – Weekday schedules are very limited (only 2 ferries a day).
– Popular weekend & holiday departures: 08:30 and 12:30.
– Highly recommend arriving 20 minutes early to line up.

Taxi Connection Strategy taxis Departure: Ma On Shan or Sai Kung Town Centre ➔ Drop off at the Yung Shue O Village public roundabout. – Taxis can head straight into Yung Shue O, but cannot park there.
– After getting dropped off, it’s a flat, easy 45-minute concrete walk with ocean views.
– Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to plan around ferry times.

Leave No Trace Rules ⚠️ The gorgeous lawn is lovingly maintained by the villagers and the manor owner; there are no major trash facilities out here. – Please bring your own trash bags and carry your rubbish back to the city.
– Camping requires explicit permission.
– Respect the local area so we can keep this hidden gem pristine!

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📸 Photo Spots & Nearby Highlights

Attraction English Name Key Features

水浪窩觀星台 Shui Long Wo Star Lookout Designed like an ancient astronomical observatory, beautifully tucked away in a dense green forest.

榕樹澳溪流 Yung Shue O Stream Teeming with local wildlife; a fantastic spot to catch a glimpse of rare butterflies and dragonflies.

蛇石坳 Snake Rock Pass (She Shek Au) Features fascinating, unique rock formations that resemble a giant serpent slithering through the hills.

荔枝莊海岸 Lai Chi Chong Coast A stunning geological wonder packed with eye-catching volcanic sedimentary rock patterns.

— If you want to check out the full itinerary and route map for this getaway, take a look at 〖Sham Chung “Grassland” Daydream Travelog (深涌《大草原》夢遊記)〗. —

Item	In-Depth Details
Name	Sham Chung Manor (深涌農莊) / Sham Chung Village
Geographical District	Tai Po, New Territories. Geographically located on the western shore of Three Fathoms Cove (企嶺下海), Sai Kung North.
Terrain Features	A textbook “Feng Shui valley” surrounded by mountains on three sides, forming a beautiful natural shield against the elements.
Ecological Profile	Once an incredibly vital freshwater wetland and a high-priority conservation site for biodiversity. Today, it has evolved into a thriving composite ecological zone featuring secondary grasslands and intertidal mangroves.
Cultural History	A century-old Hakka walled village made up of five traditional clans (Lee, Cheung, Wong, Leung, and Tai), showcasing a unique blend of ancestral clan culture and early Catholic history.
Village Supply	Local village kiosks (stores) serve up comforting treats like traditional Hakka tea cakes (mugwort or black-eyed pea flavors), refreshing red bean ice, and freshly cooked instant noodles.

Route	Start Point & Via	Time & Distance	Highlights
Route A: Yung Tsui Ancient Trail 🌊	Yung Shue O ➔ Tap Shek ➔ Sham Chung Manor	Around 3.5 km, about 1.5 hours (one way)	– Winds gracefully along the inner bay of Three Fathoms Cove. – Shady trees line your right, while the gorgeous open bay hugs your left. – Offers stunning views of the dramatic cliffs of Ma On Shan. – Completely flat path, making it perfect for pets and seniors.
Route B: She Tau Cross-Country Trail ⛰️	Hoi Ha Road ➔ Lai Chi Chong ➔ Sham Chung Manor	Around 6.5 km, about 2.5–3 hours	– Start by catching a minibus from Sai Kung to She Tau. – Pass through Lai Chi Chong to check out spectacular volcanic sedimentary rock formations. – Climb over a historic mountain pass trail. – Perfect for experiencing both rugged geology and serene meadows in one single trip.

Method	Details	Tips & Suggestions
Kaito Ferry Strategy 🚢	Departure: Ma Liu Shui Pier No. 3 Landing ➔ Sham Chung Pier. Ride time: Around 30 minutes.	– Weekday schedules are very limited (only 2 ferries a day). – Popular weekend & holiday departures: 08:30 and 12:30. – Highly recommend arriving 20 minutes early to line up.
Taxi Connection Strategy taxis	Departure: Ma On Shan or Sai Kung Town Centre ➔ Drop off at the Yung Shue O Village public roundabout.	– Taxis can head straight into Yung Shue O, but cannot park there. – After getting dropped off, it’s a flat, easy 45-minute concrete walk with ocean views. – Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to plan around ferry times.
Leave No Trace Rules ⚠️	The gorgeous lawn is lovingly maintained by the villagers and the manor owner; there are no major trash facilities out here.	– Please bring your own trash bags and carry your rubbish back to the city. – Camping requires explicit permission. – Respect the local area so we can keep this hidden gem pristine!

Attraction	English Name	Key Features
水浪窩觀星台	Shui Long Wo Star Lookout	Designed like an ancient astronomical observatory, beautifully tucked away in a dense green forest.
榕樹澳溪流	Yung Shue O Stream	Teeming with local wildlife; a fantastic spot to catch a glimpse of rare butterflies and dragonflies.
蛇石坳	Snake Rock Pass (She Shek Au)	Features fascinating, unique rock formations that resemble a giant serpent slithering through the hills.
荔枝莊海岸	Lai Chi Chong Coast	A stunning geological wonder packed with eye-catching volcanic sedimentary rock patterns.