🧭【Hung Shek Mun Tsuen (紅石門村 – Hung Shek Mun Village)】 is an abandoned village located within the Yan Chau Tong Marine Park in the northeastern New Territories, renowned for its unique red rock landscapes. Rich in iron, the rocks here have undergone long-term oxidation to showcase a brilliant crimson color. The area is highly acclaimed within the hiking community as the “Fiery Red Coast” for its spectacular red rocky shores, unique topography, and off-the-beaten-track hiking routes. The history of Hung Shek Mun Village dates back to the early agricultural era when villagers originally made a living from farming before transitioning to fish farming. Today, it is completely uninhabited, leaving behind only broken stone houses, abandoned stoves, and an ancient dam lying across the shoreline. 【Hung Shek Mun Village】is geographically remote, situated along a narrow channel between Kwan Mun Tsui and Wong Wan Chau (Double Island), where the crimson rocks flanking both sides form a unique, gate-like natural gateway. Falling within the boundaries of the Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, the surrounding waters boast a rich marine ecosystem where creatures like mudskippers, sea cucumbers, and starfish can be spotted. Thanks to its jaw-dropping Danxia landforms, Hung Shek Mun has become a hidden gem for local hiking enthusiasts. The popular route kicks off from Wu Kau Tang and passes through the Miu Sam Ancient Trail and Tai Tung. The entire hike covers roughly 15-20 km and takes about 5-9 hours to complete, offering a highly adventurous experience packed with abandoned village ruins and red rocky coastlines.
The “Lost Corridor” (Mi Ah Corridor) surrounding Hung Shek Mun Village is notorious for its hidden, overgrown paths and high risk of getting lost, requiring hikers to rely heavily on ribbon markers and map navigation. Since the location is deeply remote with absolutely no replenishment points, anyone heading to Hung Shek Mun must come fully prepared with enough water, food, and long-sleeved clothing, while keeping a close eye on tide times. It is best explored by experienced hikers. This untouched, hidden paradise showcases the rawest and most awe-inspiring natural side of Hong Kong’s countryside. —
🏡 Village History and Relics
📜 Historical Background
- Dates back to the agricultural era when villagers relied on crop cultivation to make a living.
- It was once a small farming and fishing village with a population of around 40 people.
- Residents initially farmed the land before shifting focus toward fish farming later on.
- Eventually abandoned due to its remote transport links and outward migration.
- The village is now completely deserted, with only a broken dam and ruined houses left behind.
🧱 Surviving Relics
- Broken dams, retaining walls, and ruined village houses.
- The nearby Kat O Water Supply Reservoir.
—
🌋 Geological Wonders
🔥 Fiery Red Coast
- The rocks contain rich iron minerals.
- Oxidation under scorching climates turned these minerals into iron oxide.
- The resulting red hue forms a Danxia landform, sharing a similar geology with the Danxia Mountain in Mainland China.
- Acclaimed as Hong Kong’s most spectacular red rocky coast.
- Forms a stunning contrast with the blue sea and open skies, offering a truly powerful sight.
- Low tide exposes the entire rocky shoreline, making it the prime time for photography and sightseeing.
🐟 Ham Yue Tseng
- A coastal rocky platform located southeast of Hung Shek Mun Village.
- The winding rocky shore offers a striking red-and-green visual contrast.
- A serene spot perfect for quietly soaking in nature.
—
🚶♂️ Hiking Route: Hung Shek Mun Trail
Starting Point Via Ending Point Distance Time Difficulty Wu Kau Tang Kau Tam Tso → Sheung Miu Tin → Ha Miu Tin → Wang Leng → Kwun Yam Tung → Hung Shek Mun Pass Hung Shek Mun Village Approx. 17 km Approx. 7–8 hours ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Extremely High) —
🧭 Transport and Replenishment
- Getting There: Take green minibus 20R from Tai Po Market Station to the terminus.
- Starting Point: Get off at Wu Kau Tang and walk along Tsz Sam Road to the trailhead.
- There are no replenishment points along the way; you must bring your own food and water.
- Exit Route: You can head back from Ha Miu Tin toward Sam A Tsuen, then return to Wu Kau Tang.
Section Features Kau Tam Tso An abandoned village and one of the starting points. Upper/Lower Miu Tin Lush green fields and natural streams. Kwun Yam Tung A high point offering distant views looking out toward Hung Shek Mun. Hung Shek Mun Pass (Hung Shek Mun Au) The junction where you drop down into Hung Shek Mun. Hung Shek Mun Village An abandoned village and the main hub for the red rock landscapes. Ham Yue Tseng A popular coastal photo spot with a powerful red-and-green contrast. —
⚠️ Reminders and Gear Recommendations
- Supplies: Zero replenishment points along the route; make sure to bring at least 3 bottles of water and plenty of food.
- Navigation: Most of the paths are unofficial trails; carrying a map and compass is highly recommended.
- Clothing: Wear long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from being scratched by overgrown bush and branches.
- Sun Protection: Many sections are completely exposed to the elements, so good sun protection is a must.
- Sense of Direction: The stretch from Hung Shek Mun Pass to the village is highly hidden and consists mostly of unofficial paths. The terrain is rugged with countless forks, meaning you will need to navigate using ribbon markers and landforms. It is strongly advised to go with experienced hikers.
—
🌊 Ecology and Scenery
- The coastal waters are crystal clear, serving as a habitat for marine life like barnacles and crabs.
- The rocky shores display vibrant, overlapping red and green hues, making it highly rewarding for photography.
- Low tide exposes the complete rocky shoreline, which is the perfect window for shooting and sightseeing.
- The nearby Ham Yue Tseng is a hugely popular check-in spot.
—
🛡️ Safety Advice
- Always bring a map and compass to avoid getting lost.
- Wear long-sleeved clothes to keep from getting scratched by vegetation.
- Check the tide timetables beforehand to avoid getting cut off by rising waters.
- The path from Hung Shek Mun Pass to Hung Shek Mun Village is deeply hidden; you will need to rely heavily on ribbon indicators and a solid sense of direction.
—
