Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk

🌿 【Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk】 (企嶺下 • 樹木研習徑) is an ecological educational trail located in the area of the New Territories, Hong Kong. Situated near Kei Ling Ha Lo Wai, this trail spans approximately 1 km and forms a part of Section 4 of the MacLehose Trail. Built along the secondary forest bordering (Kei Ling Ha Hoi), the tree walk features 20 informational plaques introducing over 30 native tree species, including the Autumn Maple, Chinese Incense Tree, and Camphor Tree, offering visitors an insightful look into Hong Kong’s rich woodland resources. The path is gentle and easy to navigate, making it perfect for family outings. Along the way, visitors can soak in the natural scenery of and observe wildlife such as fiddler crabs and mudskippers within the intertidal mangrove ecosystem. —

📍 Key Information

Item Details
Trail Name Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk (企嶺下 • 樹木研習徑)
Location
Length Approximately 650 metres (0.65 km)
Duration About 15–30 minutes
Target Audience Beginners, families, and nature enthusiasts
Starting Point
Ending Point Kei Ling Ha Lo Wai
Terrain Profile A gentle hillside path shaded by dense woodland canopy; some sections can be slippery with moss.
Facilities Information boards, barbecue site, public toilets, and a pavilion.
Public Transport KMB Routes 99, 99R, 299X or Green Minibus Route 807B.

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🚍 Transport Links

  • Franchised Bus: KMB Routes 99, 99R (Sundays & Public Holidays only), and 299X.
  • Green Minibus: Route 807B (departing from MTR University Station).
  • Urban / New Territories Taxi: A ride from Sai Kung Town Centre costs roughly HK$20.

— The Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk serves as an excellent outdoor classroom while seamlessly blending recreational use with ecological conservation. Strategically located near , the trail offers straightforward transport access, while its endpoint connects directly to the MacLehose Trail—allowing seasoned hikers to venture further into Country Park. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has installed viewing platforms and interpretive signs along the path to explain the ecological value and conservation importance of local flora. This route is particularly recommended during the autumn season; the cooler weather and changing forest colors make for a thoroughly comfortable and educational introduction to Hong Kong’s wilderness. —

🧡 Experience Highlights

  • Highly Educational: Features detailed bilingual (Chinese and English) interpretive plaques.
  • Pristine Woodland: Shaded by lush secondary forest, providing a quiet and tranquil escape.
  • Poetic Welcome: An entrance gate inscribed with the traditional couplet: “Rare trees bear flowers whose lineages are hard to trace; exotic fragrances carry scents whose names remain unknown.”
  • Scenic Spots: Ideal for capturing photos at the Stargazing Tower, rustic wooden arch bridge, and botanical identification markers.

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🌳 Key Features Along the Trail

1. Tree Information Signs

The walk is lined with around 20 tree information signs showcasing common and rare native species, including:

  • Sweet Viburnum (珊瑚樹)
  • White Tung Tree (白桐樹)
  • Scarlet Sterculia / Seven Sisters Fruit (假蘋婆／七姐果)
  • Yellow Camphor Tree (黃樟)
  • Pinnate-leaved Meliosma (土密樹)
  • Chekiang Machilus (水楠)
  • Chinese Incense Tree (牙香樹)
  • Emetic Nut / Wild Lacquer Tree (野漆樹)
  • Rose Myrtle / Toona (銀柴)
  • White Chinese Olive (白欖)

2. 🔭 Stargazing Tower (觀星台)

  • Standing roughly 6 metres tall, this granite structure is modeled after the ancient Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory in Dengfeng, Henan Province.
  • Features an archaic astronomical observation platform design.
  • Inspired directly by the Yuan Dynasty “Shadow Measurement Platform.”
  • The original historical tower was used by the legendary Yuan Dynasty astronomer Guo Shoujing to measure the sun’s shadow and accurately calculate the length of the tropical year.
  • At night, the clearing serves as an excellent spot for stargazing, making it highly valuable for both education and romance, and a popular retreat for amateur astronomers.

3. The Secluded Woodland Archway

  • The trail entrance features a rustic stone archway inscribed with the characters “Tree Walk” (樹徑), opening immediately into a tranquil, undisturbed canopy.
  • The welcoming couplet, “Rare trees bear flowers whose lineages are hard to trace; exotic fragrances carry scents whose names remain unknown,” perfectly captures the mystical and serene charm of the path.

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🧭 Trail Planning & Advice

  • Perfect for families, beginners, or those seeking a relaxing, low-intensity walk.
  • Certain trail segments are prone to moss build-up; wearing shoes with reliable, non-slip grip is highly recommended.
  • Conveniently equipped with a barbecue site, public toilets, and a pavilion for rest.
  • Can be easily combined with nearby Sai Kung walks, such as the Nature Trail, for a full day out.

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⚠️ Important Notes

  • The path can become slippery after rainfall; non-slip footwear is strongly advised.
  • While short, the trail does feature minor ascents and descents along the hillside.
  • The route sees relatively low foot traffic, making it ideal for those who prefer quiet, peaceful exploration.
  • Shui Long Wo – Star Lookout 《III》
  • Shui Long Wo – Star Lookout 《II》
  • Thelypteridaceae (Marsh Fern Family)
  • Shui Long Wo – Star Lookout 《I》
  • Shui Long Wo – Star Lookout, Entrance 《II》
  • Shui Long Wo – Star Lookout, Entrance 《I》
  • Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk, Signpost 《II》
  • Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk, Signpost 《I》
  • Shui Long Wo, Signpost
  • Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk, Map & Information Board 《I》