π§ γKwu Tung β’ Reservoir (ε€ζ΄ β’ ζ°΄ε‘)γ is a small reservoir located in Kwu Tung, North District, New Territories, Hong Kong. Commissioned in 1961, it was originally designed for irrigation purposes but now primarily serves as a water source for firefighting. Although small in scale, its unique topography and picturesque surroundings have made it a popular destination for hikers and photography enthusiasts in recent years, earning it the nickname “Heart-shaped Lake” due to its distinctive shape.
π Basic Information
Item Details ποΈ Name Kwu Tung β’ Reservoir π Location Kwu Tung, North District, New Territories (near Sheung Shui) π Commissioned 1961 π§ Capacity Approx. 5,000 cubic meters (1.3 million gallons) π° Construction Cost Nearly HK$1 million π± Original Purpose Irrigation π₯ Current Purpose Firefighting ποΈ Background Construction began in July 1960 and lasted about 8 months. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was presided over by the District Officer of Tai Po. β€οΈ Key Feature “Heart-shaped Lake,” also known as Hong Kong’s “Mirror of the Sky.” π» Nearby Spots Ki Lun Shan, Kwu Tung Market π Visuals On clear, calm days, the surface reflects the sky, creating a “Sky Mirror” effect. —
π Historical Background
- Before the current reservoir was built, there was the Kwu Tung Keng Reservoir, established by Lady Ho Tung, though it collapsed over 30 years ago.
- In 1956, the colonial government promoted water conservation projects in the New Territories, and Kwu Tung village applied to the Tai Po District Office for a new reservoir.
- Construction began in July 1960 and was completed in October 1961. It officially opened on November 23, 1961.
- Capacity: At 5,000 cubic meters, it remains one of the smallest reservoirs in Hong Kong.
- Purpose Shift: Originally built to aid local farming, it now serves as a vital water reserve for firefighting in the rural area.
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πΆ Hiking Route Information
Item Details π Start Kwu Tung Market πΊοΈ Route Kwu Tung Market β Kwu Tung South Road β Kwu Tung β’ Reservoir β Ki Lun Shan β Return to Kwu Tung Market π Distance Approx. 5 km β±οΈ Time 3β3.5 hours (including breaks and photography) π Transport π KMB 76K: From Choi Yuen Road, Sheung Shui π Green Minibus 50A: From Sheung Shui Plaza to Kwu Tung Market π Green Minibus 605: Returning from Kwu Tung Market to Sheung Shui Station —
πΊοΈ Geography & Environment
- Location: Nestled in the Kwu Tung area, near the Sheung Shui and Lok Ma Chau border region.
- Landscape: The reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills and features several large traditional graves in the vicinity, creating a very quiet and secluded atmosphere.
- Nearby Hills: An 84-meter-high cone-shaped hill to the east once held bunker remnants, hinting at the area’s historical past.
- Photography: While the reservoir itself provides the “Sky Mirror” effect, climbing the mid-section of Ki Lun Shan offers the best vantage point to clearly see the “heart” shape of the lake.
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π Notable Facts & Folklore
- “Heart-shaped Lake”: Popularized on social media as a must-visit spot for scenic photos.
- Folklore: Local tales of “water ghosts” have circulated in the village, which mostly serve as folklore to add a layer of mystery to the quiet area.
- Community Roots: Kwu Tungβs history is closely tied to the post-war migration era, and the reservoir stands as a remnant of the infrastructure developed to support these early rural communities.
π» Surrounding Attractions
Attraction Features Notes π» Ki Lun Shan Offers a bird’s-eye view of the heart-shaped reservoir. Best view is from the hillside, not the summit. ποΈ Kwu Tung Market Convenient start/end point for the hike. Accessible via 76K bus or 50A/605 minibuses. β°οΈ Cone-shaped Hill 84m hill with historical bunker ruins. Historically significant site. πͺ¦ Grave Clusters Traditional graves surrounding the reservoir. Please remain respectful when passing by.
