Sham Chung Wan

🌊【Sham Chung Wan / Sham Chung Bay (深涌灣)】 is located in the northern part of the Sai Kung Peninsula, New Territories, Hong Kong, right at the mouth of Three Fathoms Cove. Enclosed by mountains on three sides (Shek Nga Tau, Shek Uk Shan, and Wa Mei Shan), it is a serene bay steeped in rich ecology and local history. The area was once a traditional Hakka village established in 1736, where inhabitants lived off rice farming and fishing. Following the shelving of development projects, the land transformed into a vast grassland, turning it into a popular destination for outings and picnics. The mangroves and marshy wetlands of Sham Chung Wan nurture a diverse range of species, including high-ecological-value and rare creatures like the Hong Kong Paradise Fish and the White-bellied Sea Eagle. —

🗺️ Quick Facts

Item Details

📍 Location Northern Sai Kung Peninsula, New Territories, at the mouth of Three Fathoms Cove

🧭 Administrative District Historically part of the Tai Po District; currently designated under the Sai Kung North constituency

🏞 Topography Enclosed by hills on three sides: Shek Nga Tau, Shek Uk Shan, and Wa Mei Shan

🏘 Village Sham Chung Village; a Hakka settlement settled by the Lee clan during the Qing Dynasty, consisting of five distinct hamlets: Shing Kau Tong Village, Pau Nei Tsai Village, Shek Tau Keng Village, Tui Min Village, and Wan Chai Village.

🧑‍🌾 Historical Roots The villagers are predominantly of the Lee clan, tracing their ancestry to Xikeng Village in Changle, Guangdong. They migrated to this area from Sha Tau Kok‘s Wu Kau Tang during the Qing Dynasty, originally making a living through farming.

— Beyond its beautiful natural landscapes, 【Sham Chung Wan】 preserves unique cultural relics, such as the Epiphany Chapel built in 1956 and a century-old seawall—the latter once serving as vital infrastructure for villagers to block saltwater and protect their farmlands. Today, it serves as the final stop of a leisurely hiking route, accessible via an approximate 1.5-hour walk from Shui Long Wo. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of mangroves, expansive lawns, and look out toward the Plover Cove Reservoir, before finally catching a boat from Sham Chung Pier to head home against the evening sea breeze and sunset. —

🌱 Ecological & Conservation Value

Wetland: Evolved naturally from abandoned paddy fields, holding high ecological value

Freshwater Marsh: Once the largest habitat for the Hong Kong Paradise Fish

Mangrove: Offers a close-up look at coastal mangrove ecosystems along the shore

Liparis ferruginea (Orchid): A rare plant species that was once found here, though now locally extinct

Streams & Ponds: Provide diverse aquatic habitats for local wildlife

🔍 In 1999, the marshland was damaged due to private development, sparking conservation campaigns that led to a portion of the paradise fish being relocated to Kadoorie Farm for emergency protection. —

🥾 Hiking Route Guide

🚶‍♂️ Shui Long Wo → Yung Shue O → Sham Chung • Grand Grassland → Sham Chung Pier

Section Time Key Features

Shui Long Wo → Yung Shue O Approx. 1 hr 15 mins Paved concrete road, featuring shade from trees and coastal vistas

Yung Shue O → Sham Chung • Grand Grassland Approx. 45 mins Passes through mangroves and village stores for an intimate encounter with nature

Sham Chung • Grand Grassland → Sham Chung Pier Approx. 15 mins Coastal path, offering stunning sunset views at dusk

🚌 Transportation Options:

Bus: Routes 299X or 99 to the Shui Long Wo stop

Kaito Ferry: Operates between Ma Liu Shui and Sham Chung Pier; schedules are infrequent, so checking timetables in advance is required

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🌄 Attraction Highlights & Activities

Sham Chung • Grand Grassland: Spanning roughly 3.5 hectares, this lawn was originally the intended site for a golf course; it is now a hot spot for picnics and kite-flying

Sham Chung Pier: A prime photo spot at twilight to capture the sunset and ocean views

Sham Chung Manor: Provides refreshments such as congee, noodles, drinks, and beer; camping applications were once open here but are now restricted

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🧭 Travel Tips & Recommendations

✅ Bring a picnic mat and food to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the grass

✅ Keep a close eye on ferry times to make sure you do not miss the last boat back

✅ The walk from the grassland to the pier takes about 15 minutes; setting aside 30 minutes to leave is recommended

✅ Suggested itinerary: Set off at 2:00 PM and aim to reach the pier by 5:30 PM for sunset photography

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Item	Details
📍 Location	Northern Sai Kung Peninsula, New Territories, at the mouth of Three Fathoms Cove
🧭 Administrative District	Historically part of the Tai Po District; currently designated under the Sai Kung North constituency
🏞 Topography	Enclosed by hills on three sides: Shek Nga Tau, Shek Uk Shan, and Wa Mei Shan
🏘 Village	Sham Chung Village; a Hakka settlement settled by the Lee clan during the Qing Dynasty, consisting of five distinct hamlets: Shing Kau Tong Village, Pau Nei Tsai Village, Shek Tau Keng Village, Tui Min Village, and Wan Chai Village.
🧑‍🌾 Historical Roots	The villagers are predominantly of the Lee clan, tracing their ancestry to Xikeng Village in Changle, Guangdong. They migrated to this area from Sha Tau Kok‘s Wu Kau Tang during the Qing Dynasty, originally making a living through farming.

Section	Time	Key Features
Shui Long Wo → Yung Shue O	Approx. 1 hr 15 mins	Paved concrete road, featuring shade from trees and coastal vistas
Yung Shue O → Sham Chung • Grand Grassland	Approx. 45 mins	Passes through mangroves and village stores for an intimate encounter with nature
Sham Chung • Grand Grassland → Sham Chung Pier	Approx. 15 mins	Coastal path, offering stunning sunset views at dusk