🛣️【Shek Pik Reservoir Road (石壁水塘道)】 is located in southern Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Built directly on top of the main dam of Shek Pik Reservoir, this road brings together transport, water supply, and tourism features. It serves as a vital artery connecting Mui Wo, Tai O, and Tung Chung, while also forming a key section of the Lantau Trail. Wrapped in a stunning mix of mountains, reservoir waters, and ocean views, the road holds exceptional geographical and historical value.
📌 Basic Information
Category Details 📍 Location Situated in Southern Lantau Island, within the South Lantau Country Park 🏗️ Construction Built along the crest of the Shek Pik Reservoir main dam—a major water infrastructure landmark in Hong Kong 🚧 Traffic Role Features a two-lane road atop the dam, serving as a critical link between Mui Wo, Tai O, and Tung Chung 🏔️ Nearby Peaks
- Kau Nga Ling (Dog’s Teeth Range)
- Keung Shan
- Muk Yue Shan
- Lion Head Mountain
🌅 Scenery Offers sweeping, panoramic views of the reservoir from the Ngong Ping Plateau, where the lake surface meets the South China Sea in a grand coastal landscape —
🏛️ Historical Background
- Original Site：Shek Pik Heung, which was made up of four ancestral villages: Shek Pik Tai Tsuen, Fan Pui Tsuen, Kong Pui Tsuen, and Hang Tsai Tsuen.
- Relocation：To tackle severe water shortages in the 1950s, the government decided to build the reservoir, resettling the villagers to Shek Pik New Village in Tsuen Wan.
- Construction：Work kicked off in 1957 and wrapped up in 1963. It was built by Dragages Hong Kong (then known as Société Française d’Entreprises de Dragages et de Travaux Publics).
- Official Opening：The opening ceremony was held on November 28, 1963, hosted by the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Robert Black.
- Water Pipelines：Supply pipelines run from the reservoir across the seabed via Chau Kung To to Sandy Bay near Mount Davis on Hong Kong Island.
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🚍 Transport & Trails
Category Details 🛣️ Dam Road Shek Pik Reservoir Road refers to the roadway running along the crest of the dam. It operates with two-way traffic and sees daily bus services (such as Route 11) linking Tung Chung and Tai O. 🥾 Hiking Trails
- Lantau Trail Section 8: Passes by Kau Nga Ling and leads straight down to the western banks of the reservoir.
- Lantau Trail Section 9: Kicks off right from Shek Pik Reservoir and stretches to Shui Hau Village, with these sections combining to make up about 15% of the total Lantau Trail.
🌿 Country Trails The entrance to the Shek Pik Country Trail sits on the southeastern side of the reservoir, making it excellent for a relaxed day hike. — Beyond its transport role, Shek Pik Reservoir Road beautifully weaves together nature and human heritage. Surrounded by majestic peaks like Kau Nga Ling, Keung Shan, and Lion Head Mountain, the area feels tucked away in a grand natural amphitheater. The Ngong Ping Plateau stands as the ultimate vantage point for a birds-eye view of the reservoir. It serves perfectly as both a pillar of Hong Kong’s water system and a fantastic starting point for travelers exploring Lantau’s wild side, highlighting the harmony between engineering brilliance and natural beauty. —
🌿 Ecology & Environment
- Afforestation Schemes：Early projects focused on planting Taiwan Acacia, though later efforts shifted to native local tree species, creating a rich mixed woodland belt.
- Slash Pine Woodlands：Covering around 12 hectares, this vibrant habitat draws over 30 species of resident birds, including the rare Yellow-crested Cockatoo.
- Water Quality：The reservoir water consistently meets high standards for fresh drinking water.
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💧 Shek Pik Reservoir Specifications
Property Data Year of Completion 1963 (Construction began in 1957) Catchment Area Approximately 16.5 square kilometers Total Capacity Approximately 24.46 million cubic meters (738 million cubic feet) Ranking The third-largest reservoir in Hong Kong, following High Island Reservoir and Plover Cove Reservoir Dam Height Approximately 54 meters (Note: 164 meters refers to the dam crest elevation above sea level) Structure Type Earth-fill dam with a concrete core barrier
