Shek Pik

🪨【Shek Pik (石壁)】 is a major area in southwestern Lantau Island, Hong Kong, centered around the vast Shek Pik Reservoir. Completed in 1963, this reservoir was once located next to the world’s largest desalination plant at the time, supplying Hong Kong’s early fresh water needs. Surrounded by lush vegetation and rolling hills, including the famous Kau Nga Ling and Lantau Peak, it forms a magnificent natural landscape. Facilities such as Shek Pik Prison and the Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre are also located here, highlighting the area’s role in social services. —

📌 Basic Information

Item	Details
🗺️ Location	Situated in southwestern Lantau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong; southeast of Keung Shan and north of Tung Wan, close to Lantau Peak and the Ngong Ping area.
🏛️ District Administration	Belongs to the Islands District in the New Territories of the HKSAR; falls under the Lantau constituency, with a sparse resident population.
🧭 Geographic Coordinates	Approximately 22°13′ N, 113°54′ E.
🏞️ Terrain & Geology	A transitional zone between mountains and the coast; the geology is mainly a mix of sedimentary and igneous rocks with a diverse landscape, holding great value for geological study.
💧 Shek Pik Reservoir	Built in the 1960s on the original site of four villages of the Shek Pik clan; now the third-largest reservoir in Hong Kong, primarily supplying water to Hong Kong Island.
🪨 Shek Pik Rock Carving	A Bronze Age relic located about 300 meters from the coast, featuring carved geometric patterns; declared a monument in 1979.
🚶‍♂️ Hiking Trails	The Shek Pik Country Trail is around 5.5 km long, starting from Shek Pik Reservoir and ending at the Wisdom Path in Ngong Ping, passing through mountain streams like Sai Kau Nga Hang along the way.
🧱 Geological Background	The geology dates back to the Devonian and Carboniferous periods, showing rich signs of geological evolution, making it ideal for geology enthusiasts to explore.
🏗️ Public Facilities	Includes Shek Pik Prison, Sha Tsui Detention Centre, and Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre, managed by the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department.
🧭 Transportation	Hikers can take a bus from Tung Chung to the starting point at Shek Pik Reservoir, or walk from Ngong Ping to Shek Pik, making it perfect for a day trip or hiking activity.
🧙‍♂️ History & Culture	The Shek Pik area was inhabited in ancient times; archaeological discoveries of bronze items and pottery in 1961 reveal traces of prehistoric human activity.

— This area boasts a rich cultural heritage, such as the Shek Pik Rock Carving, a declared monument in Hong Kong dating back to the Bronze Age, which bears witness to early human activity. Although the original Shek Pik Village was relocated due to the construction of the reservoir, traditional rural charm is still preserved in the surrounding villages. Religious sites like the Shek Pik Ching She mirror the nearby Tian Tan Buddha, offering a space for spiritual retreat, while trails like Lantau Trail Section 8 and Wang Pui Road attract hiking enthusiasts looking to explore. —

📜 Historical Background

🛖 Shek Pik Villages

There were originally four villages: Shek Pik Tai Tsuen, Fan Pui Tsuen, Kong Pui Tsuen, and Hang Tsai Tsuen. In the 1950s, due to the construction of the reservoir, residents were relocated to Shek Pik New Village in Tsuen Wan. — Transport-wise, Shek Pik is a central hub in Lantau’s road network, featuring a bus terminus that connects to places like Tung Chung and Mui Wo. Future developments are drawing attention, as the government plans to redevelop part of the Shek Pik Prison site into recreational facilities while continuing to upgrade water supply infrastructure. Blending natural resources, historical footprints, and modern functions, Shek Pik serves as a microcosm of Lantau Island’s diverse character. —

🚍 Transportation

Starting Point	Transportation	Duration
Mui Wo / Tung Chung	Bus Route 1/2 (Mui Wo ↔ Tai O / Ngong Ping) Bus Route 11/23 (Tung Chung ↔ Tai O / Ngong Ping)	Approx. 40 mins
Ngong Ping	Bus Route 2 (Ngong Ping ↔ Mui Wo) Bus Route 21/23 (Ngong Ping ↔ Tung Chung) Ngong Ping Cable Car	Approx. 25–50 mins

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🥾 Shek Pik Country Trail

It is about 7.9 km long, connecting Shek Pik Reservoir to Ngong Ping. It was formerly known as the “Brook Bernacchi Trail”.

Item	Information
Starting Point	Shek Pik Reservoir
Ending Point	Ngong Ping
Length	Approx. 7.9 km
Duration	Approx. 2.5–3 hours
Difficulty	⭐⭐持 (Moderate)

🌟 Highlights Along the Way

• Shek Pik Reservoir Lawn
• Fung Pik Stream
• Sai Kau Nga Hang
• Wisdom Path
• Ngong Ping Village

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💧 Shek Pik Reservoir

• Construction: Works began in 1957 and were completed in 1963.
• Capacity: The third-largest reservoir in Hong Kong.
• Features: Shek Pik Prison is situated south of the dam.

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🪨 Shek Pik Rock Carving

Located right below the eastern end of the reservoir dam, about 300 meters from the coastline. It features geometric pattern carvings believed to date back to the Bronze Age and is now a declared monument. —

🏢 Correctional Facilities

• Maximum security prison housing prisoners serving long sentences
• Sha Tsui Detention Centre: A youth rehabilitation center for young first-time offenders
• Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre: Provides psychological counseling and vocational training to help ex-offenders reintegrate into society

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🌿 Nature & Ecology

• Wild Rhododendrons burst into bloom in spring, offering a colorful view.
• The area surrounding Shek Pik Reservoir features vast lawns and woodlands, perfect for picnics and photos.
• The hiking trails are built along the hillside with moderate slopes, making them suitable for beginner hikers.

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🧭 Tips

• It is recommended to start from Shek Pik Reservoir where the slope is gentler, making it ideal for novice hikers
• Remember to stay hydrated when hiking in summer, as there are no replenishment points along the way
• Can be combined with Lantau Trail Section 9 for an extended itinerary
• The rock carving has a protective shield; please do not touch or deface it
• Fung Pik Stream is an advanced, high-difficulty route; never go there alone

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