Tai Mo Shan

Tai Mo Shan is the highest mountain in Hong Kong, with an altitude of 958 m. It is located approximately at the geographical center of the New Territories.

The second highest elevation of the territory is Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan), 934 m, on Lantau Island.

The area surrounding Tai Mo Shan is a Country Park, which covers an area of 1,440 hectares and adopts the same name - Tai Mo Shan Country Park. It is located to the north of Tai Lam Country Park and, separated by Sek Kong Valley is the Lam Tsuen Country Park with an area of 1,520 hectares.

Geology

Tai Mo Shan is made up entirely of volcanic rocks. To the northwest, the west and the south of the peak, the valleys contain large deposits of colluvium. The upper slopes are distinctly "ribbed", as is especially evident after a hill fire. These are stone terraces, running obliquely downhill to the valleys.

Vegetation

There are forest plantations in the south-eastern part of the Park. Limited by climatic and geographic factors, these plantations end at the 550 metre contour, above which shrubs and grasses dominate. '

Wildlife

Some montane birds and rare species of snakes and butterflies breed here.

Places of interest

A series of barbecue and picnic sites are provided along Route Twisk, the Sek Kong - Pat Heung catchwater and the Tuen Mun catchwater.

The Rotary Park at Tai Mo Shan which has a car-park and extensive picnic facilities, is especially popular. Tourist groups often come here for a brief stop to enjoy the panoramic view. On a clear day even Lantau and its adjacent islands can be seen. Tai Mo Shan Visitor Centre is located not far away from the carpark.

To learn the techniques of hiking, you may visit the Hiking Practice Trail adjacent to the Tai Mo Shan car Park. Those would prefer short walks may visit the family walks in the park.

Transportation

To Twisk of Tai Lam Country Park: KMB bus No. 51 from Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier to Ka Tin.

See also:

• Geography of Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Country Parks & Special Areas
• List of buildings, sites and areas in Hong Kong

External links and references

• Initial text based on information provided by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), under the provision that the re-dissemination or reproduction is for non-commercial use. [1]