Ma On Shan (peak)
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| Ma On Shan | |
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  Ma On Shan Location of Ma On Shan in Hong Kong | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 702 m (2,303 ft) Hong Kong Principal Datum  |
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 The saddle of Ma On Shan is clearly seen in the background. | |||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 馬鞍山 | ||||||||||
| Literal meaning | saddle ridge | ||||||||||
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Ma On Shan (Chinese: 馬鞍山) is saddle-shaped peak in east of Tolo Harbour in the New Territories of Hong Kong. With a peak of 702 metres (2,303 ft), it stands among the ten highest mountains in Hong Kong. The mountain borders Sha Tin and Tai Po districts.
Iron ore was mined here in the past. An extensive network of tunnels is buried under the hill. The iron mine was abandoned after losing advantages over other less expensive sources.[citation needed]
Beneath the west face of the hill along Tolo Harbour, a new town extension, Ma On Shan, of Sha Tin New Town is named after the hill. It ends north in Wu Kai Sha.
A group of villages located east of the hill is named Shap Sze Heung and the harbour of Three Fathoms Cove.
Geography
Ma On Shan can be distinguished by the west face which looks like a saddle. and "Ma On Shan" can be translated as "horse saddle mountain". Nine streams flow around the Ma On Shan, with the biggest stream located at the Southwest slope of Ma On Shan, where Ma On Shan Village is also located.
Vegetation
The North Slope of Ma On Shan is mostly covered in trees, while the south slope is mostly covered in shrubs and grasses. Three species of native Rhododendron has been recorded along the slope, including Rhododendron simsii, which blooms with red flowers in late March. Rare and protected species of plants also grow on Ma On Shan including the Chinese Lily (Lilium brownii) which grows on Ma On Shan's east facing slope.
A few types of wild Orchids also grow in the streams of Ma On Shan including Hong Kong's most common orchid, the Bamboo Orchid, so called because of a distinct stem that looks like bamboo.
Ma On Shan Country Park
Taking in 2,880 hectares of central Sai Kung Peninsula, Ma On Shan Country Park in the Eastern New Territories is a fetching terrain of grand uplands and ridges. Named after Ma On Shan, the mountain range that sits largely inside the park, it forms a wide green belt for leisure and recreation activities in the Ma On Shan region with the neighbouring Sai Kung Country Park and Lion Rock Country Park.
Designated in 1979, Ma On Shan Country Park covers inland uplands as well as Hebe Haven that lies between Pak Sha Wan and Port Shelter. At the many high points, sweeping views of coasts and islands feast your eyes. More prominent landmarks of the region are Ma On Shan, the Hunch Backs, Pyramid Hill, Tate's Cairn and Kowloon Peak. The park has quite a few famous sights : Kowloon Peak with its panoramic cityscape, Grave of Dr. Sun's Mother in Pak Fa Lam, and the ever popular Gilwell Campsite.
Ma On Shan is a notoriously treacherous terrain, with rugged hill trails conquerable only by the fit and experienced. More beaten tracks include the Ma On Shan Country Trail, Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk, Stage 4 of the MacLehose Trail and Stage 4 of the Wilson Trail. Stage 4 of the MacLehose Trail and Ma On Shan Country Trail pass through the scenic Ngong Ping Plateau where broad vistas extend to the far distance.
Major Attractions
Ma On Shan, rising 702 metres above sea level, is the second highest peak in the New Territories, ranking just after Tai Mo Shan, and the fourth highest peak in Hong Kong. Standing opposite to the Hunchbacks, Ma On Shan gets its Chinese name from the saddle-shaped passes, known to hikers as the "head saddle" (The Ma On Shan main peak) and "end saddle" (the Hunch Backs). Ma On Shan's striking profile is visible in many parts of the New Territories. What makes Ma On Shan Country Park extraordinary is that it is a dividing line set between Sai Kung Peninsula and Shatin. The northeast face of the range is most famous, and the most perilous. To avoid a challenging climb from the northeastern slopes, hikers can set off from the south and make their way to the top via Ngong Ping Plateau. There are several hill paths leading to Ma On Shan on the western slopes of Pyramid Hill. Beyond a grassy plateau, you arrive at a volcanic rock formation which marks the highest peak of Ma On Shan. For the summit, follow the gravelly path uphill. Below the apex of this imposing range, Hong Kong showcases her grandest landscape a panoramic view from Tolo Channel in the north to Sai Kung Peninsula in the east.
For your descent, take the winding hill path that trails down the eastern slopes. Negotiating your way through ravines and hidden valleys, you find yourself in secluded countryside unspoiled by human activities, where beautiful rare flora flourish. To preserve these natural treasures, the government has designated these lowlands as a Special Area. If you are unyielding and cool-headed, you can descend from the Hunchbacks west of Ma On Shan. The serrated crests and ridges offer an exhilarating hiking experience.
Facilities
Ma On Shan Country Park has several barbecue areas : Shui Long Wo, Kei Ling Ha, Nai Chung and Ma On Shan Village. The ones at Ma On Shan Village and Nai Chung are well loved by holiday-makers. For campers, there are campsites in Ngong Ping and Shui Long Wo.
Hiking trails came in many lengths and forms. The 650 m Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk starts at Shui Long Wo and provides information of 20 feature trees and plants. Stage 4 of the Wilson Trail is a hiking trail that starts at Tseng Lan Shue. The wooded lane travels west to Shatin Pass along a traditional trail, passing through Tung Yeung Shan, Kowloon Peak, Tate's Cairn and other sights inside Ma On Shan Country Park. This hike takes about 3 hours to complete. Stage 4 of the MacLehose Trail begins at Shui Long Wo in Kei Ling Ha. The trail winds up and down the uplands of Pyramid Hill, Ngong Ping, the Hunchbacks, Tate's Cairn and the nearby region, and ends in Gilwell Campsite of Tate's Cairn. It is a 5-hour hike.
See also
- List of mountains, peaks and hills in Hong Kong
- Ma On Shan (town) - new town development to the northern side of the peak
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