From Chuen Lung Village Down to Shing Mun Catchwater

Originally we were going to hike the Lung Mun Country Trail from Chuen Lung Village to the Shing Mun Reservoir.  However, after a mad good time at dim sum at the village, we were left with little time for the intended trail.  Therefore we changed course and took a downward path from the entrance of Lung Mun Country Trail to Tsuen Wan via the Shing Mun Catchwater.

Chuen Lung Village, at the foot of Tai Mo Shan along Route Twisk in Tusen Wan, is famous for its two dim sum restaurants.  They serve great dim sum with local flavors.  What makes the meal special, however, is the fresh watercress.  The Chuen Lung Village grows mainly watercress and other greens.  Therefore diners always order a big plate of local produce on the side of dim sum.

We had to ask around in order to find the way to the Lung Mun Country Trail.  On this day we dined at the Choi Lung Restaurant, and the main road leading into the village from the restaurant entrance is the way to the Lung Mun Country Trail.  The walk is easy in a gradual incline once you pass the village.

Photo: Produce at the Chuen Lung Village – Bananasa, Ginger and Watercress

Verdant fields line the beautiful village of Chuen Lung.  We could identify a number of crops, including bananas, corn, watercress and ginger.

There was a gentle incline on the way to the Lung Mun Country Trail.  When we saw the Chuen Lung Management Center, we went toward the way on the left.  About an hour after we embarked, we arrived at the entrance of the Lung Mun Country Trail.

At this point, we followed the sign for Lo Wai and Shing Mun Catchwater.  The way was downhill continuously.  We passed by the Tai Mo Shan View Point and saw wonderful views of New Territories west.

There was a well-paved flight of stairs down.  We walked more than 600 steps on this section until we reached the Shing Mun Catchwater.

Then we made a right and walked on for about 15 to 20 minutes more.  We saw a big sign saying Route Twisk in Chinese.  Then there are some continuous stairs down.  1000 steps later, we were back on a paved motorway, and walked back to Tsuen Wan proper for a nice afternoon tea.

Photos: Left – the Shing Mun Catchewater.  Right – A Big Sign Saying Route Twisk in Chinese

On this route, there is very little rigor in terms of exercise.  But walking more than 1,600 downward steps did take a toll on our muscles.  My friends had pretty bad soreness in their calves the day after.  For me the pain came one day later.