Tai Shek Mo and Its Military Installations in Sheung Shui

At the peak of Tai Shek Mo, of 183 meters in altitude, there are all-around views of New Territories North including that of all of Sheung Shui and much of the southern skyline of Shenzhen. Needless to say, the fish pond views of Ma Tso Lung are also very pleasant. Tai Shek Mo offers an even higher vantage point of the fish ponds than the typical spot at Ma Tso Lung. In fact, there you will see the MacIntosh Cathedral of Ma Tso Lung as well.

Photo: View of the MacIntosh Cathedral (the green object on the middle left of the picture) of Ma Tso Lung.

The Tai Shek Mo in Sheung Shui is not such a popular trail but it offers quite a few surprises. Besides the fish ponds of Ma Tso Lung, there is also the Scottish Crest on the hillside, rumored to be taken down when this area will be developed. The Scottish crest will require another entry point (not discussed in this entry) for a visit. As a result, I am doing three visits to see all there is that it offers. The first one was a failure, so let’s go through with the cautionary tale first.

First Failed Attempt

On the TrailWatch app it first gave me a route that goes there from the southern face of the mountain. The entry point is via the hillside grave areas on Ho Sheung Heung Road, close to the Lo Wu Saddle Club.

I live in Tsung Pak Long so my starting point was actually home. After going through Tsung Pak Long Village, I passed by some beautiful views of the Long Valley wetland.

I walked along Sheung Yue River. At the Long Valley Pavilion (with a sit-out area), I made my way through to Ho Sheung Heung Village. I then came upon the hillside graveyards on Ho Sheung Heung Road.

There is the sign on the southern entrance of Tai Shek Mo saying that the construction site on the way prohibits entry.

The trails that approach Tai Shek Mo via its southern face will lead to the ongoing construction for the North Kwu Tung Reservoir. You will not be able to go through this section to reach Tai Shek Mo from its southern trails on regular days. Although bloggers say on Sundays, when construction ceases for the public holiday, people can get through, my advice is to not take that path. I had to learn the lesson the hard way and turn back. These are the views on the way from entering via the hillside graves.

Second Successful Attempt – The Standard Way to Tai Shek Mo

On a second try, again I headed out from home and made my way through to the pavilion at Sheung Yue River. I then made my way further to Mrs. Lo’s Tofu, and found the proper entry point to Tai Shek Mo.

The Way from Ho Sheung Heung

For other visitors, the best way to go is from the Lo Wu Correctional Institution. Take green top minibus Route 51K from Sheung Shui MTR station and get off at the final stop. Facing the Lo Wu Correctional Institution, there is a wide vehicle motorway on the right. Head on over and keep going straight until you see this intersection.

Photos: On the left, you see the Lo Wu Correctional Institute. Take the wide motorway on your right and keep on going, until you see the intersection shown on the right photo.

Make a left  Fai King Road(left photo below), and soon you will see Mrs. Lo’s Tofu (right photo below).

Keep on going, and watch out for this path on your left. The indication is the gray, tall metal planks that surrounds the property on the left. Head up this paved driveway. It will lead you to Tai Shek Mo.

The Trail

This really is not much of a trail, as the way up the mountain is paved throughout. The walk was quite easy, but there are sections where the inclination is at 40 degrees. The steepness made it difficult to descend. The ascend, however, was fairly easy.

Once you make it to the end of the paved way, you will come across the abandoned barracks. Make your way up the stairs and you will find yourself at the peak of Tai Shek Mo, with the border lookout post and 360 view of the northern district and Shenzhen.

Besides all-around views of the North District and Shenzhen, there are also some former military installations in this lookout area.

Photo: View of Hong Kong at Tai Shek Mo

Furthermore, you will see a lookout structure next to the tower. Just a few steps down, you will find what seems likely to be war structures, which are likely to be bunkers.

The round structure was a lookout over the border with Shenzhen.

To make your way back, I suggest taking the original route, as it is paved.

How to Get There

Green top minibus Route 51K runs between the Sheung Shui MTR station and the Lo Wu Correctional Institute.