Kai Kung Leng ( 雞公嶺 in Chinese, quite literally “Mountain of Chicken” or more elegantly “Rooster Ridge”) is a picturesque mountain ridge in Lam Tsuen Country Park, between Yuen Long and Sheng Shui in the New Territories of Hong Kong.
A volcanic crest with a velvety texture, Kai Kung Leng has a towering presence equalled by the magnificent views from its ridge! On a clear day, not only can one admire views of Shenzhen, but also of Tai Mo Shan, Tai To Yan, Sheung Shui, Pat Sing Leng, and even as far as Castle Peak!
The glorious ridge of Kai Kung Leng
The ridge is extremely popular with hikers, mountain bikers and cyclists which is apparent by the number of trails traversing its velvet surface.
Mountain cycling is quite popular on Kai Kung Leng
Kai Kung Leng Hike, Lam Tsuen Country Park
Kai Kung Leng Hike is covered in loose gravel, making it difficult to descend.
There are signs at the bottom of the ridge that warn hikers of the steep inclines and the treacherous climb ahead.
Kai Kung Leng is a challenging hike
But most importantly, do not attempt to hike Kai Kung Leng on a sunny and hot day. There is no shade on the trail and the sun can be brutal.
Get To The Starting Point
It is possible to start the Kai Kung Leng Hike from either end of the ridge. But I highly recommend starting from the Yuen Long side.
See also
Tsing Yi Peak Hike (Sam Chi Heung) - Tsing Yi's Highest Point
To reach the starting point, make your way to Yuen Long MTR station. At the MTR station take Exit E to the bus stops below and locate the stop for the green minibus 603.
Ride the minibus to Fung Kat Heung Road and alight at the turn after the recycling point. There is no visible sign or bus stop, so use this marker on your Google Maps to alight.
Also, 603 is pretty infrequent, once every 30 minutes. So, if you don’t have the patience, take a green taxi to the starting point. It should cost approximately HK$ 40.
The starting point of Kai Kung Leng Hike is quite nondescript, except for the painted signs on poles next to the steps
The hike begins with step till the first peak kai kung shan
The most scenic section of the hike begins after Kai Kung Shan
As you proceed from Kai Kung Shan, the trail dips below to an area that’s unusual
The north-facing slope is clearly more fertile and lush than the south-facing slope. But what’s more, the open ridge provides unobstructed views of Shenzhen on one side, and Kam Tin on the other.
Approaching the Guijiao Stone Ridge (rock formation)
Guijiao Stone Ridge (桂角石嶺)
This large cluster of rocks provided shade
One of the rocks in the formations is known as the “Fairy Dressing rock
The most popular rock formation on the hike
But we were glad to take a break under its shade before mustering the strength to conquer the final stretch!
To Kai Kung Leng
From the Guijiao Stone Ridge, the Kai Kung Leng summit is another flat area
From the flat area, continue on the trail as it finally closes in on Kai Kung Leng.
The home stretch to Kai Kung Leng peak
Kai Kung Leng
At 572 metres, Kai Kung Leng (also known as Tai Lo Tin (大羅天) or formerly Kwai Kok Shan) is the second peak on the Kai Kung Leng Hike. And it may come as a surprise but it’s not the tallest peak on the range.
Made it to Kai Kung Leng
But it’s the peak the hike is now named after and has some of the most spectacular views of Shenzhen, Kam Tin, the wetlands, Tai Mo Shan, Kam Tin and beyond.
Kai Kung Leng panoramic view
Lo Tin Teng
At 585 metres, Lo Tin Teng is the tallest peak on the Kai Kung Leng Hike. It’s situated adjacent to Kai Kung Keng, separated only by a small gap.
So, that’s the highest point on the Kai Kung Leng Hike. And from here on out, it’s all downhill!
Down To The Hill With Trees On Top
Let the descent begin!
Some sections of the descent are steep and slippery
The panoramic views are simply breathtaking. On the left are Sheung Shui, Fanling, and Shenzhen, in front is Tai To Yan, and on the right is the valley with the Shek Kong Airfield.
View of Shek Kong Airfield from the velvety hills of Kai Kung leng
Once we entered the shaded area of the tree-top hill,
As the trail ends its downhill slope, it splits in two. At this point, turn right.
Turn right at this point
Once the trail with the vegetation ends, turn left onto the cemented path and walk down the steps.
Walk down these steps
At the end of this path, turn right and continue walking down the steps to arrive at a village near Kiu Tau.
And walk down these steps to the village
At the village, cross the bridge over the Sheung Yue River and walk under the large overhead pipe to end the hike at Fan Kam Road.
Cross the bridge over the Sheung Yue River
Walk under the overhead pipe to reach Fan Kam Road
To head to Yuen Long, cross the road and walk right to the bus stop for 77K. To head to Sheung Shui, turn right and walk to the bus stop for 77K on the same side of the road.
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