Clear Water Bay Country Park

Clear Water Bay Country Park

This scenic 615-hectare park offers hiking trails, picnic & recreation areas & swimming beaches. Designated on 28 September 1979, the 615-hectare Clearwater Bay Country Park takes in a wide rugged terrain in the Southeastern New Territories. Its boundaries extend southwards from Hang Hau to the undulating mountain range that screens Joss House Bay, and continue eastwards to the hillocks around Lung Ha Wan. The country park encompasses the wild eastern and western parts of Clearwater Bay Peninsula. Topographically challenging, these areas have largely escaped industrial and domestic developments. They are popular destinations for nature studies and outdoor activities.

Clearwater Bay Peninsula is a typical submergent coast. Submergence of the coastal plains was resulted either by subsidence during crustal movement or by the rise of sea level many millennia ago. Given this geological history, the country park is a showcase of unique landforms and topographic features. Whether you are into serious geological studies or just a lover of natural landscape, Clearwater Bay has a lot to offer.

Begin your journey in Tai Hang Tun at the end of Clearwater Bay Road. It is a comfortable starting point for family hikers. Here, even toddlers can wobble along safely. This popular barbecue and picnic destination almost always has a cool breeze. Many come here just to fly kites.

Historic sites are major attractions of Clearwater Bay Country Park. Examples are the Tin Hau Temple in Fat Tong Mun and the Bronze Age rock carving. Seafood lovers should not miss Po Toi O, a traditional fishing hamlet where villagers still pursue the old seafaring trade, and where you can sample fresh catches of the sea.

Major Attractions

High Junk Peak – one of the four treacherous peaks in Hong Kong – is the no. 1 attraction of Clearwater Bay Country Park. Steep and menacing, the spur offers surprisingly peaceful vistas. This juxtaposition of wild ruggedness and bucolic charm have lured many visitors in times old and new. One poet in the Qing Dynasty wrote the Bamboo Verse to mark his journey to High Junk Peak, “Hiking across Sheung Yeung Shan and Ha Yeung Shan, the encounter with High Junk made my day”.

Towering 344 metres above the lowlands, High Junk Peak tests hikers with a tough final ascent. On the east face of its abrupt summit, precipices plunge down to densely wooded foothills, where buttress slopes stretch all the way to Clearwater Bay and the typhoon shelter beyond. The High Junk Peak Country Trail, a hillside green walk, takes you to a lookout atop Sheung Yeung Shan. This sinuous route offers breathtaking views on both sides. The eastern view, revealing jagged cliffs of High Junk Peak, is particularly arresting. Common Melastoma (Melastoma candidum) is widely distributed in these hills. In early spring, when a burst of pink dresses nearby slopes, the formidable High Junk Peak seems almost tame.

Facilities

There are several country trails within the borders of Clearwater Bay Country Park. Hikers can select one that suits their interest and ability. There is also a visitor centre to offer information and guidance. To get there, take KMB bus no. 91 to Tai Au Mun, then walk for about 1 km to the carpark at the end of Clearwater Bay Road. A small path leads to the visitor centre.

Clearwater Bay Tree Walks is a 1.2 km tree walk in Tai Hang Tun. Cutting across dense woodlands in the mid slopes, it features 12 stops with information on different plants. The route is lined with interesting flora, including Laurel Sweet-leaf (Symplocos cochinchinensis laurina), Square-leaved Chinese Laurel (Antidesma ghaesembilla), Monkey-pod (Archidendron clypearia), Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia) and Thistle (Cirsium hupehense). Frequented by butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, this green path is an ideal family walk.