Tai Tam Country Park

Tai Tam Country Park

Tai Tam Country Park is located in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island; it stretches from Jardine's Lookout in the north to the ridgeline around Ma On Kong in the south, bordered by Chatham Road in the west and Tai Tam Road in the east. Established in 1977, the park covers an area of 1,315 hectares, roughly one-fifth the size of Hong Kong Island.

The park includes four reservoirs, which were the main sources of fresh water supply for Hong Kong Island in its early days. The Tai Tam Reservoirs system comprises the Tai Tam Upper Reservoir, Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir, Tai Tam Middle Reservoir, and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, built between 1889 and 1917, with a total capacity of 9 million cubic meters. Within the tranquil country park, remnants of wartime structures such as pillboxes, ammunition depots, and field kitchens can still be found. During World War II, intense battles took place here between British and Japanese forces.

Tai Tam Valley is the most ecologically rich area within Tai Tam Country Park. It is surrounded by several high peaks, including Violet Hill, Jardine's Lookout, Mount Butler, and Mount Parker, all exceeding 400 meters in height, with the steepest, Mount Parker, rising to 507 meters. Rainwater collected from these mountains flows into the deep valleys between them, forming numerous clear streams that nourish the valley’s vegetation, making Tai Tam Valley a highly biodiverse woodland teeming with a wide variety of flora and fauna. As a result, the Tai Tam Reservoirs catchment area was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as early as the 1970s to protect it from development. The scenic beauty of its mountains and waters is arguably unmatched anywhere on Hong Kong Island.

Following Section 6 of the Hong Kong Trail, starting from Mount Parker Road, hikers can ascend to Tai Fung Au, then descend southward to enter this lush green paradise, with stunning lake and mountain views all around. Strolling along the shores of the Tai Tam Reservoirs is a relaxing experience, and you can overlook the verdant Tai Tam Valley from the dam. By taking the path on the left side of Tai Tam Kong and heading northward, you will eventually reach the terminus on Tai Tam Road.

In addition to its beautiful natural scenery, the area also features historically interesting relics, one of which is the ruins of a small house on Jardine's Lookout. This site was once the residence of James Matheson, the founder of Jardine Matheson Limited. Today, only the foundation remains as a historical landmark.

Transportation Guide

Location: Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Stanley, Hong Kong

Transport options: Citybus Route 314, Hong Kong Island Minibus Routes 16M and 16X, New World First Bus Routes 14 and 14 Special can take you to the attraction.