Route
1 Sha Tin to Tai Po
The cycling path from Sha Tin's Shing Mun River to Tolo Harbour not only offers convenient access but also provides you with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful mountainous and coastal scenery of the New Territories, especially the stunning views around Tolo Harbour.
Starting Point: Shing Mun River
Both banks of the Shing Mun River have a cycling path and jogging trail, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful Shing Mun River. Thus, many residents love to engage in outdoor activities here. Every Dragon Boat Festival, exciting dragon boat races are held in this area. The Shing Mun River was originally a bay, which turned into the present artificial river due to land reclamation in the 1970s for the development of Sha Tin New Town; the river eventually flows into Tolo Harbour.
The Tolo Harbour cycling path is one of Hong Kong's most beautiful and famous cycling paths, built near the sea, wide and straight, stretching from Sha Tin all the way to Tai Po Market and Tai Mei Tuk. From here, you can gaze at the unique and majestic Pat Sin Leng, composed of eight mountain peaks.
Supply Points: Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok Promenade
Hong Kong Science Park, a futuristic "city of the future," serves as a research base and business park focusing on applied technology. In addition to office buildings, conference and exhibition venues, the Science Park features a beautiful outdoor plaza, an artificial lake, and restaurants, making it an excellent spot to rest on your journey.
The Pak Shek Kok Promenade connects the cycling path from Sha Tin to Ma Liu Shui, covering a total length of about two kilometers and is a very popular cycling hotspot. The path is wide, equipped with multiple resting points and viewing platforms where you can enjoy the seascape of Tolo Harbour and view the new town of Ma On Shan across the water.
Destination: Tai Po Waterfront Park
This is one of Hong Kong's larger urban parks, featuring extensive grasslands and gardens, and is one of the few places in the city where kite flying is permitted. The park also includes an insect house, an outdoor amphitheater, a model boat pond, and kiosks providing bicycle rentals. Climbing the 32-meter tall Hong Kong Return Monument offers a magnificent view of the entire park and Tolo Harbour.
Starting Point: Shing Mun River
Destination: Tai Po Waterfront Park
Duration: No more than 3 hours
Length: Approximately 16 kilometers
Bicycle Rental Points: Bicycle rental shops are available at Tai Wai, Sha Tin Park, and Tai Po Waterfront Park. You can choose your starting point based on your itinerary. If you wish to skip the return route, you can return the bike at another location (e.g. rent at Tai Wai and return at Tai Po). Please inquire with the shop when renting.
How to Get There
To reach the Starting Point
· From Tai Wai: There is a bike rental shop opposite Exit A of Tai Wai MTR Station. After renting a bike, ride along the cycling path towards the Shing Mun River.
· From Sha Tin: From Exit A of Sha Tin MTR Station, walk through New Town Plaza and Sha Tin Park to find the bicycle rental kiosk at the Shing Mun River.
Departing from the Destination
· Walk along Tai Wo Road and Nam Yuen Road for about 20 minutes to reach Tai Po Market Station.
· Take bus 275R from Shek Mun Road to Tai Po Market Station (service only on Sundays and public holidays).
2 Tai Po to Tai Mei Tuk
After completing the cycling journey from Sha Tin to Tai Po, if you still have the stamina, you can continue to Tai Mei Tuk and enjoy the thrill of cycling against the wind on the expansive dam. This is the true endpoint of the Sha Tin to Tolo Harbour cycling path, well-loved by cycling enthusiasts and tourists due to its beautiful views of Tolo Harbour and Shing Mun Reservoir.
However, please note that you will need to find food shops and restaurants in the nearby village houses, so it's advisable to purchase sufficient snacks and drinking water in Tai Po before setting out.
Starting Point: Tai Po Waterfront Park
This is Hong Kong's largest park, covering an area of 22 hectares, featuring extensive grasslands, an insect house, an outdoor amphitheater, and a model boat pond, along with kiosks that offer bicycle rentals. Climbing the 32-meter Hong Kong Return Monument within the park gives you a panoramic view of the park and Tolo Harbour.
Midway Attraction: Tin Hau Temple
Ride south along Shek Mun Road until you reach Tin Hau Temple. The temple is located in Yuen Chau Tsai (once an island, now connected to the land) and was built during the Qing Dynasty by local fishermen from Tai Po to seek protection. Tai Po residents still celebrate Tin Hau’s birthday several times a year with great enthusiasm.
Destination: Tai Mei Tuk
After visiting Tin Hau Temple, head back towards Tai Po Town. About 200 meters from there, you will find a sign directing you towards Tai Mei Tuk. Follow the signs, turn right at the cycling path intersection about 30 meters ahead, and continue for about 300 meters before turning right under the bridge into the Ting Kau cycling path. Ride about 8 kilometers straight to reach Tai Mei Tuk.
This area is popular for barbecuing, water activities, and kite flying. You can turn right at the bus terminus, cycling towards the Tai Mei Tuk Water Activity Centre and ascend the slight slope to the main dam of Shing Mun Reservoir. Cycling leisurely back and forth on the dam, you will also enjoy the extensive scenery!
Starting Point: Tai Po Waterfront Park
Destination: Tai Mei Tuk
Duration: No more than 1.5 hours
Length: Approximately 9 kilometers
How to Get There
To reach the Starting Point
The best way to explore this route is to start from Sha Tin and cycle along the Sha Tin to Tai Po bicycle route to the starting point. If you prefer to start from Tai Po, you can also rent a bike at Tai Po Centre or Tai Po Waterfront Park and then proceed along the cycling path to Tin Hau Temple.
Departing from the Destination
Take bus 75K or 275R (service only on Sundays and public holidays) from Tai Mei Tuk transport interchange to Tai Po Market Station. (Text by Liu Su)
Bicycle Touring Tips
1. Plan your itinerary in advance, utilizing cycling paths as the main route. If cycling on roads, be especially aware of surface conditions and other road users, and obey traffic signals, signs, and road markings.
2. Do not enter fast roads or tunnels.
3. Except for overtaking, you must ride in a single lane on the cycling path, keeping to the left and maintaining distance from the sidewalk to avoid weaving around on the road.
4. Pay attention to weather conditions; if the weather deteriorates, be cautious of surface water or consider shortening or canceling your planned journey.
5. Check the bicycle before renting to ensure it is functioning correctly and clearly understand the rental terms, including fees, rental period, and return location.
6. Wear safety gear such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads while cycling. The bicycle should be equipped with a bell.
7. Maintain a safe distance from the bicycle in front to prevent accidents due to sudden braking.
8. At night or in low visibility conditions, ensure a white light is lit at the front and a red light is lit at the back of the bicycle.
9. It is advisable to carry maps, drinking water, food, rain gear, first aid supplies, and a mobile phone, securely fastened to the bike.
10. Do not carry passengers or transport animals or items that impede your line of sight or balance.
11. In case of emergency, dial 112 to connect to the 999 emergency center.