ROUTE 3: SHING MUN WONDERS – THE YESTERYEAR TALES
Construction of the Shing Mun Reservoir leaves a number of abandoned ruins of the old villages on the site. Whether you're a history-savvy or leisure trekker, this course will fit you well!
What would cause a dam to be named after a fruit? History suggests that the old Hakkas enjoyed successful crops of pineapple here in the past. The dam above the minibus stop is therefore named as Pineapple Dam.
The eight most prominent villages, founded prior to the construction of Shing Mun Reservoir, were: Shing Mun Lo Wai, Pak Shek Wo, Pei Tau To, Shek Tau Kin, Fu Yung Shan, Nam Fong To, Tai Bo Lik and Cheung Uk (Ho Pui). The once vibrant dwelling in Shing Mun Valley becomes deserted today.
Spotlight to the next secondary dam of Shing Mun Reservoir – the 46m tall Low Gaps Dam located on the barbecue area is made up of land filling, sheet piling and concrete. The colourful and poetic view of sunset brings even more visitors at dusk!
Comprised of a command post and five pillboxes connected by tunnels, the intricate Shing Mun Redoubt was established between 1939 to 1941. The compound was then raided by the Japanese Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War. After renovation, the remains of the redoubt is now open for public to pay visit.
The memorial stones at Shing Mun Reservoir is one of the five memorial stones that were erected to mark the completion of reservoirs in Hong Kong. The Latin motto "NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA", rendered as "God's work or in vain", suggests the modesty of mortal craftsmanship towards the almighty.
The Gorge Dam of Shing Mun Reservoir stands at 84-m tall, which was the tallest dam built in the British Empire upon completion at that time. Waterworks like dike, spillway and water tower could be found here. Looking for a cozy warm afternoon? Why not to have a barbecue or picnic overlooking the Lion Rock here?
The other end of the Gorge Dam leads visitors to the jewel-blue water of Lower Shing Mun Reservoir. Perches on the lower course of Shing Mun Reservoir; or colloquially known as the Shing Mun Valley, the construction of Lower Shing Mun Reservoir kicked off in 1961 and was completed in 1964. Its main dam is located in Fu Shan, Shatin.
