The park contains the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, which was the first reservoir built in Hong Kong after the Second World War.
The park is home to the 'Thousand Islands' view, a series of small, forested hills surrounded by the water of the reservoir that emerged after the valley was flooded.
It hosts the longest mountain bike trail network in Hong Kong, managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
Much of the park was originally barren land that underwent massive reforestation efforts starting in the 1950s to stabilize slopes and prevent reservoir silting.
The reservoir area was once a valley containing several villages, which were submerged upon the completion of the dam in 1957.
Tai Lam Country Park is the second-largest country park in Hong Kong, covering over 5,000 hectares of land in the New Territories. The area is dominated by the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, which features a distinctive topography of steep hills and eroded red earth. It is a primary destination for mountain biking in Hong Kong, hosting the first purpose-built mountain bike trail network in the territory. The park's vegetation consists largely of secondary forest and extensive plantation areas that were reforestation projects following post-war soil degradation. Visitors have access to a network of hiking trails, including sections of the MacLehose Trail. The park acts as a significant water catchment area for the territory. The terrain is characterized by complex ridgelines and several reservoirs including the main Tai Lam Chung facility. It serves as a central hub for outdoor recreational connectivity between Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, and Yuen Long districts.
The Thousand Islands Lookout (Tai Lam Chung Reservoir viewpoint).
Bring significantly more water than you think you need, as the exposed ridges offer little to no shade for long stretches.
Wear high-traction hiking boots, as the dry, weathered red earth trails can be loose and slippery.
Check the official AFCD website for temporary trail closures due to mountain bike events or forestry maintenance.
Do not attempt the longer trails if you have low endurance, as there are few 'exit' points once you are deep within the park boundaries.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; strictly adhere to designated mountain bike trails and do not trespass on restricted water catchment areas.
