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Natural attractions

Pineapple Dam

4.2 · 1,675 reviews
Serene and nature-focused with frequent wildlife encounters
Pineapple Dam, Shing Mun Rd, Lo Wai, Hong Kong
Interesting facts
1

The reservoir was historically known as Jubilee Reservoir to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V.

2

The area contains a 'Paperbark' forest that is a popular photography location during the autumn months.

3

The reservoir system was the first in Hong Kong to successfully integrate with the mainland Chinese water supply system via the Dongjiang-Shenzhen water conduit.

4

The site features a butterfly sanctuary zone located near the dam and surrounding woodland paths.

5

The construction of the dam originally required the relocation of several Hakka villages, including the village that gave the site its local name.

Overview

Pineapple Dam is a prominent landmark within the Shing Mun Reservoir complex in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It functions as the main retaining structure for the reservoir, which was completed in 1937 as part of a significant water supply project. The dam area serves as a primary access point for the MacLehose Trail and various surrounding hiking paths. Visitors can observe the transition between the dam's engineered concrete slope and the surrounding dense secondary forest. The site is known for a resident population of wild macaques that often gather near the main entrance. The reservoir itself is a catchwater system that directs runoff from the Tai Mo Shan slopes. The structure is integrated into the Shing Mun Country Park, which protects the watershed of the reservoir.

Photo spot

The crest of the dam overlooking the reservoir water towards the dense vegetation of the valley.

Insider tips

Secure all food items and bags, as the local macaque population is known to scavenge from visitors.

Wear footwear with strong grip, as the trails surrounding the dam can become slippery after rainfall.

Carry sufficient water, as there are no retail facilities directly on the dam structure.

What to avoid

Attempting to hike the steeper trails leading away from the dam without proper navigational tools or offline maps.

Etiquette

Do not feed the wild monkeys; feeding wildlife is prohibited by local law and attracts aggressive behavior.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Autumn and winter months for cooler temperatures and clearer skies, which offer better visibility of the reservoir and forest canopy.
Address
Pineapple Dam, Shing Mun Rd, Lo Wai, Hong Kong
22.384, 114.144
Get directions
Details
Key FeaturesReservoir view, macaque habitat, MacLehose Trail access
TerrainPaved dam crest with surrounding rugged woodland trails

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Autumn and winter months for cooler temperatures and clearer skies, which offer better visibility of the reservoir and forest canopy..

The crest of the dam overlooking the reservoir water towards the dense vegetation of the valley.

Close by you'll find Yuen Yuen Institute, Pineapple Dam Nature Trail, Waterside Paperbarks.