Currently stuck in self-isolation due to contact with a COVID positive person (spent a good total of 6 weeks in isolation this year already lol), and came across photos of the Tai Tong red leaves on my phone from 3 years ago which I was meant to write about back then but for some unforgotten reason left it. Autumn just passed in the UK and is just about starting in Hong Kong – so it felt fitting to write a post now.
Autumn is my favourite season – the rustling of yellowing leaves, the cooling wind breeze, and the crispiness of the floor as you walk through the dried fallen leaves. It’s a season of reflection and reminiscence on memories before the cold approaches.
Duration: 1 hour (one-way)
Views: 2/5
Difficulty: 2/5
From what I recall, there isn’t a great lot of transport that brings you directly to the starting point. I would recommend taking the MTR to Yuen Long station, then take the taxi along Tai Tong Shan Road and get off at the Tai Tong Shan BBQ site. Alternatively, there is a car park next to the BBQ site if you choose to drive, but it may be quite difficult to get a space during the red leaves season!
From the BBQ site, there is only one way to the specific stretch of red leaves – it takes around an hour to get there from the start. The view along the way is not very spectacular from what I remember, but it is well paved and quite easy to walk on. There are some gentle inclines but it’s definitely suitable for people will minimal experience of hiking.
I remember walking to the very end of the stretch of red leaves and turning back with my friends. There can be quite a lot of people during this season to admire the leaves, so do respect each other as well as the environment. Please do not pluck any leaves from the trees directly and just be sensible when taking photos. Since it will be getting cold soon, it might be nice to bring some food for BBQ afterwards to complete the day trip (it’s quite far to get to Yuen Long so you might as well make the most of it!).
I will be on a blog hiatus for god knows how long now that I’ve started working in the UK and travelling has been tricky with the pandemic. Until my next post, please stay warm, safe and positive (maybe not COVID positive :P) during these difficult times!