The Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path hike is a super easy trail from Wong Nai Chung Reservoir to Tai Tam Reservoir. The trail skirts along the side of Violet Hill, and offers fantastic views of Repulse Bay from its narrow ledge. It then carries on to Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir before finishing at the Tai Tam Country Park South Entrance.
The Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path is perfect for anyone, including families with kids. The trail is flat, gradually slopes down and involves no climbing. It’s also shaded two-thirds of the way.
This easy, scenic hike captures a lot of the diversity of Hong Kong – from views of skyscrapers and beaches to country parks and a reservoir with masonry bridges.
Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path and Repulse Bay below
Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path Details
The hike is relatively long at almost 7 km. However, given that it’s flat and downhill, one doesn’t feel the distance at all.
It took us 3 hours to complete, but that didn’t involve the stops for taking photos at the ledge and Tai Tam Reservoir.
Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path Hike Map
Click here to open the map of the hike in Google Maps.
Starting Point
The starting point for the Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path is the same as that of the Twin Peaks Hike (or Mount Nicholson Hike) if you are starting from Wong Nai Chung Reservoir.
To make your way to the starting point, catch bus number 6, 41A, 76, 63, or 66 to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park bus stop. Once you alight at the Sinopec gas station, walk up the short flight of steps that go up to Tai Tam Reservoir Road. And finally, walk towards the sign for Celestial Garden, 5 Repulse Bay Road.
Take the path behind the white wall
This is your starting point.
The Initial Paved Section
Take the path behind the wall with the Celestial Garden sign. Continue walking along the wall till you see the sign for Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path.
Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path begins here
The first 2 km of the path is paved and shaded. It twists and turns, and often feels uneventful. But there are a few vantage points from where you get clear views of Mount Nicholson, Wong Chuk Hang, and Deep Water Bay. However, soon after, the path gets engulfed in a canopy of trees and the views disappear.
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- Views of Mount Nicholson
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- Views of Wong Chuk Hang
The path crosses multiple river beds, which I can only assume are some form of catch-water system for Violet Hill. And as there is a drain that runs along the path, it gives my theory more credibility.
The first section of the path is very easy
However, at the 2 km mark, the paved section ends and gives way to a dirt trail.
The Dirt Trail to Tze Kong Bridge (Repulse Bay Gap)
The next 1.5 km of the trail is the most scenic section of the hike in my opinion. The trail essentially curves behind the northern end of Repulse Bay, with viewpoints at either end of the curve.
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- After 2 km, the rocky trail begins
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- Follow the trail to the viewpoint
The viewpoints are along narrow ledges on the side of Violet Hill and have a railing to prevent any accident. Although it’s a very Instagrammable spot, be mindful that you don’t hold up fellow hikers. The path is just wide enough for two people crossing each other. So, if you decide to take too long with your photos, you may cause a small jam on the Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path.
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- First view of Repulse Bay
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- The views of Repulse Bay from Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path
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- Repulse Bay as seen from Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path
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- The mountain ledge along Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path
Unfortunately, there aren’t any views in the central portion of the curved trail. The trail once again gets enveloped by the trees.
Another thing worth noting is that this section of the hike is extremely rocky! So, be careful while walking.
There are no views in the middle of the curved trail
Once you emerge on the other side of the curved trail, you get a very different view of Repulse Bay. In fact, you’ll be able to see all the way to Ocean Park and Lamma Island on a clear day.
And just before Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path turns away, you get a final glimpse of Repulse Bay in all its glory!
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- On a clear day, you can see Ocean Park in the distance
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- Repulse Bay in all its glory
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- Soaking in the last of the views of Repulse Bay
Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path finally moves inland, away from the buildings and deeper into Tai Tam Country Park.
The trail heads inland towards Tai Tam Country Park
When the trail meets the steps coming down from Violet Hill, turn right and walk down the steps till you reach Tze Kong Bridge.
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- Turn right towards Tze Kong Bridge (Repulse Bay Gap)
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- Take the steps down to the Repulse Bay Gap
Tze Kong Bridge to Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir Dam
The Tze Kong Bridge sits in the middle of the Repulse Bay Gap. So which way do you go?
- If you want to end your hike now, turn right and you’ll exit at Repulse Bay.
- If you go straight, you’ll reach Stanley but only after conquering The Twin Peaks, one of the most challenging hikes on Hong Kong Island!
- But we turned left, towards Tai Tam Reservoir, to end the Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path hike.
Turn left for Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir
The next 1.7 km is a peaceful walk along the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir. It’s peaceful compared to the ledge behind Repulse Bay from where you can hear the vehicles below. Instead, along this section of the trail, you’ll get glimpses of the still waters of the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir.
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- The trail towards Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir
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- Crossing dry river beds
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- Beautiful and peaceful views of Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir
The dirt trail that you’ve been on all this while ends once you reach the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir Dam. It’s worthwhile stepping onto the dam to enjoy the views of the beautiful Tai Tam Country Park and its reservoir system.
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- Walk along the dam to admire the views
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- Good timing to catch the sun peeking from behind the clouds
Finish at Tai Tam Country Park South Entrance
The final section of this hike is only 1.5 km long and is completely flat and paved. Come down from Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir Dam towards Tai Tam Reservoir Road behind and turn right.
Aerial view of Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir Dam, the masonry bridge and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir
This section of the trail has some of the best views of Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir and two of its historic masonry bridges. If you ever feel like returning here, we have a detailed guide to Tai Tam Tuk Circular Walk that covers the major attractions around here.
The first masonry bridge is right behind the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir Dam, whereas the second bridge is about 500 meters from the end. Both bridges, along with the views of the reservoir, are simply stunning!
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- The masonry bridge right behind the dam
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- Gorgeous views of Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir
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- The masonry bridge before you end the trail
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- Views of Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir
After you’re done admiring the second masonry bridge, you can finally end the trail at Tai Tam Country Park South Entrance.
Ending the hike at Tai Tam Country Park South Entrance
From here, you can take a bus towards Sai Wan Ho, Chai Wan, or Stanley. There’s also a taxi stand, toilets, and even a vending machine.
Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path Hike
For us, the unique part about this hike was the mountain ledge behind Repulse Bay. The views were quite something!
But given how easy and scenic this path is, it was no surprise that we saw plenty of families with kids.
Taking a break on this easy hike
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path. As always, please feel free to share it on the social media channel of your choice or leave us a comment below.
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4 Comments
Just did this hike today! Nice and easy with a great view of Repulse Bay. Good your mentioned the path behind the Celestial Garden sign, wouldn’t have found the start of the path if not. Thanks!
Hey Brian,
Thank you very much, and we’re really happy to hear that our directions helped!
🙂
Just completed and thoroughly enjoyed this hike. Thank you for the route information. I would never have found the starting point without it
You’re welcome! I really enjoyed the hike too. It’s a very relaxing hike.