Did you know that waterfalls produce negative air ions, which have potential mood boosting effects on us? Although the evidence is not conclusive, there’s no denying that waterfalls remain places of attractions that people will go out of their way to visit.
Few things feel quite as refreshing as escaping Hong Kong’s concrete jungle for the sound of rushing water, cool forest air and a shady pool.
Hong Kong supposedly has more than 50 waterfalls scattered across its country parks and streams. Some require little more than a leisurely walk; others involve scrambling over boulders and getting your feet wet. From an easy family outing to a proper weekend adventure, here are five waterfalls worth seeking out. Bride’s Pool and Mirror Pool If you like your nature with a ghost story thrown in, start here. Bride’s Pool is said to take its name from a bride who drowned after her sedan chair slipped into the water on the way to her wedding. Less spooky is the waterfall itself, where water cascades into a picturesque pool surrounded by woodland.
The neighbouring Mirror Pool is arguably even more impressive, with water dropping about 35 metres down a rock face. Both sit along the short Bride’s Pool Nature Trail in Plover Cove Country Park, making this one of the most accessible options on the list. Look out for the stone bridge built in 1906, once used by villagers travelling between Wu Kau Tang and Chung Mei.
The easy trail works well for families or anyone wanting nature without committing an entire day. Be warned that these falls are popular among many locals during the warmer months and on weekends, so go earlier if you want to avoid crowds.
Afterwards, continue to nearby Tai Mei Tuk for cycling, kayaking, a waterfront stroll or a well-earned meal.
Location: Shuen Wan, New Territories Distance: 1km (~1 hour) Suitable for: Beginner, family-friendly How to get there: From Tai Po Market MTR Station, take minibus 20R to Bride’s Pool on weekdays, or bus 275R on Sundays and public holidays; drop off at Bride’s Pool BBQ area Where to eat: Head to nearby Tai Mei Tuk for waterfront restaurants and cafés
Sai Kung Rock Pools Beaches are not the only reason to head deep into Sai Kung. Near Sai Wan, Sheung Luk Stream tumbles over rocks to form a series of natural pools and waterfalls hidden among the greenery.
The pools are particularly inviting on a hot Hong Kong day, and their location makes them a great addition if you are already exploring Sai Wan or neighbouring Ham Tin. The setting feels considerably wilder than the city, with boulders, clear water and forest replacing roads and high-rises.
Getting there requires some effort, but that’s part of the appeal. Make a day of it by combining the pools with Sai Wan Beach before hiking back. Be particularly cautious after heavy rain, when streams can rise quickly and rocks become slippery. And tempting as the cliffs may look, avoid cliff jumping. If you’re not a good swimmer, be warned as the main rock pool is nine to 12m deep.
Location: Sai Kung East Country Park, New Territories Distance: Around 2.5km from Sai Wan Pavilion to Sai Wan beach, plus further to the pools (~1 hour) Suitable for: Intermediate How to get there: Take minibus 29R from Sai Kung town or taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion. Hike towards Sai Wan Village and follow the route towards Sheung Luk Stream. Where to eat: Stop at Sai Wan Village for simple food and drinks or head back to the city
Tai Shui Hang (Hero Falls) You do not have to travel far from an MTR station to find something surprisingly adventurous. Ma Dai Stream runs through Ma On Shan Country Park towards Tai Shui Hang, creating waterfalls, cascades and freshwater pools between huge boulders.
The highlight is the Hero Cliff, from which the water falls as the profile is said to resemble a helmeted soldier looking into the distance.
Unlike a conventional hiking trail, parts of this route involve stream trekking and scrambling over rocks. Good footwear, balance and confidence are important, and beginners should consider going with someone experienced. You can also turn back before the more challenging sections. Visit during the warmer months and the pools provide a welcome place to cool down.
Location: Ma On Shan, New Territories Distance: Around 4km for a longer loop to Hero Waterfall (~3 - 4 hours) Suitable for: Intermediate; some stream-trekking experience recommended How to get there: Tai Shui Hang MTR Station, Exit B, then walk through Tai Shui Hang Village towards Ma Dai Stream Where to eat: Return to Tai Shui Hang for restaurants and cafés
Wong Lung Hang Stream Translated as Yellow Dragon Stream, deep in Yellow Dragon Gorge, a visit to this offers a succession of waterfalls and pools that feel worlds away from the busy city.
Yellow Dragon Waterfall is the main attraction, dramatic cascading falls tumbling into a large pool surrounded by steep green slopes. Experienced stream trekkers can venture farther towards the Left Dragon, Right Dragon and Dragon Tail waterfalls, turning the outing into a much bigger adventure.
This is not a casual family hike. Reaching the upper falls involves stream trekking, scrambling over stony terrain, so proper hiking shoes and experience are essential. For capable hikers, though, the dramatic waterfalls and rugged scenery make Wong Lung Hang one of the more memorable ways to discover Lantau’s wilder side. Avoid the route during or immediately after heavy rain.
Location: Lantau Island, New Territories Distance: ~12km (~6 hours) Suitable for: Advanced; experienced stream trekkers How to get there: From Tung Chung MTR, make your way to Wong Lung Hang Road and follow it towards Wong Lung Hang Picnic Site and the stream. Where to eat: Stock up before setting off and return to Tung Chung for plenty of dining options afterwards.
Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls Why hike to one waterfall when you can find four along the same trail? Hidden in thick woodland below Tai Mo Shan, Ng Tung Chai delivers Bottom Fall, Middle Fall, Main Fall and Scatter Fall as you climb progressively higher into the forest.
Main Fall is the star, plunging around 35 metres and recognised as Hong Kong’s highest waterfall. But the journey is part of the experience. The trail passes Man Tak Yuen, a Taoist temple, before heading into lush forest where each waterfall provides another reason to stop, take photos and catch your breath.
Do not underestimate the climb. The route becomes steeper beyond the lower falls and can be slippery in wet weather. Bring enough water and supplies as there are no shops along the trail. Complete all four and you have a rewarding half-day escape and a very different side of Hong Kong from the one most people see.
Location: Tai Mo Shan, New Territories Distance: Around 7km (~3 - 4 hours) Suitable for: Intermediate - advanced How to get there: From Tai Wo MTR Station, take bus 64K to Chai Kek. Follow Ng Tung Chai Road through the village and signs towards the waterfalls. Where to eat: Bring snacks for the hike, then head to Tai Po Market afterwards for local food.
Did you know that waterfalls produce negative air ions, which have potential mood boosting effects on us? Although the evidence is not conclusive, there’s no denying that waterfalls remain places of attractions that people will go out of their way to visit.
Few things feel quite as refreshing as escaping Hong Kong’s concrete jungle for the sound of rushing water, cool forest air and a shady pool.
Hong Kong supposedly has more than 50 waterfalls scattered across its country parks and streams. Some require little more than a leisurely walk; others involve scrambling over boulders and getting your feet wet. From an easy family outing to a proper weekend adventure, here are five waterfalls worth seeking out. Bride’s Pool and Mirror Pool If you like your nature with a ghost story thrown in, start here. Bride’s Pool is said to take its name from a bride who drowned after her sedan chair slipped into the water on the way to her wedding. Less spooky is the waterfall itself, where water cascades into a picturesque pool surrounded by woodland.
The neighbouring Mirror Pool is arguably even more impressive, with water dropping about 35 metres down a rock face. Both sit along the short Bride’s Pool Nature Trail in Plover Cove Country Park, making this one of the most accessible options on the list. Look out for the stone bridge built in 1906, once used by villagers travelling between Wu Kau Tang and Chung Mei.
The easy trail works well for families or anyone wanting nature without committing an entire day. Be warned that these falls are popular among many locals during the warmer months and on weekends, so go earlier if you want to avoid crowds.
Afterwards, continue to nearby Tai Mei Tuk for cycling, kayaking, a waterfront stroll or a well-earned meal.
Location: Shuen Wan, New Territories Distance: 1km (~1 hour) Suitable for: Beginner, family-friendly How to get there: From Tai Po Market MTR Station, take minibus 20R to Bride’s Pool on weekdays, or bus 275R on Sundays and public holidays; drop off at Bride’s Pool BBQ area Where to eat: Head to nearby Tai Mei Tuk for waterfront restaurants and cafés
Sai Kung Rock Pools Beaches are not the only reason to head deep into Sai Kung. Near Sai Wan, Sheung Luk Stream tumbles over rocks to form a series of natural pools and waterfalls hidden among the greenery.
The pools are particularly inviting on a hot Hong Kong day, and their location makes them a great addition if you are already exploring Sai Wan or neighbouring Ham Tin. The setting feels considerably wilder than the city, with boulders, clear water and forest replacing roads and high-rises.
Getting there requires some effort, but that’s part of the appeal. Make a day of it by combining the pools with Sai Wan Beach before hiking back. Be particularly cautious after heavy rain, when streams can rise quickly and rocks become slippery. And tempting as the cliffs may look, avoid cliff jumping. If you’re not a good swimmer, be warned as the main rock pool is nine to 12m deep.
Location: Sai Kung East Country Park, New Territories Distance: Around 2.5km from Sai Wan Pavilion to Sai Wan beach, plus further to the pools (~1 hour) Suitable for: Intermediate How to get there: Take minibus 29R from Sai Kung town or taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion. Hike towards Sai Wan Village and follow the route towards Sheung Luk Stream. Where to eat: Stop at Sai Wan Village for simple food and drinks or head back to the city
Tai Shui Hang (Hero Falls) You do not have to travel far from an MTR station to find something surprisingly adventurous. Ma Dai Stream runs through Ma On Shan Country Park towards Tai Shui Hang, creating waterfalls, cascades and freshwater pools between huge boulders.
The highlight is the Hero Cliff, from which the water falls as the profile is said to resemble a helmeted soldier looking into the distance.
Unlike a conventional hiking trail, parts of this route involve stream trekking and scrambling over rocks. Good footwear, balance and confidence are important, and beginners should consider going with someone experienced. You can also turn back before the more challenging sections. Visit during the warmer months and the pools provide a welcome place to cool down.
Location: Ma On Shan, New Territories Distance: Around 4km for a longer loop to Hero Waterfall (~3 - 4 hours) Suitable for: Intermediate; some stream-trekking experience recommended How to get there: Tai Shui Hang MTR Station, Exit B, then walk through Tai Shui Hang Village towards Ma Dai Stream Where to eat: Return to Tai Shui Hang for restaurants and cafés
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Wong Lung Hang Stream Translated as Yellow Dragon Stream, deep in Yellow Dragon Gorge, a visit to this offers a succession of waterfalls and pools that feel worlds away from the busy city.
Yellow Dragon Waterfall is the main attraction, dramatic cascading falls tumbling into a large pool surrounded by steep green slopes. Experienced stream trekkers can venture farther towards the Left Dragon, Right Dragon and Dragon Tail waterfalls, turning the outing into a much bigger adventure.
This is not a casual family hike. Reaching the upper falls involves stream trekking, scrambling over stony terrain, so proper hiking shoes and experience are essential. For capable hikers, though, the dramatic waterfalls and rugged scenery make Wong Lung Hang one of the more memorable ways to discover Lantau’s wilder side. Avoid the route during or immediately after heavy rain.
Location: Lantau Island, New Territories Distance: ~12km (~6 hours) Suitable for: Advanced; experienced stream trekkers How to get there: From Tung Chung MTR, make your way to Wong Lung Hang Road and follow it towards Wong Lung Hang Picnic Site and the stream. Where to eat: Stock up before setting off and return to Tung Chung for plenty of dining options afterwards.
Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls Why hike to one waterfall when you can find four along the same trail? Hidden in thick woodland below Tai Mo Shan, Ng Tung Chai delivers Bottom Fall, Middle Fall, Main Fall and Scatter Fall as you climb progressively higher into the forest.
Main Fall is the star, plunging around 35 metres and recognised as Hong Kong’s highest waterfall. But the journey is part of the experience. The trail passes Man Tak Yuen, a Taoist temple, before heading into lush forest where each waterfall provides another reason to stop, take photos and catch your breath.
Do not underestimate the climb. The route becomes steeper beyond the lower falls and can be slippery in wet weather. Bring enough water and supplies as there are no shops along the trail. Complete all four and you have a rewarding half-day escape and a very different side of Hong Kong from the one most people see.
Location: Tai Mo Shan, New Territories Distance: Around 7km (~3 - 4 hours) Suitable for: Intermediate - advanced How to get there: From Tai Wo MTR Station, take bus 64K to Chai Kek. Follow Ng Tung Chai Road through the village and signs towards the waterfalls. Where to eat: Bring snacks for the hike, then head to Tai Po Market afterwards for local food.
