How about waking up to a refreshing morning hike? After soaking in the nature, reward yourself by heading for some traditional "yum cha" to enjoy classic dim sum. It's the perfect, chill day out, and you can find it right here in Hong Kong! One trip to Tai Mo Shan, our city's "big mountain," can make this perfect day a reality.
Discover Tai Mo Shan Country Park ⛰️
Tai Mo Shan, literally "Big Hat Mountain," is Hong Kong's highest peak, standing tall at 957 meters—a full 23 meters higher than the second-highest, Lantau Peak. Despite its height, the area is surprisingly accessible. From downtown Tsuen Wan, the KMB bus route 51 will get you to the "Tai Mo Shan Country Park" stop in just about 20 minutes. Its convenience attracts plenty of hikers and nearby residents looking for a great workout spot.
For those new to camping, the Tsuen Kam Campsite next to Rotary Park is an excellent starting point, complete with a water supply.
The scenic and winding Route Twisk runs through the country park, making it a popular route for a "morning drive." The park is well-equipped with metered parking spaces, so if you arrive early, you won't have to worry about finding a spot!
Our Recommended Tai Mo Shan Morning Hike Route
Here’s a personally recommended, super easy morning hike route that's perfect for everyone:
Tai Mo Shan Family Walk
After getting off at the "Tai Mo Shan Country Park" bus stop, cross the road towards the Tai Mo Shan Road metered car park. Next to the Tsuen Kam Campsite, you'll find the entrance to the Tai Mo Shan Family Walk. This paved, gentle path is only 500 meters long and circles Rotary Park. It's incredibly flat and easy, making it a stress-free walk for families with children and pets.
Tai Mo Shan Hiking Practice Trail / Rotary Park Nature Trail
Instead of circling back to the start, continue downhill from the Family Walk, and you'll merge onto the Tai Mo Shan Hiking Practice Trail. Follow the signs pointing towards "Chuen Lung", which will connect you to the Rotary Park Nature Trail for the rest of the descent. The path is clear and well-maintained, making for an easy and pleasant walk down the mountain.
Time for Dim Sum in Chuen Lung! 🥢
As the sounds of traffic grow louder, you'll realize you've reached the end of the trail! Welcome to Chuen Lung, a village famous for its two traditional Chinese teahouses: Duen Kee Teahouse and Choi Lung Teahouse. Both are decades-old institutions renowned for their delicious, self-service, homemade dim sum.
Choi Lung Teahouse is conveniently located right by the main road, next to the "Chuen Lung" bus stop. To get to Duen Kee Teahouse, you'll need to walk a bit deeper into the village.
Both teahouses have their own car parks. Choi Lung's car park is at the end of the village road with about 20 spaces. Note that you'll need to pay a $50 parking fee upfront, but you'll receive a $50 cash coupon that can be used to pay your bill at the teahouse.
Choi Lung Teahouse (彩龍茶樓)
With its bright red sign, Choi Lung Teahouse is hard to miss. It offers plenty of outdoor seating on both sides, making it a great pet-friendly option.
Their dim sum is famous for being delicious, generously portioned, and affordable. You'll find a wide variety of choices! Must-try signature items include the fluffy Sa-om (a sweet, fried Chinese donut), Siu Mai with Quail Egg, and Water Chestnut Cake. Don't forget to order their locally grown vegetables, which are incredibly fresh!
For all this food, the value is amazing. A satisfying meal with eight dim sum dishes will only cost you around $200 HKD. It's an absolute bargain!
So, have you ever tried pairing a morning hike with a hearty dim sum meal? Share your favorite hike-and-eat itineraries with us!
