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Lau Shui Heung to Fung Yuen: With over 250 species of butterflies in Hong Kong, experience abundant nature and wildlife on this hike
Photo Credit: Derek Yung
Average hiking time: 3 hours | Distance: About 7.5 km | Difficulty: Moderate
Hong Kong has about 250 species of butterflies and over 120 species of dragonflies. Take the Lau Shui Heung Country Trail past scenic reservoirs and hidden swamps to get to Fung Yuen, where these beautiful, fairy-like creatures often rest on wildflowers or flutter about all around you.
Photo Credit : Derek Yung
Lau Shui Heung Country Trail
First stop: Lau Shui Heung Reservoir. Surrounded by thick forests, its glassy surface is especially stunning on a clear, windless day. Visit during the colder months to enjoy colourful autumn foliage as the cypress leaves transition from yellow to burnt orange. You can also observe the white-flower derris, which is a vine that crawls up tree trunks.
To visit the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, you’ll need to become a member first. For more information on how to do so, visit: www.fungyuen.org.
Photo Credit : Derek Yung
Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk
The area near Hok Tau Reservoir is a designated tree-planting site. The valley along the stream is home to many species of dragonflies and butterflies such as the common hedge blue butterfly. To reach the reservoir, there’s a shortcut. Along the country trail, turn left on Wilson Trail Sec. 9, then turn right on the Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk.
The best months for butterfly watching in Hong Kong are from April to June, as well as October to November. During these months, various species of butterflies can be encountered.
Photo Credit : Derek Yung
Sha Lo Tung
Sha Lo Tung is a basin in Pat Sin Leng Country Park. The land is wet and swampy: a prime habitat for dragonflies and damselflies. Many species of butterflies can be observed here as well. While you’re in Sha Lo Tung, keep an eye out for blackbanded gossamer wings, a species of dragonfly that features a large, dark square on its wings.
In spring and summer, the best times for butterfly watching are 9 – 11 am and 2 – 4 pm; in autumn and winter, the best times are 10 – 11 am and 2 – 3 pm Most butterflies appear during the day; several species such as skippers and brown butterflies only appear at dusk.
Photo Credit : Gary Chan
Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve
Upon exiting Sha Lo Tung, walk down the flight of concrete steps leading to Fung Yuen. With an abundance of plants providing food for the caterpillars, this part of the valley has become a prime habitat for butterflies. Try to spot and learn about as many species of butterflies as you can during your visit. White dragontail butterflies are a favourite with photographers. Also commonly observed here are pale awlet, common birdwing, and red-base jezebel butterflies.
Don’t capture the butterflies or dragonflies.
Refuel
There are no kiosks along the way, so it’s best to stock up on water and supplies before the hike.
Getting to Lau Shui Heung Country Trail:
- From MTR Fanling Station, Exit C, take green minibus 52B. Get off at the roundabout on Lau Shui Heung Road. Follow Lau Shui Heung Road till you pass the reservoir.
Leaving from Fung Yuen:
- Take green minibus 20P to the Tai Po Market stop for the MTR. You can also take green minibus 20M to the Tai Po Central Bus Terminus.
