A Waterworks Journey – Upper Tai Tam
The Tai Tam Country Park, situated on the eastern part of Hong Kong Island, consists of a series of reservoir-lakes in the Tai Tam Valley. We enjoyed our weekend hiking trip in the Park, and the walk was easier than expected, and the scenes were extraordinary. We began our journey at the upper part of Tai Tam Reservoir, and descended into the lower part of the valley by the waterside.
This is Part I of the series about our trip. You can visit Part II here.
Lines of trees
Not far from the Country Park entrance from Wong Nai Chung Gap Road (near Happy Valley where the racecourse is), there are a number of barbecue and picnic areas in the Park. White Bear remembered the old days in middle school when she would lead other fellow junior students to light a fire in backwoods cooking. How time flies! The line of tall trees was, and still is, a magnificent sight.
The Descent
It was not a long walk down the winding path leading to the Upper Tai Tam Reservoir. There are similar lakes in the Park, characterized by ancient-looking stone bridges and gigantic dams, holding the precious water supply to the citizens of Hong Kong for over a century. We descended the narrow path, and views were breathtaking. We were happy to find some pine trees, with lovely needles and cones.
I enjoyed this picture a lot. It reminds me of an old Physics lesson about refraction. When we walked down the stairs leading into the unfathomable depths of water, several mermaids greeted us in delight. (Or so we thought…)
Arrival at the Reservoir
After our descent into the Tai Tam Valley, the beautiful lake which was previously hidden by the surrounding hills came into view. A network of stone bridges connected the peninsulas together. I can imagine playing hide and seek in this vast area must be fun!
Walk in the hills
It was late afternoon and the sunlight created marvelous light and shadow for photography. Up and down we walked, stretching our muscles, it was a good way to relax and escape from the busy city.
By the Waters
The Upper Reservoir is a photogenic spot with numerous captivating sights to look at. The hills were reflected on the vast expanse of water, and the gigantic dam was a marvelous piece of architecture.
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Wow all your photos are fantastic!! I got a chance to visit Hong Kong for the first time last year. It’s a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing these great shots!
Thanks for stopping by and for your generous comments, you take really beautiful photos too!
stunning and beautiful! Would love to visit there one day!
Your work is absolutely stunning and beautiful. It is so easy to take for granted some of the beauty that you have captured but there is something about your photography that says “This is very fine, but it must also be very difficult to do.”
Thank you for your big compliment, we enjoyed the hiking trips and capturing the natural scenery… not meant to be something stunning and impressive; but I am so glad that our work is recognized!
We appreciate your encouraging words.
Glorious photos. I had no idea this part of the world was so beautiful. Thanks for stopping by.
The water shots are a-ma-zing. Oh my gosh. The light is perfect.
Are those blues and greens and golds totally natural, or did you help them out a bit? (I ask as a curious amateur who always seems to take lousy water shots!)
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Stunning photographs, all around!
I really like the shot of the bridge and the pillars going into the water. Loved the contrast of color on the pillars in the shade vs. in the sunlight. nicely done.
There is a lovely tone to these photos. very soothing.
I’ve been to HK several times now, and haven’t made it out to this place. You’ve taken some lovely photos that showcase the location really well.
Great photos, beautiful Hong Kong … thanks for visiting our blog
Thanks for visiting my blog too