Cycling Tai Wai to Tai Mei Tuk: Discover the New Territories

1 Introduction

The route from Tai Wai to Tai Mei Tuk is a popular one amongst locals in Hong Kong, offering beautiful natural scenery that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the best ways to explore these areas is by bike, which allows you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings at a leisurely pace. Let’s take a closer look at the bike ride from Tai Wai to Tai Mei Tuk and what you can expect on this picturesque journey.

2 Tai Wai to Tai Mei Tuk Cycling Summary

3 Preparation

• Clothing: If cycling in summer, consider wearing shorts. The summers in Hong Kong are hot and humid, so you’d want to remain well-ventilated at all times. You can wear long clothes in winter. Wear comfortable sports shoes. Do not wear sandals.
• Hydration: Make sure to bring cold water with you. If you forget, you can always purchase a bottle from the bike shop or a nearby convenience store. Most of the bikes have a bottle holder so you can keep your bottle there.
• Storage: If bringing a backpack, make sure to choose a suitable one with proper ventilation so you can keep cool during the journey.

4 Getting there

The easiest way to get to the starting point is by MTR. Get off at Tai Wai station on the brown line and exit the station from Exit A. Cross the pedestrian crossing and head right towards Chik Sau Lane.

5 Renting a bike

Once there, you’ll see a few bike rental shops and a plethora of bikes parked out front. Options include regular bikes, tandem bikes, and tricycles which have a basket at the back. The tricycle is a great option for a beginner cyclist who’d like to explore this long route.

We ended up renting our bikes from Good Luck Bike. Pricing depends on which bike you’re renting and where you return the bike. It costs a bit more to return the bike at the destination (Tai Mei Tuk), and it must be returned by 5:30 pm.

6 Cycling Route

This is the route we’re taking. There will be some slight variations to the route listed here since cycling directions are not yet supported within the map. This mainly affects the route just before Science Park, where we will be taking a cycling-only subway that’s not open to pedestrians.

7 Journey Part 1: Tai Wai to Science Park

Once you’ve got your bike, you can start the journey. Carefully cross the road from Chik Sau Lane to Tsuen Nam Road. You’ll see a bike path with a sign pointing toward Tai Po. Take that path. 

Once on the path, you’ll see a bridge just around the corner. Turn left onto the bridge. At the end of the bridge, turn right towards Shing Mun River.

Keep going along the bike path. You will pass the Hong Kong Heritage Museum on the left after a few mins.

Head towards the subway and make sure to use your brakes. You should dismount if you are not comfortable riding at an incline.

Continue riding along the Shing Mun River. Shing Mun River is a popular spot for people jogging or going out for a stroll, so you’ll see plenty of people there exercising.

As you cycle along, you’ll come across Lek Yuen Bridge. This pedestrian footbridge was built in 1988 and connects Sha Tin to Sha Tin Wai. The bridge is packed with LEDs that light up at night, making for a spectacular display.

The next bridge we encounter is Sand Martin Bridge.

The weather was beautiful the day we went out. Just look at the blue skies!

As we keep going, you’ll eventually cross a small bridge and notice a floating building on the other side. This is the ClubOne Riviera, formerly Star Seafood Restaurant and Treasure Floating Restaurant. The building sits on piles and isn’t actually floating. It was designed to replicate the former floating restaurant that had opened in 1963 which was later towed away to Guangzhou.

Here’s the view when looking at the other side of the small bridge.

As we keep following the bike path you’ll eventually cross Sha Tin Racecourse on your left. Unfortunately, there are giant concrete walls that block the view of it.

On Shing Mun River, you should be able to see people rowing on the right. The Hong Kong China Rowing Association is located there so it’s fairly common to see teams practicing.

As you keep cycling, you’ll eventually reach a left turn which merges onto an existing cycling route. Take that route forward.

Follow this path till you reach the road crossing at Kiu Ha Road.

Cross the road to the other side. I saw Spiderman cycling here (he’s a local who regularly does this route so you may see him as well).

Take the subway to cross to the other side of the road.

Make sure you’re using your brakes!

Once you’re out of the subway, you should be able to see the Science Park buildings in the distance.

Take the other subway at the end of the road.

Just a bit further till we reach the middle of the park.

Finally made it! This is our resting point to have lunch. There are a lot of brunch restaurants here. The weather was perfect for sitting out and relaxing.

Alternatively, there’s a McDonald’s here if you’re after a quick grab. Walk a bit further in – it’s near the giant spaceship.

We ordered McDonald’s and ate under this giant spaceship, aka the Charles K. Kao Auditorium.

This is the view of the Science Park from above.

One more from the side.

After saying hello to this good boy, we’re back on the bike to continue the rest of our journey.

8 Journey Part 2: Science Park to Tai Mei Tuk

So far we have only completed about half the ride. We will keep cycling along Tolo Harbour before continuing onto Plover Cove. Keep heading straight along the path.

At the junction, follow the sign pointing towards Tai Po Waterfront Park.

At the next junction, follow the pink sign towards Tai Mei Tuk.

There are a lot of road crossings along this route. Make sure you pay attention to the traffic crossing signs and only cross when safe to do so. By this point, you should be on Ting Kok Road.

Stay along the left side of the road on the bicycle path and keep heading straight.

You will eventually reach the traffic crossing here. Cross the road and turn left. You’ll be cycling past a Kee Wah bakery factory at this point so you’ll likely smell some deliciously fragrant smells.

Keep making your way along the bike path. There’s a small hill here so you’ll have to put some strength into the pedals.

At the next intersection, you’ll see a bunch of townhouses. This is The Beverly Hills housing complex. 

Follow the bike path along Ting Kok Road. On your left, you’ll notice a giant statue. This is the Guan Yin Statue at the Tsz Shan Monastery. Cycling up to the Monastery will add approximately 1km to your overall journey. Additionally, the path up is quite steep, so be prepared to walk portions of it.

9 Journey Part 3: Tsz Shan Monastery (Optional)

Cycling up the Tsz Shan Monastery is no easy feat. The hill is very steep and requires a lot of effort. If you’re a beginner, I wouldn’t recommend you cycle up here. 

The Tsz Shan Monastery is only available to visitors who have made a booking. This can be done on their website. Note that the Monastery only allows booking for the upcoming month, though they are always fully booked for the entire period. 

Slots open up at 8 am HKT for the next month every day. i.e. You can only book for the 21st of April on the 22nd of March at precisely 8 am HKT, so you have to get in quickly at 8 am every day until you get a slot.

Since I didn’t have a booking, I just snapped a few photos at the entrance. Here you can see just the top of the Guan Yin statue.

From above, the 76-metre Guan Yin statue towers over all the trees. The statue is 70m in height and stands on top of a 6m granite base.

Here’s a shot of the statue and the museum.

Once you’re done viewing the Tsz Shan Monastery, head back down to the bike path. Keep cycling till you see a bunch of bike stalls on Sam Wo Road. Here, you have the option to return the bike or continue on a bit further to Plover Cove Reservoir before returning the bike back here. Since you’ve already made it this far, you might as well continue on to the Plover Cove Reservoir.

10 Journey Part 4: Plover Cove Reservoir

To continue on, cycle till the end of the road till you reach this junction. Cross the road to Tai Mei Tuk Road.

You should see this pond on your left. I believe this is an event space managed by Aqua Pearl. 

If you keep cycling along this path, you’ll eventually reach the end of the cycling path.

At this point, the cycling path merges with the road where the roundabout is located.

Keep to the left of the road and cycle past the sign mentioning “Plover Cove Reservoir And Harbour Island Raw Water Pumping Station”.

It’s only a short distance up. Once there, you’ll treat yourself to this expansive view.

The entire length of the dam is 2km long. The road is completely flat so cycling from end to end shouldn’t take too long. However, walking both ways takes about 50 mins.

Here’s a side view of the dam.

And, a view from up top looking across to Ma On Shan.

If the weather’s nice, you’ll see plenty of people flying their kites as well.

11 Conclusion

The bike ride from Tai Wai to Tai Mei Tuk is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Hong Kong. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s natural beauty while getting some exercise and fresh air. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this bike ride is suitable for all levels, and it’s a great way to spend a day in Hong Kong. So, grab your bike, pack some snacks and water, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the city.

12 FAQs