Spring is the best season to watch flowers bloom, and many people even fly to Japan for the cherry blossoms. But did you know that Hong Kong also has a rich biodiversity and a wide variety of plant species? According to information from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, there are over 3,300 known vascular plant species in Hong Kong, with about 2,100 of them being native species. In TrailWatch's records, many users have seen the Chinese New Year Flower during the Lunar New Year. From March to April every year, the rhododendrons are in full bloom, and there are various wildflowers to admire during the same period. This time, TrailWatch has selected three different hiking routes for flower viewing. Remember to bookmark the routes using the links below. We remind everyone to practise Leave No Trace principles while enjoying the flowers, preserving the environment by only taking photos but not any natural objects.
Spring Flower Hike 1: Sir Cecil's Ride
The Sir Cecil's Ride is approximately 8.5km long and connects multiple sections of the Hong Kong Island Trail and roads. Starting from Mount Butler Road, it takes about 10 minutes to reach a community-built garden called "金督花園" (English translation: Sir Cecil's Garden), which is maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers. The garden is full of different plants and is a great place to observe butterflies. The open location also offers a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour. When planning your visit, you should set aside some extra time to explore and admire the garden. After that, you can continue to discover the different plant species along Sir Cecil's Ride.
The garden is filled with all kinds of potted plants.
There are tables and benches for hikers to rest on.
You might find the beautiful Chinese New Year Flower in the garden and along Sir Cecil's Ride.
While enjoying the flowers, please remember to keep the environment clean and bring your rubbish home.
The garden was established in 1978.
Sir Cecil's Ride
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10336630
Route: Mount Butler Road＞Tai Tam Country Trail＞Wong Nai Chung Reservoir＞Hong Kong Trail Section 5 and Wilson Trail Section 2＞Jardine's Lookout＞Sir Cecil's Ride＞Siu Ma Shan＞Siu Ma Shan Bridge＞Quarry Bay Tree Walk＞Greig Road
Length: Approximately 5.8km
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Difficulty: The route is quite long and requires a certain level of physical strength.
Spring Flower Hike 2: Ma On Shan Family Walk
One of the must-visit places for rhododendrons is the well-known Ma On Shan, as rhododendrons is known as one of the "Three Treasures" of Ma On Shan. Rhododendron blooms from March to April every year. Hong Kong has six native species of rhododendrons, as well as many common non-native species that can be found in gardens. Many hikers hope to see wild rhododendrons and will take on more challenging trails, such as The Hunch Backs (Ngau Ngak Shan) and Tiu Shau Ngam. If you prefer a more relaxed hike to enjoy rhododendrons, we recommend the Ma On Shan Family Walk which is less than half a kilometre long.
You can see the beautiful blooming of rhododendrons along the Ma On Shan BBQ site and Family Walk.
There are interpretation boards along the Family Walk that introduce the flora and fauna in the surrounding area.
The peak of Ma On Shan Family Walk has a viewing point where you can enjoy the scenery of Sha Tin and Tai Po.
You will also see trees covered in small white flowers along the way, which are the common native plants in Hong Kong called Chinese Privet.
The entrance of the Family Walk has a water filling station. Remember to bring a reusable bottle to refill and practise Leave No Trace principles by reducing waste at the source.
Ma On Shan Family Walk
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10131836
Route: Ma On Shan Barbecue Area＞Ma On Shan Family Walk＞Ma On Shan Family Walk Viewing Point＞Ma On Shan Barbecue Area
Length: Approximately 0.5km
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Difficulty: A short route with stairs, suitable for families and beginners
Spring Flower Hike 3 : Aberdeen Tree Walk
The rhodoleia, also known as "the King of Hanging Bells" due to its numerous bell-like flowers, blooms from March to April. The Chinese New Year Flower, also known as the hanging bell-flower, is a different species that blooms in a different period. According to the Hong Kong Herbarium, the rhodoleia was first discovered in 1849 in a woodland behind Aberdeen. It has a vibrant and eye-catching appearance and is a rare and endangered plant in Hong Kong. It provides food for insects and birds, and when you take the time to observe or take photos, you may capture many beautiful moments. From Aberdeen Country Park to the Aberdeen Tree Walk in Wan Chai Gap, the path is shaded by trees, making it easy to admire the different trees and flowers along the way.
The Aberdeen Tree Walk has information boards at the starting and finishing points, and the map indicates the locations of different tree species with further information available on site. Common trees that can be seen on this route include Yellow Cow Wood, Wild Coffee, and Hong Kong Gordonia. For the latest information about the tree species found on this trail, you can refer to the Enjoy Hiking website.
The beginning session of the Aberdeen Tree Walk is also the Aberdeen Reservoir Accessible Trail.
There are over 10 different tree species along the Tree Walk for hikers to admire and learn about. The interpretation plates are easy to understand and provide details on the appearance, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits of the trees, allowing hikers to better understand the unique characteristics of each species.
Aberdeen Tree Walk
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10338344
Route: Aberdeen Reservoir Barbecue Area＞Aberdeen Reservoir Road＞Wan Chai Gap
Length: Approximately 2.5km
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: It is a flat and easy walk with plenty of shade.