Your neighbourhood guide to Lam Tsuen

An annual Lunar New Year tradition, keen wish-makers flood to this lone-standing banyan tree for prosperity, health, happiness, and good luck for the new year. The ritual requires people to write down their names, birth date, and a prayer for what they wish to achieve or acquire on a colourful piece of joss paper called bao die (寶牒; bou2 dip6) fixed to a single orange, which is then tossed towards the branches in the hopes of getting caught amongst the leaves. Sadly, bao dies that drop off represent unfulfilled wishes.

There are many different legends swirling around, adding to the intriguing mysticism of the attraction. Some say that the original worshippers first opened their eyes to the magic of the joss-paper throwing ceremonials when a Tanka woman with a serious illness miraculously cured herself by following the instructions of a deity who came to her in dreams, whilst another legend recounts a man who prayed his way to his son achieving good grades after a lifetime of academic failure. No matter the origin story, this charming tradition still has a strong foothold on ardent devotees.

A living piece of Hong Kong’s heritage, the yearly Well-Wishing Festival is held during the first weeks of the first month in the Lunar calendar. The busiest time of the year around the Lam Tsuen cluster, the festivities see plenty of bao die throwing, lotus lanterns, lion dances, as well as food and game stalls used to attract more visitors. The lesser-known Lam Tsuen Da Jiu Festival is also celebrated here once every decade. Lasting for five days and six nights, villagers pray and make offerings to Taoist deities to bestow peace and harmony in their neighbourhood.

A cycling trail that is mostly flat land, with mostly empty neighbouring bike lanes must sound too good to be true, but that is exactly what the Lam Tsuen riverside is like. Ride along the ten-kilometre lengthways without your focus being snapped away from your flow of pedalling by hordes of bell-clinking racers or constant stopping to make way for big families tugging along their little ones on training wheels. Pass by Kwong Fuk Bridge, built in the mock ancient architectural style of emerald tiled roofing over red beams. Sunset and sunrise are our recommended hours.

Spread across almost 150 hectares of land across northern mountainous peaks to encompass a running stream wedged between deep-set valleys, forests, themed gardens, vegetable plots, and hiking trails, this conservation facility is the crown jewel of Hong Kong’s botanic offerings.

Working together to form the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association in 1951, the Kadoorie brothers, Norman Wright, and Woo Ting Sang had planted the first seeds of a highly ambitious project which laid the foundations for the farm that we know today.

It has been said that the conception of the site was inspired by Sir Horace Kadoorie’s discovery of a single-standing tangerine tree on the higher slopes of Tai Mo Shan, disproving the common belief that it was impossible for citrus to grow in such conditions.

First established during post-war times as a social initiative to “help people help themselves,” the aim was to help hundreds of thousands of mainland Chinese civil war refugees to get back on their feet. Agricultural inputs were offered alongside training in managing livestock and crop production.

In 1995, the government passed an ordinance that transformed Kadoorie Farm into a centre of conservation and education. Emphasising a holistic experience that allows visitors to integrate sustainability into their daily practice, there are many resources around each attraction as well as frequent educational tours and events.

Get close—but not too close—to some critters by checking out the various animal exhibits that feature everything from adorable monkeys to shelled crawlies, alongside Pui Pui the crocodile, who is a bit of a celebrity around these ends. Walk along a trail of your choice, and take a pitstop at one of the many beautiful pavilions.

Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po | (+852) 2483 7200

Reaching up to 550 metres above sea level in height, Kwun Yam Shan lies north of Tai Mo Shan. A particularly steep hill, it rewards hikers with stunning views of the New Territories which stretch out to show the fringes of Shenzhen and Shekou.

This upwards-winding, nine-kilometre-long trail used to be frequented by farmers centuries ago, who flocked to seek blessings and pray for bountiful harvests from Kwun Yum (觀音; gun1 jam1), the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion, as represented by the statue at the tiny terrace on the summit.

During colder months, tiny cracks in the mountain outlets named “hot pots” can be seen releasing steam, condensing into swirling “dragon’s breath” with its visibility being measured and represented by the aptly named Dragon’s Breath Index. Do be warned—this is a rather physically intensive hike that is suited to more advanced hikers.

Set up with support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Jockey Club Duke of Edinburgh Training Camp is a top-of-the-line campsite for youngsters to supplement their learning through innovation and digital technology. Emphasising state-of-the-art sports facilities and outdoor education, the venue offers various training programmes to keep kids active during their stay, such as AR dodgeball and climbing, as well as STEAM education opportunities.

From cooking classes and archery combat to abseiling and obstacle courses, the Jockey Club Duke of Edinburgh Training Camp is the ultimate playground. It’s not all just fun and games for children, however—the campsite also can also be booked for corporate training programmes for team-building purposes, as well as creative workshops.

Jockey Club Duke of Edinburgh Training Camp, 90 Hang Ha Po, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po | (+852) 2627 2000

An old-school, no-frills tuck shop stocked with classic Chinese snacks for a quick refuel nearby the wishing tree. You will find a variety of authentic Hakka pastries, tanghulu (糖葫芦; a northern Chinese snack of skewered candied hawthorns), and tofu pudding. Strut down and cross Lam Tsuen Hung Kung Sho Road, and you will find a pair of yellow parasols stamped with an iced lemon tea logo where their friendly owner will warmly greet you.

Those who are seeking a heartier boost can head to this humble half alfresco restaurant that features a menu of satiating cha chaan teng fare like soup noodles with satay beef ($45), tack on a can of refreshing cola for an additional two dollars and you have your afternoon tea-time sorted. What the place is known for, however, is their open grill option. Grab plates of M5 Wagyu beef, pork chops, as well as chicken wings, and tuck into some juicy sizzling bites.

Niu Ji Dim Sum Restaurant, 6 Heung Kung Sho Road | (+852) 9196 9998