Ho Pui Reservoir is one of those Hong Kong hikes that quietly wins you over. Tucked inside Tai Lam Country Park, it offers bamboo tunnels, still green water and birdsong, yet it is only a short minibus ride from Kam Sheung Road. It is the kind of trail you do once for “research” and then keep in your back pocket for easy weekend escapes.
Why do the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk?
This trail is ideal if you want a beginner‑friendly walk with a real “away from the city” feel. The path is mostly shaded, the scenery changes often, and there are no long, steep climbs. The bamboo tunnel sections feel almost cinematic, while the reservoir itself gives you wide open views of water and forested hills.
Because it is a designated Family Walk, the route is well‑maintained and suitable for older kids, casual walkers and anyone who prefers a relaxed pace over a serious workout.
How to get to Ho Pui Reservoir
Getting there is straightforward:
- Take the Tuen Ma Line to Kam Sheung Road Station.
- Leave via Exit C, where a small public transport interchange sits just outside.
- Look for green minibus 71 towards Ho Pui.
- Stay on until the final stop at Ho Pui Village.
The ride from Kam Sheung Road takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you get off at Ho Pui Village, you are already very close to the start of the walk.
Section-by-section guide of the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk
Start of the trail: Ho Pui Village to the country park
From the minibus stop, the walk begins as a gentle stroll through Ho Pui Village. You pass small village houses, vegetable plots and roadside shrines. The road then narrows and you walk past a campsite and an organic farm, with low hills rising around you.
Soon the concrete village lane gives way to a quieter path and you slip into the woods toward the reservoir. The atmosphere changes here – you leave behind the village sounds and start to hear birds, insects and wind moving through the trees.
The bamboo tunnel section
Not long after entering the woods, the scenery shifts again and you find yourself walking through a natural bamboo tunnel. Tall bamboo stalks arch inward from both sides of the path, filtering the sunlight and creating a cool, green passageway overhead.
This is one of the most photogenic parts of the trail. The light, shadows and lines of the bamboo almost frame your photos for you, and the air feels noticeably cooler under the swaying leaves. It is a great spot to pause for a drink or a quick photo break.
Looping around Ho Pui Reservoir
Emerging from the shade of the bamboo, the path opens up to reveal Ho Pui Reservoir – a broad sweep of jade‑green water backed by forested hills.
The official Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk forms a loop around the water on a mix of compact dirt and paved sections. The route undulates gently but never becomes steep, so you can enjoy the views without worrying about difficult climbs.
The highlight is the curved dam, where a rail‑lined path leads you out over the water. From here you get panoramic views of tiny forested islands, the surrounding hills and reflections on calm days. There are plenty of quiet corners along the way for a snack break or simply to sit and take in the scenery.
If you visit after rain or during wetter months, a short side detour brings you to a small seasonal waterfall that trickles down mossy rocks – a nice little bonus stop if you have time.
Trail difficulty and who it’s for
- Distance: Short half‑day outing (allow 2–3 hours including breaks and photos).
- Difficulty: Easy. Mostly gentle slopes, with a mix of paved path and well‑marked dirt trails.
- Best for: Beginners, families, casual hikers, or anyone looking for a low‑stress nature walk.
- Footwear: Trainers or light hiking shoes are enough, as the path is generally well‑maintained.
The trail can be muddy after rain, especially near the waterfall detour, so it is best to avoid white shoes and bring a small towel or wipes if you are hiking with kids.
Returning to the city (and where to eat after)
After completing the loop, you follow the same path back through the woods and village to Ho Pui Village. From there, simply catch minibus 71 back to Kam Sheung Road Station.
Many people choose to continue on to Yuen Long afterwards for food. From Kam Sheung Road it is only a short ride on the Tuen Ma Line to Yuen Long, where you can find char siu, wonton noodles, dessert shops and local snacks – a nice way to round off the day after a peaceful walk.
Why Ho Pui Reservoir is worth it
What makes Ho Pui special is its balance: it is accessible yet peaceful, photogenic yet never overcrowded, and easy enough for beginners while still feeling like a real nature escape.
If you are looking for a simple half‑day hike with bamboo tunnels, water views and a slower pace – all without travelling too far from the city – Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk is an excellent choice to add to your Hong Kong hiking list.
