Tai Tam Reservoirs, Group of four reservoirs in Eastern and Southern Districts, Hong Kong.
Tai Tam Reservoirs is a group of four water storage facilities in the Eastern and Southern Districts, consisting of Upper, Byewash, Intermediate, and Tuk reservoirs with a combined capacity of nine million cubic meters. The reservoirs are linked by multiple hiking trails that pass through Mount Butler, Jardine's Lookout, and Mount Parker areas.
Construction of these water storage facilities started in 1872, with the final Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir completed in 1917. The development occurred in stages during the colonial period to supply fresh water to the growing city population.
The Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail displays twenty-two protected structures from the colonial era, including masonry bridges, dams, and pumping stations that remain visible today. These buildings shape how the landscape looks and tell the story of the early infrastructure that supplied the city.
Multiple hiking paths of varying difficulty levels connect the reservoirs and allow flexible planning based on fitness. The best time to visit is during cooler seasons when walking conditions are more comfortable.
The area is home to rare species including Chinese Leopard Cats, Hong Kong Newts, and Romer's Tree Frogs, which have adapted to this hilly environment. These animals are difficult to spot, but their presence shows that the region remains relatively undisturbed despite being near the city.
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