Lower Shing Mun Reservoir, reservoir in Hong Kong

Lower Shing Mun Reservoir is a water body in the valley of Tai Wai surrounded by green hills. A gentle concrete path circles the water, passing large boulders and rocky areas, with a notable pipeline system running through the landscape.

Lower Shing Mun Reservoir was built between 1961 and 1964 and began supplying water in 1965 as part of the Plover Cove Reservoir Scheme. It was designed mainly to regulate flow to the Sha Tin treatment works and to catch overflow from Shing Mun Reservoir, reducing flooding in Tai Wai and Sha Tin. A Japanese engineer drowned during construction after being drawn into a pipe.

The reservoir's main dam, at Fu Shan in Tai Wai, is grassed over and has long been used to fly radio-controlled model aircraft; it has also served as a filming location for several Hong Kong films and television dramas. The bell-mouth overflow spillway is another feature visitors can pick out.

The trail is easy to walk with gentle slopes and concrete surfaces throughout. Bring water and comfortable shoes since there are no shops at the reservoir, and using a map or GPS track helps with navigation around the paths.

Wild monkeys are common in the area and often play in trees or rest along the roadside. A hidden viewpoint reached by small stairs frames the reservoir with Lion Rock, a famous local landmark, in the background.