Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, Water reservoir in Tuen Mun District, Hong Kong

Tai Lam Chung Reservoir is an artificial water storage facility in Tuen Mun District that was created by damming a valley, forming a large body of water with small islands. The water held here is part of Hong Kong's overall supply system and shapes the area's landscape.

Construction began in 1952, making this the first post-war reservoir built in Hong Kong to meet the city's growing water needs. The project required moving entire communities from the valley that would become flooded.

The reservoir's nickname, "Thousand Island Lake of Hong Kong," comes from the hilltops that became islands after the valley was flooded. The northern shore at the mouth of Chat To River forms part of the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail, once the route between Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan. When the water level falls, the flooded villages reappear.

The best way to explore the site is via the walking trail that circles the reservoir, offering views and rest areas along the way. Wear proper footwear since the paths can be uneven in places.

Four villages were flooded to create the reservoir: Tai Lam Village, Tai Wai Village, Kan Uk Tei Village and Wu Uk Village. Their remains reappear when the water level falls. The government resettled residents of Tai Lam and Kan Uk Tei at Tai Uk Wai in Tsuen Wan, the site of today's Sea Crest Villa.