Observation Post at Mau Wu Shan, Military observation post in Sai Kung District, Hong Kong.
The Observation Post at Mau Wu Shan is a military watchtower with a cylindrical fortified tower and a rectangular stone shelter positioned 80 meters above sea level near Tseung Kwan O. From this elevated location, the site overlooks the surrounding sea passages.
The structure was built before 1898 as a customs observation station under the Qing Dynasty to monitor shipping and opium taxation. This post was part of a system designed to control maritime trade.
The structures use volcanic rocks found nearby and show traditional building methods from Hong Kong's military architecture. You can see how builders worked with natural stone materials available in the area.
Visiting requires a demanding hike through varied terrain, and you should bring plenty of water since there are no facilities near the site. The slope and ground conditions demand good physical preparation.
The cylindrical tower had strategically placed windows that let officers watch multiple sea passages and shipping activities at the same time. This clever design feature shows how the military structure was tailored to surveillance needs.
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