Lam Tei Reservoir, Irrigation reservoir in New Territories, Hong Kong
Lam Tei Reservoir is a water storage facility in Tuen Mun District, Hong Kong, built in a funnel shape to collect runoff from the surrounding hills. Water from the reservoir flows into the Tuen Mun River and eventually reaches Castle Peak Bay.
The reservoir was built in 1957 as part of a water management plan for Tuen Mun District and was opened by Governor Sir Alexander Grantham, with a plaque at the site still marking the occasion. It was designed to help control water flow and ensure supply during dry periods.
The reservoir holds meaning for local residents as a reminder of Hong Kong's farming heritage and rural past. Today, visitors come to experience a quiet place that stands apart from the city's modern pace.
The reservoir is reachable on foot along the second stage of the Tuen Mun Trail, which makes it a natural stop for hikers passing through the area. There are no food stalls or visitor facilities nearby, so it is worth arriving prepared if you plan to spend time there.
Among local residents, the reservoir is known as Ghost Reservoir due to old stories about carp spirits and drowned children said to haunt the water. These tales have been passed down through generations and are still part of everyday conversation in the neighborhood.
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