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Kam Shan

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park
—°9
Kam Shan (Hong Kong SAR China)

Weather…

Kam Shan Country Park, located in the northern reaches of Kowloon, is one of Hong Kong's most famous natural areas, widely known as "Monkey Hill." This nickname comes from the large population of rhesus macaques and long-tailed macaques that inhabit the park and frequently greet visitors along the main roads. Beyond its wildlife, the park is a site of significant engineering history; it houses the Kowloon Reservoir, which was the first reservoir built in the New Territories, completed in 1910. The dam walls and valve houses are preserved as Grade I historic buildings, showcasing British colonial stonework. Hikers can enjoy various paths, including sections of the MacLehose and Wilson Trails, which offer remarkable vistas of the urban skyline against the backdrop of lush greenery. The park also contains remnants of the Gin Drinker's Line, a defensive fortification used during World War II, where old bunkers and pillboxes remain hidden in the dense undergrowth, offering a unique blend of nature and military history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161820232628292928252217
Rain mm352969109231288197234173562921

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
This scenic reservoir area is most commonly accessed via local bus routes that dependably drop visitors near the main trailheads leading directly into the sprawling park.
📅
Best season
For the most consistently pleasant experience around the historic reservoirs, deliberately plan your visit during the cooler and far less humid autumn and winter periods.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The trails frequently follow perfectly flat catchwaters and well-maintained paved roads, making it a highly accessible and leisurely walk for most general fitness levels.
🎒
What to bring
Casual outdoor wear is perfectly sufficient, but be absolutely sure to pack all food provisions deeply inside secure bags to successfully keep the curious macaques away.
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Parking
Due to strict environmental conservation measures and very narrow access roads, finding a parking spot is extremely rare; relying on public transit is highly and routinely advised.
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Safety
Visitors are strictly and legally prohibited from feeding the local macaque population, as it severely disturbs their natural habits and can directly cause bites or injuries.
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Time needed
Expect to spend around two to three relaxing hours fully exploring the fascinating visual mix of colonial reservoir structures and the animated, roaming local wildlife.

Geography

Coordinates
22.36670, 114.15000

Facts

  • Elevation: 369 m
  • Monkey species: 2 (rhesus macaque, long-tailed macaque)
  • Part of Kam Shan Country Park (established 1979)
  • Distance to Shing Mun Reservoir: 1 km
  • Kam Shan Family Walk trail length: approx. 3 km
  • WWII bunkers: 5 preserved

Explore nearby

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Grassy HillGrassy Hill2 km · NWExplore →
Sham Shui PoSham Shui Po2 km · NEExplore →
Stonecutters Island InfrastructureStonecutters Island Infrastructure3 km · SEExplore →
Hong Kong Palace MuseumHong Kong Palace Museum3 km · EExplore →
Tai Wai VillageTai Wai Village3 km · NExplore →
Western MonasteryWestern Monastery3 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kam Shan (9)

Kei Shan Tung🌿 nature

A rugged hill peak situated in the Kam Shan nature area, offering challenging trails for dedicated hikers.

Golden Hill🌿 nature

This prominent peak is widely recognized for the large, free-roaming population of Rhesus macaques that inhabit its slopes.

Hanart TZ Gallery🏛 museum

An influential art gallery specializing in the exhibition and promotion of contemporary Chinese artworks and artists.

Shek Yam Lei Muk Road Park🌳 park

A multi-purpose community park featuring a dedicated roller skating rink alongside beautifully landscaped walking trails.

Wo Yi Hop Road Garden🌳 park

A compact, public green space offering a shaded seating area and colorful flower beds along Wo Yi Hop Road.

🆓

Shek Pai Street Park🌳 park

Shek Pai Street Park is a local neighborhood park providing green space along the paved street.

🕒 24/7

Shek Yam Christian Assembly Hall📍 landmark

Shek Yam Christian Assembly Hall serves as a local gathering place for Christian worship in the community.

🕒 "scheduled"

The Church in Hong Kong Kwai Chung Assembly Hall📍 landmark

This Christian assembly hall in Kwai Chung provides a dedicated space for local religious congregations.

North Kwai Chung Market🎭 culture

North Kwai Chung Market is a bustling local marketplace where vendors sell fresh produce and daily necessities.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called 'Monkey Hill'?
Due to the large population of macaques in the park.
Do I need to watch my bags?
Yes, monkeys often snatch plastic bags containing food.
What hiking trails are there?
Sections of the MacLehose and Wilson Trails pass through.
Is there parking available?
Limited parking spaces along Golden Hill Road.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash, but beware of conflicts with monkeys.
Kam Shan: where is it located?
Kam Shan is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Kam Shan: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kei Shan Tung, Golden Hill, Hanart TZ Gallery.
Kam Shan: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Kam Shan: why is it worth visiting?
Kam Shan Country Park, located in the northern reaches of Kowloon, is one of Hong Kong's most famous natural areas, widely known as "Monkey Hill." This nickname comes from the large population of rhesus macaques and long-tailed macaques that inhabit the park and frequently greet…
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Nearby cities

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History & landmarks

Harbour City — Kam Shan (Hong Kong SAR China)
Harbour City
Harbour City is Hong Kong's largest shopping mall, located in Tsim Sha Tsui.