Photo Trip at Tai To Yan - Trekking on the Knife-Edge Ridges
Narrow and long, Tai To Yan is so named because of its resemblance to a big knife chopping off the New Territories into the east and west. Towering at an altitude of 566m, Tai To Yan offers sweeping scenery of almost the entire New Territories West and mainland China on the north, and is thus a popular trekking route.
The south and north end of Tai To Yan join Kadoorie Farm and Fanling MTR station respectively. Hikers can go from either end. The fact that the trail from Fanling MTR station to the summit of Tai To Yan lies entirely in a forest makes it less attractive in terms of scenery. Hikers who want to take photos are advised to take bus 64K from Tai Po Market MTR station to Kadoorie Farm and start from there. This is also the shortest route to reach the summit where you can take photos of the stunning scenery and sunset. You can take the same route back after you’re done. Below is the route going from Tai Po to Tai To Yan and Fanling for reference.
The south and north end of Tai To Yan join Kadoorie Farm and Fanling MTR station respectively. Hikers can go from either end. The fact that the trail from Fanling MTR station to the summit of Tai To Yan lies entirely in a forest makes it less attractive in terms of scenery. Hikers who want to take photos are advised to take bus 64K from Tai Po Market MTR station to Kadoorie Farm and start from there. This is also the shortest route to reach the summit where you can take photos of the stunning scenery and sunset. You can take the same route back after you’re done. Below is the route going from Tai Po to Tai To Yan and Fanling for reference.
After a 1.5-hour walk from the hill foot and passing the above road sign, you will reach the ridge where you can enjoy a wide-open view. By the time you arrive at the trigonometrical station at the summit, you will find yourself at the best shooting location with sweeping landscape of Tai Mo Shan, Yuen Long Plain and Lam Tsuen come into view. When you’re done with your shooting, you can take the same route back to Kadoorie Farm and take bus 64K back to Tai Po Market.
Though it’s quite physically demanding to climb up to the summit of Tai To Yan from Kadoorie Farm, the unobstructed view once you get there is worth it. Choose the route that suits you (either continue the trek to Fanling or return to the starting point) and go in groups with experienced hikers so that you can look out for each other.