Flow with Tai Po
Rising from the Tai Mo Shan range, small streams come together and form the Lam Tsuen River. Day and night, it runs through the forest without ceasing to nourish the flora and animals. This 10-km river flows through "Huge Step," a place which is now called "Tai Po.” Despite the changes over time, the Lam Tsuen River remains a unique and signature scenery of Tai Po.
The Lam Tsuen River listens to the tales of the riverbank marketplaces and the boat dwellers, tends the coral of Tolo Harbour, and gently empties into the turquoise sea. It is not only a moving body of water, but a dynamic and rich ecology, a living chronicle of the community, and a crucial link between the mountains and the sea. The Lam Tsuen River makes nature part of our everyday life.
"Flow with Tai Po," a collaborative project by multiple artists and partners, is an artistic journey from the Lam Tsuen River to Tolo Harbour spanning ecology and art. You are cordially invited to join us in the exploration of the Lam Tsuen River—an ever-flowing source of tales and shared memories. Through the lens of art, you will re-encounter Tai Po.
Artists: Ho Yuen-leung | Miki Ho Yin-yi | Wallace Yiu Chun-wa | Chan Ting
Let’s Go!
Tai Po Arts Centre
Before setting off, why not visit the Tai Po Arts Centre to appreciate the artworks? Afterwards, let’s get your gear ready and join us in cycling through the community to discover the beauty of Tai Po while enjoying the gentle breeze!
Tai Po’s Hidden Gem
Mui Shue Hang
The Lam Tsuen River in the downstream community is a constructed waterway. But at Mui Shue Hang, one can see the Lam Tsuen River in its natural form, which comes with a profusion of trees and avian life. Mui Shue Hang is just a 10-minute bike ride from Tai Po's city centre, making it a genuine backyard for the Tai Po community.
Red pillars & green tiles—how elegant
Kwong Fuk Bridge and Tai Wo Bridge
Three bridges in the area distinguished by their red pillars and green tiles are Kwong Fuk Bridge, Tai Wo Bridge and Kam Wo Bridge. Among these three bridges, Kwong Fuk Bridge is the most well-known one. The first generation of Kwong Fuk Bridge was built as early as 1896. Back then, the estuary of Lam Tsuen River was connected to the sea near Kwong Fuk Bridge.
In 1957, the government widened the bridge and refurbished its supports, converting the second iteration of Kwong Fuk Bridge into a dual-lane thoroughfare. The current third generation of Kwong Fuk Bridge was completed in 1986; it is no longer used for vehicles but serves as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, featuring distinct Chinese architectural elements.
OMG, I’m confused!
YATA Bridge? Plover Cove Bridge?
This red pedestrian bridge spanning the Lam Tsuen River is one of the busiest "arteries" in Tai Po District. Officially named "Pedestrian Bridge across Tai Wo Road and Lam Tsuen River near Tai Po Centre (NF97)," it connects the Plover Cove Shopping Arcade with the "YATA Department Store" in Tai Po Mega Mall. Because of this, many people colloquially refer to it as "YATA Bridge,” while others call it "Plover Cove Bridge." There is no right or wrong, which name do you prefer?
Community scenery exclusive to sunny days
Laundry Bridge
The "Laundry Bridge" is located at the river mouth of the Lam Tsuen River and serves as one of the main access routes for residents of Kwong Fuk Estate. The bridge is only 30 meters long, but during peak times, up to 40 quilts can be hung on either side of the bridge, often covering the notice that asks residents not to dry their clothes there.
Tai Po residents, as "masters of space utilisation," don’t just stop at drying quilts. They often take advantage of the stone slabs on both sides of the Lam Tsuen River to dry out vegetables, fruit peels, dried radishes and even salted fish. This is a tradition practiced by many Hakka and Tanka residents who make their own dried vegetables!
Egrets and their “snowflakes”
Tai Po Egretry
The Tai Po Egretry is the second largest egretry in Hong Kong, second only to Mai Po. This habitat is home to more than one hundred egrets, including little egrets, great egrets, cattle egrets and night herons. The droppings from these birds have even turned the walking paths beneath the trees into a white "snow scene." During the breeding season in spring and summer each year, the egrets build their nests in the trees here and fly to the nearby Tai Po River and Lam Tsuen River to fish and raise their young.
Awaken your inner child
Wang Fuk Court Playground
Situated between Wang Yan House and Wang Chi House, Wang Fuk Court Playground features a collection of traditional nostalgic playground facilities, including the classic iron slides (the kind that can reach 50 degrees in summer), a snail climbing frame, a wooden and metal slide, a caterpillar climbing frame and stone-made Ping Pong tables. Does any of the above bring back your childhood memories?
Tolo Harbour, time to linger
Tai Po Waterfront Park
Tai Po Waterfront Park is situated near the Tolo Harbour, boasting a breathtaking view of the expansive sea. The waterfront park is a popular resting space for local residents after meals, and the insect house inside showcases a diverse array of intriguing insect specimens, which evoke nostalgia for many. Young people particularly enjoy chatting at the viewing platform in the park, and it is recognised as one of the romantic date spots by the “kaifongs.”