Went hiking near the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border on Saturday. It was a rainy day and we were skidding along mud trails through the bushes. The Sha Tau Kok area was closed to the public until about a week and a half ago. Previously, only so-called “indigenous” people, i.e. the people who are descendents of the villagers who live there, had permits to enter the area.


The last bus stop before the border checkpoints – this is the farthest you can go by bus.


Police stand around the new border checkpoints


White plum blossoms


A pill box (small, low fortification) built by the Japanese during World War II.


A well near the pill box that was probably also used during World War II


Through the fog, the barb wire fence that separates Hong Kong from Shenzhen can be seen. While walking, we could hear the soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army shouting as they were going through their morning drills. Technically, we weren’t supposed to be in this area as this part is still restricted.


The Ekianthus flowers (吊鐘花) which usually bloom in February, is also known as the Chinese New Year flower. In HK, pockets of pink dot the hills during this time of year because of these flowers.


About 2/3 way into the 15km hike, we got to a big quarry cave where we had our lunch break.


Towards the end of the hike when we walked out of the restricted area.