The Story of Kai Kung Leng

Kai Kung Leng (Gui Kok Shan) is well known to experienced hikers. This imposing mountain on the Kam Tin Plain forms the backbone of the Kam Tin villages and is famous for its 360-degree views, sea of grass and breath-taking sunsets. However, over the years we have seen the area repeatedly damaged by hill fires, preventing the grass from growing back. Recently, the mountain has shown many visible “scars”.

We hope to document our observations to share the scarred story of Kai Kung Leng behind the beautiful internet photos.

Kai Kung Leng refers to the hills north of Kam Tin and Pat Heung in Yuen Long. Originally known as “Kwai Kok Shan”, Kai Kung Leng refers to the two opposite peaks. The eastern peak, Tai Lo Tin (also known as “Tai Hang”), rises to 572 metres, while the western peak, Kai Kung Shan (also known as “Siu Hang”), stands at 374 metres. Adjacent to Tai Lo Tian is Lo Tin Teng, which reaches 585 metres, making it the highest point in the range and the 20th highest peak in Hong Kong. (Source: Oasistrek)

The original intention of establishing a country park

Kai Kung Leng and the adjacent Tai To Yan were designated as part of Lam Tsuen Country Park in 1979. Prof Wong Fook-yee, known as “The Father of Country Parks”, played a major role in the planning of many country parks during this period. Although he was not directly involved in the planning of Lam Tsuen Country Park, he provided insights into the rationale behind the inclusion of Kai Kung Leng in the Park.

Prof WONG Fook-yee Former Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

“Kai Kung Leng and Tai To Yan are two separate hills that rise majestically from the plain, offering breathtaking views from afar. Recognised as important ‘landscaping landmarks’, they are of great ecological value, which is why they were included in the Country Park for protection.”

Unfortunately, this once “impressive” mountain now faces two major problems.

Problem 1: Frequent Hill Fires

From 2016 to 2020, Kai Kung Leng experienced an average of 2.6 hill fires per year. Pictured here is a notable fire that broke out on 25 October 2020 and lasted for two days and nights.

How can we imagine a beautiful mountain that has to endure several fires every year?

Years of repeated fires have left the ridge of Kai Kung Leng with very little natural vegetation, allowing only the hardiest of weeds to survive.

The constant fires have made the soil infertile, making it difficult for trees to grow, even with artificial planting. The only small patch of forest that had begun to grow was also destroyed by the fire in October 2020.

From 2016 to 2020*, the numbers of hill fires occurring in or threatening country parks in the Kai Kung Leng area of Lam Tsuen Country Park were as follows:

Source: Email reply from AFCD

Problem 2: Motorcycles

The problem of motorcycles on Kai Kung Leng has existed for many years, with tires scarring the hills, and the situation has worsened in recent months.

The originally beautiful Kai Kung Leng is now covered with tire marks.

Kai Kung Leng’s fragile topsoil means that wherever motorcycle tires pass, the vegetation and topsoil on the mountain slopes are easily stripped away, “scarring” the mountainside.

Rapid Deterioration

Many hikers find it uncomfortable to walk on sandy and fragile trails. They even have to wear face masks when they pass through the dusty trails.

Natural Restoration?

Prof NG Sai-leung Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

“Tires damage the soil structure, particularly the most fertile topsoil layer, exposing the underlying soil. This leaves nutrients vulnerable to being washed away by rainwater, hindering plant regeneration. If this continues, Kai Kung Leng will be ruined before long!”

Prof LEUNG Yu-fai Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, USA

“Linear depletions (tire scars) can spread out into a network and merge into larger areas of disturbance, creating large scars on the landscape.” “If the land is gently sloped with a small scale of grass depletion, there is a chance for natural restoration. However, if it is a steep slope and the soil damage has reached to the mineral layer, it will trigger an irreversible process of land degradation that would continue even after the trampling — whether by people or vehicles — is stopped. In the present case of Kai Kung Leng, I think it is virtually impossible for the area to recover quickly without artificial restoration.”

Relevant Legislation

Safety Precautions for Hikers

On steep slopes, off-road motorcycles and hikers share the same route with no designated lanes or traffic regulations, making accidents highly likely. Most of these motorcycles are unlicensed and riders wear helmets. If a hiker is hit by a motorcycle and the rider flees the scene, it becomes almost impossible to identify or hold the responsible party accountable.

Law Enforcement? The Forgotten Country Park

Most people are probably unaware that Kai Kung Leng is part of a country park — understandably, given the current lack of management and resources allocated to the area. Signage, maps, emergency facilities and regular patrols are rare. The only things you might find are these two warning signs. Given the damage, are there any management and conservation measures that should be in place for a country park?

We expect

◎ to protect Kai Kung Leng from being further damaged;
◎ the authorities to promptly repair the damaged trails and slopes to halt soil erosion and degradation;
◎ the authorities to review and strengthen the strategy for preventing hill fires, record and analyse the locations of the fires, investigate the causes, and implement appropriate solutions.

Do you really want the beauty of Kai Kung Leng to fade away?

Acknowledgement:
Provide advice on the natural ecology and historical information of the country parks.