With the May Day holiday approaching, sunshine, sandy beaches, and ocean waves are waiting for you. Today (April 28), DotDotNews takes you to Po Pin Chau, located off the eastern dam of the High Island Reservoir along the first section of the MacLehose Trail, to discover one of Hong Kong's most iconic photo spots—the vast scenes that resemble a "Tetris Sea" in aerial shots were captured right here!
7,000 "Giant Building Blocks": The Power of Tetrapod
On the outer side of the High Island Reservoir East Dam, more than 7,000 T-shaped or anchor-shaped concrete blocks are neatly arranged. These are known as breakwater blocks (or anchor-shaped stones). Each weighs as much as 25 tons. Though they appear to be stacked haphazardly, they are in fact a meticulously designed engineering masterpiece, built to withstand the winds and waves of the open sea and safeguard the dam. Viewed from above, the striking contrast and geometric beauty created by the azure sea and the gray-white breakwater blocks have become a favorite subject for countless photography enthusiasts.
Set Out from East Dam: Unlock Hidden Gems of Mountains and Seas
East Dam is not only a visual highlight but also lies near the end of Section 1 and the start of Section 2 of the MacLehose Trail. Many hikers choose to stop here for a photo before continuing on to Section 2, heading toward Long Ke Wan, hailed as one of "Hong Kong's most beautiful beaches." In addition, right next to East Dam lies a geological wonder—Po Pin Chau—composed of hexagonal volcanic rock columns, making it an excellent spot for photography and exploration.
Must-Read Before You Go: The History of the MacLehose Trail and Hiking Tips
The MacLehose Trail is a must-visit route for hikers and nature lovers visiting Hong Kong. This famous hiking trail spans nearly 100 kilometers across the New Territories and is divided into 10 sections, each offering breathtaking views of Hong Kong. Before embarking on this challenging hike, be sure to bring plenty of water and supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
As for the history of this hiking trail, the MacLehose Trail was officially opened on Oct. 26, 1979. Spanning 100 kilometers, it is named after Sir Murray MacLehose, a passionate hiker who loved exploring Hong Kong’s mountains. Its scenery is arguably the finest among Hong Kong’s hiking trails. Starting from Sai Kung—known as "Back Garden of Hong Kong"—it winds through Ma On Shan and Lion Rock, passes through Kam Shan to Shing Mun Reservoir, then climbs up Needle Hill, Grassy Hill, and Tai Mo Shan, finally concluding at CCC Hoh Fuk Tong College in Tuen Mun—a truly perfect journey.
Click here for a detailed travel guide and plan your own May Day trip to the mountains and the sea!
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