Field Study of River

Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers

Contents

Page

1. Notes on Field Study of Rivers 2

2. and Fieldwork Sites 3

3. About Shing Mun River 4

4. Ecology 8

5. Cultural Heritage 9

6. Fieldwork Site A: Tai Shing Stream 10

7. Fieldwork Site B: Shing Mun Catchwater 12

8. Fieldwork Site C: Gorge Dam, 14 Upper Shing Mun Reservoir 9. Fieldwork Site D: Heung Fan Liu 16

10. Fieldwork Site E: Man Lai Court 18

11. Fieldwork Site S1: Che Kung Temple 20

12. Fieldwork Site F: Estuary 22

13. Fieldwork Exercises 24

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 1

1 Notes on Field Study of Rivers

Safety Measures 1. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and trousers to reduce the chance of insect bites and to avoid cuts and stings from vegetation; 2. Wear slip-resistant shoes; and 3. Leave the vicinity of the river immediately if there is a sudden rise in water level or an increase in the turbulence and turbidity of the stream flow.

Code of Conduct 1. Protect the countryside and its environment. Do not pollute rivers or leave litter. 2. Do not disturb vegetation, or wildlife and their habitats. 3. Respect villagers and do not damage private property, crops, or livestock.

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 2

Shing Mun River and Fieldwork Sites 2

Map 2.1: Shing Mun River Catchment and Fieldwork Sites

• Tai Shing Stream（大城石澗） A • Shing Mun Catchwater（城門引水道） B • Gorge Dam, Upper Shing Mun Reservoir C （上城門水塘主壩） • Heung Fan Liu（香粉寮） D • Man Lai Court（文禮閣） E • Che Kung Temple（車公廟） S1 • Estuary（河口） F

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 3

About Shing Mun River 3

1. About Shing Mun River Shing Mun River flows through the central , southeast of (大帽 山). Its main stem originates from the south of Tai Mo Shan’s summit, at an altitude of 930m – the highest headwater for a river in . The highest section of the main stem, Tai Shing Stream (大城石澗), initially flows northeast from the headwater. The stream then turns southeast and flows down into Upper Shing Mun Reservoir (上城門水塘), situated in a valley towards the southwest. From there, the river flows southeast through Shing Mun Gorge (城門峽), where Upper Shing Mun Reservoir’s Gorge Dam is located, and enters Lower Shing Mun Reservoir (下城門水塘), formerly a river valley. After passing the main dam of Lower Shing Mun Reservoir, it zigzags northeast through and becomes Shing Mun River Channel, before converging with Kwun Yam Shan Stream (觀音山溪), Siu Lek Yuen Nullah (小瀝源明渠), and Nullah (火炭明渠), and finally entering Hoi, or Tide Cove (沙田海), at Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works. The former estuary of the Shing Mun River is situated near the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. The river channel located from the museum to Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works was artificially reclaimed from a shallow sea. The horizontal length of Shing Mun River’s main stem is 16.5km with an average gradient of 0.056 (or 1:17.7). The catchment area is about 58km2.

Map 3.1: Shing Mun River

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 4

Figure 3.1: Headwater of Shing Mun Figure 3.2: The highest section of River at the summit of Tai Mo Shan Shing Mun River’s main stem (near the Civil Aviation Department is known as Tai Shing Stream Radar Station)

Figure 3.3: The reclaimed former estuary of Shing Mun River

“Rivers@HK Database” [Shing Mun River > Shing Mun River Location and Catchment > About Shing Mun River] https://bit.ly/3gtJPcX

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 5

2. River Management Since the 1920s, Shing Mun River has undergone major works, including the construction of catchwaters, water intakes, and reservoirs. The completion of Shing Mun Reservoir separated the upper and lower course of the Shing Mun River hydrologically and ecologically, indirectly impacting agricultural activities around Sha Tin. Later, large-scale reclamation for new town development also led to drastic alterations to the river’s estuary and tributaries. Irrigation In the past, residents of Sha Tin Valley relied on hill streams and wells for water. Even in the 1980s, some Sha Tin villages lacked tap water, making streams and wells essential for inhabitants. Villagers also influenced the river through other activities, for example, by building weirs to store stream water for irrigation. Waterworks In 1923, the government launched the large-scale Shing Mun Water Supply Scheme. Running over 16 years, the scheme resulted in the construction of Upper Shing Mun Reservoir, Reception Reservoir, Shek Lei Pui Water Treatment Works, and several water tunnels. The Lower Shing Mun Reservoir was completed later in 1964. These works collected river water from Shing Mun Valley and Sha Tin Valley, diverting it to the aforementioned reservoirs. New Town Development The original mouth of Shing Mun River was situated at Sha Tin Tau. In the 1970s, construction of the current Shing Mun River Channel, which flows through the town centres of Tai Wai, Sha Tin, and Fo Tan, took place after large-scale reclamation of the shallow sea beyond the former estuary. Channelisation saw the downstream Shing Mun River at Tai Wai become the , and other tributaries in Sha Tin Valley either channelised or converted to culverts. Improvement of Water Quality The drastic reduction of flow as a consequence of river works lowered the self-purifying capacity of the lower course, making Shing Mun River Channel susceptible to water pollution, along with foul-smelling sedimentation and red tides. The Water Pollution Control Ordinance and Livestock Waste Control Scheme, sludge treatment from water treatment works, introduction of dry-weather flow inceptors, Tolo Harbour Sewerage Master Plan, Tolo Harbour Effluent Export Scheme, and Shing Mun River Improvement Works have together resulted in a remarkable improvement in the overall water quality of Shing Mun River.

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 6

Figure 3.4: Upper Shing Mun Reservoir Figure 3.5:

Figure 3.6: Shing Mun River Channel

River Revitalisation In 2019, the Drainage Services Department announced a proposal to revitalise and Tai Wai Nullah. Under the proposal, the channelised section will be transformed into a green open space to enhance connectivity between rivers and human communities, with the feasibility of allowing public access for water-friendly activities also being explored. The revitalisation projects are expected to commence in 2024.

“Rivers@HK Database” [Shing Mun River > Shing Mun River Location and Catchment > River Management] https://bit.ly/3gtJPcX

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 7

Ecology 4

As the upper course of Shing Mun River falls into water gathering grounds and country park areas, natural streams there have largely been preserved. With dense vegetation cover and excellent water quality, the area is home to a wide variety of freshwater fish, amphibians, insects, and aquatic invertebrates. The Fung Shui Wood located in the northern Shing Mun Valley is of particular note, being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its high biodiversity, with over 70 species recorded. However, water discharged into the lower course of Shing Mun River, has reduced drastically, as much of the river water in the upper and middle courses is now being intercepted by or diverted to reservoirs via waterworks, breaking down hydrological linkage and causing freshwater habitats to deteriorate. In addition, large-scale river training and reclamation works carried out in Sha Tin New Town have significantly changed the lower course and estuary, transforming these areas into artificial, concrete-lined channels of low ecological value.

Figure 4.1: Black-banded Gossamerwing Figure 4.2: Predaceous Chub (Euphaea decorata) (Parazacco spilurus)

“Rivers@HK Database” [Shing Mun River > Ecology] https://bit.ly/2U5YbHv

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 8

Cultural Heritage 5

Sha Tin was formerly known as Lek Yuen (瀝源), which refers to sources of clean water. Endowed with a plentiful water supply from Shing Mun River and fertile soil, people settled and farmed in Sha Tin Valley as early as the Ming Dynasty. A number of villages were established, including Tin Sum Wai (田心圍) and Chik Chuen Wai (積存圍). By the Qing Dynasty, a rural alliance known as the Nine Yeuks (沙田九約) was set up to foster a close relationship between the villages. Today, while much of the rural landscape has disappeared as a result of new town developments, some cultural heritage sites can still be found, including (曾大屋) and Che Kung Temple (車公廟).

Figure 5.1: Tsang Tai Uk Figure 5.2: Che Kung Temple

“Rivers@HK Database” [Shing Mun River > Cultural Heritage] https://bit.ly/3vyUNC2

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 9

6 Fieldwork Site A: Tai Shing Stream

Tai Shing Stream, which flows from Tai Mo Shan to Upper Shing Mun Reservoir, forms part of the upper course of Shing Mun River. Large boulders scattered along the stream are a typical feature. As the stream is located in the water gathering ground and a country park, it remains largely pristine with abundant flow, providing habitats for a wide variety of freshwater creatures, such as the Hong Kong Newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis). Various rare , including Grantham’s (Camellia granthamiana), can also found on both sides of the stream.

‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice [Site A: Tai Shing Stream] https://bit.ly/3g3rkvu

Map 6.1: Field Study Site at Tai Shing Stream

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 10

Figure 6.1: Tai Shing Stream Figure 6.2: Hong Kong Newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis).

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 11

7 Fieldwork Site B: Shing Mun Catchwater

To increase the water supply provided by the Upper Shing Mun Reservoir, the 9km Shing Mun Catchwater was constructed along the southwestern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, diverting all water from streams outside the Shing Mun River Catchment to the reservoir. These include Tai Tso Stream (大曹石澗), Tai Yuen Stream (大圓石澗), Sheung Fa Hang (上花 坑), and Ha Fa Hang (下花坑).

‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice [Site B: Shing Mun Catchwater] https://bit.ly/3g3rkvu

Map 7.1: Field Study Site at Shing Mun Catchwater

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Figure 7.1: Shing Mun Catchwater next Figure 7.2: Water collected by to Pineapple Dam Nature Trail Shing Mun Catchwater enters the Upper Shing Mun Reservoir

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 13

Fieldwork Site C: Gorge Dam, Upper

8 Shing Mun Reservoir

Upper Shing Mun Reservoir The reservoir was built between 1923 and 1937 to help meet the city’s growing demand for drinking water due to population growth in the 1920s and 1930s. Situated in the upper part of Shing Mun Valley, it was once the largest reservoir in Hong Kong, with a capacity of 13 million cubic metres. It was also the first reservoir to transfer stored water from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island. As the reservoir collects water from the upper reaches of Shing Mun River, it has led to a substantial reduction in water discharged into the lower course. Lower Shing Mun Reservoir This reservoir is located beneath Gorge Dam in Shing Mun Gorge, a deep, narrow valley that lies between Upper Shing Mun Reservoir and Sha Tin. It was constructed between 1961 and 1964 as part of the Plover Cove Water Scheme, being used to store the overflow from Upper Shing Mun Reservoir. Through the Inter-reservoirs Transfer Scheme, targeted for completion in 2022, any overflow from the Kowloon Group of Reservoirs will also be transferred to Lower Shing Mun Reservoir via an underground tunnel, strengthening flood resilience in West Kowloon and maximising the yield of the reservoirs.

‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice [Site C: Gorge Dam, Upper Shing Mun Reservoir] https://bit.ly/3g3rkvu

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 14

Map 8.1: Field Study Site at Gorge Dam, Upper Shing Mun Reservoir

Figure 8.1: Gorge Dam, Figure 8.2: Bellmouth Overflow, Upper Shing Mun Reservoir Valve Tower, and Steel Bridge (from left to right)

Figure 8.3: Shing Mun Gorge

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 15

9 Fieldwork Site D: Heung Fan Liu

Naming of Heung Fan Liu Heung Fan means incense in Chinese. Historical records suggest that Heung Fan Liu, located along the lower course of Shing Mun River, was once a production hub for incense products. Up to the early 20th century, a number of village mills, powered by the flowing river water, produced powder from harvested incense , highlighting the significant role of rivers in supporting traditional industries. Revitalisation of Tai Wai Nullah The section of the river next to Heung Fan Liu underwent massive training works in the 1970s to reduce the risk of flooding, transforming the original river into a wide, straight, concrete-lined channel known as Tai Wai Nullah. In 2019, the Drainage Services Department proposed revitalising Tai Wai Nullah into a green open space, to enhance the ecological value of the river channel and improve connectivity between rivers and human communities. The feasibility of allowing public access for water-friendly activities is also being explored.

‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice [Site D: Heung Fan Liu] https://bit.ly/3g3rkvu

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 16

Map 9.1: Field Study Site at Heung Fan Liu

Figure 9.1: Proposed site of green open Figure 9.2: The intersection between space after revitalisation channels managed by at Tai Wai Nullah the Water Supplies Department and the Drainage Services Department

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 17

10 Fieldwork Site E: Man Lai Court

Man Lai Court is situated where Tai Wai Nullah ends and the Shing Mun River Channel begins, close to the Shing Mun River’s former estuary. Before the 1970s, the area beyond the estuary was still a shallow sea. With the development of Sha Tin New Town, large-scale reclamation greatly affected both the estuary and shallow sea, leading to the construction of an artificial channel that flows through Tai Wai, Sha Tin, and Fo Tan.

‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice [Site E: Man Lai Court] https://bit.ly/3g3rkvu

Map 10.1: Field Study Site at Man Lai Court

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 18

Figure 10.1: Shing Mun River section at Figure 10.2: Shing Mun River section at Man Lai Court (upstream) Man Lai Court (downstream)

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 19

11 Fieldwork Site S1: Che Kung Temple

Che Kung Temple, a Grade II historic building, is one of four major temples in Hong Kong. Its origin can be traced back to the late Ming Dynasty, though the exact year is unknown. Displays in the temple relate how Che Kung was granted the title of General for supressing rebellion in southern . In the late Southern Song Dynasty, General Che died from illness while escorting Emperor to Hong Kong. One story related to the founding of the temple suggests that when Tin Sam Village was first established, a fung shui master advised the villagers to construct a temple at the confluence of three rivers to retain wealth and bring good fortune. Hence, Che Kung Temple was built, honouring Che Kung.

‘My River, My Community’ – Cultural Tour [Site D: Che Kung Temple] https://bit.ly/3v5qVNA

Map 11.1: Field Study Site at Che Kung Temple

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 20

Figure 11.1: Che Kung Temple Figure 11.2: Statue of Che Kung

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 21

12 Fieldwork Site F: Estuary

Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works occupies a position next to the estuary where Shing Mun River Channel enters Sha Tin Hoi or Tide Cove (沙田海). Commissioned in 1982, it is the largest secondary sewage treatment works in Hong Kong with a daily treatment capacity reaching 340,000 cubic metres. Through the Tolo Harbour Effluent Export Scheme, fully commissioned in 1998, treated effluent from the treatment works is transferred to Kai Tak River to be discharged into Victoria Harbour, to help improve water quality in Tolo Harbour. In light of rising demand for land resources, Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works is due to be relocated to caverns near A Kung Kok (亞公角) in future years. Relocation work commenced in 2019 and is anticipated to be completed in 2030.

‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice [Site F: Estuary] https://bit.ly/3g3rkvu

Map 12.1: Field Study Site at Estuary

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 22

Figure 12.1: Estuary of Figure 12.2: Sha Tin Sewage Shing Mun River Treatment Works

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13 Fieldwork Exercises

Answer the following questions: 1. Referring to Map 13.1, describe the different directions that the Shing Mun River takes.

Map 13.1: Shing Mun River

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 24

2. Put the following names on Map 13.2 to show the locations you visited: Tai Shing Stream Shing Mun Catchwater Gorge Dam, Upper Shing Mun Reservoir Heung Fan Liu Man Lai Court Che Kung Temple Estuary

Map 13.2: Shing Mun River and fieldwork sites

3. Share your thoughts after the visit.

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 25

Answers: 1. Southeast – from Tai Mo Shan to the northern end of Upper Shing Mun Reservoir Southwest – from the northern end of Upper Shing Mun Reservoir to the Lower Shing Mun Reservoir East – from the northwestern end of Lower Shing Mun Reservoir to Mei Lam Estate Southeast – from Mei Lam Estate to Che Kung Temple Northeast – from Che Kung Temple to Sha Tin Hoi (Tide Cove)

2.

Field Study of Shing Mun River: Handbook for Tour Guides and Primary School Teachers 26