Woh Chai Hill — Attraction in Hong Kong

Wo Chai Hill, locally known as Bishop Hill, is a small hill in Shek Kip Mei, Hong Kong. The site is the roof to one of several service reservoirs in the district. A steady stream of people can be seen going up and down the set of steep staircase leading up to the hill.

Years ago, Lam Hiu-man went to school at the base of Bishop Hill, a densely forested knoll that rises between the neighbourhoods of Sham Shui Po, Shek Kip Mei and Yau Yat Chuen, just north of Boundary Street. Every day, she looked outside her classroom window and watched as elderly people climbed the slope to do their morning exercises on the grassy lawn at the hill’s summit. She had no idea what lay under their feet: the ruins of a spectacular century-old reservoir.

On December 28, around noon, Lam was back on the hillside when one of its regular visitors told her that something remarkable was happening up top. She made her way to the summit and found a crowd abuzz with excitement. A demolition crew working for the Water Supplies Department had smashed an opening into the old reservoir, exposing a lofty chamber supported by dozens of stone arches. Sunlight poured into the newly unearthed room as people wandered around, mesmerised by the stonework, the light and the rubble left behind by workers. It was like something out of ancient Rome. “Some people doing morning exercise were even dancing inside the...

This review is for the Ex Sham Shui Po service reservoir tour.

On top of Bishop Hill (well, underneath it) sits the historic water reservoir discovered a few years back, but dates back to 1904.

There are lots of stories about its discovery and use, so I won't get into too much detail, when so much is already out there.

You can book the tour online if you are lucky, as there are only a few tours a day with limited numbers.

After a very nice introduction by the Water Services Department guides, it's off down the metal stairs and into the reservoir itself.

Incredible!

The walk up and back down Bishop Hill is really interesting with quite a few sights along the way.

Really worth the effort of trying to get on the...

Be careful coming here!!! This seems like a lovely hill to walk up but as I was coming up the path by myself I arrived at a clearing and came upon a group of about 9 wild dogs. They immediately started sprinting directly towards me and within seconds they were splayed out in front of me barking and snapping - I ended up getting bitten by one of them on the leg. I managed to get away before they could attack any more, but I'm lucky to have gotten away with only a single bite because it could have been much worse.

So please take caution if you decide to walk here, especially if you have children with you!!

(nice view...