Ternyoumacaolong fish pond
Searching for the missing Zhongzhiji Wood Factory
Two wheeled bicycles cruise to the border of Shuimacaolong, and climb to the Dengmaijingtao bunker to enjoy the scenery of the fish pond.
It’s easy to ride the Tern boat along the Wutong River.
With the development of the Sheung Shui Metropolitan Area, the fish ponds, wetlands and farmland on the border of Ma Tso Lung are gradually disappearing. The only remaining Chi Kee Timber Factory in Hong Kong with a history of more than 70 years has also been wiped out by the wheel of history . It received an ultimatum on September 12 was demolished. The editor seizes the time and rides two rollers to go deep into the village of Ma Cao Lung in Sheung Shui. He climbs up to the Mai Jing Tao Bunker and enjoys the stunning landscape of more than 70 fish ponds . Then he goes down the mountain to listen to the story of the second generation descendant of Lai Mu Factory. Remember the past and present, and welcome car enthusiasts to witness the last moment of operation.
Let people relax about the pastoral scenery.
Liaobo Village has a history of more than 200 years.
After the beginning of autumn, it rained a few times and the temperature dropped slightly, making it the most suitable place to visit the village by bicycle. The editor rode the Tern, a portable and flexible scooter, to visit the upper water border. The cool breeze was blowing. Starting from the water, we passed by the Wutong River and the cattle in the grassland, and arrived at the police post in Deyue Village adjacent to the Luohu border. After checking in, pass through Deyuelou Village, come to Kuaijing Road, turn left onto Liaobo Road, and arrive at Liaobo Village, which has a history of 200 years.
The environment in Liaobo Village is quiet.
Two hundred years of history in Liaobo Village
The residents of Liaobo Village are surnamed Feng. Their ancestral home is Yixing County, Jiangnan. They moved to Macaolong to build the village two centuries ago. Riding into the village, the architectural environment is very neat, surrounded by big trees, and there is a large field of farmland nearby, which is very quiet. There is an amusement park and public restrooms in the village. Riders may wish to take a break here to save enough energy to climb to the next attraction, Ma Cao Lung Mai Jin Tao Fortress.
Ride Tern and climb up to the McIntosh Fortress.
Enjoy the view of the fish pond from the Dengmai Jingtao Fortress
After leaving Liabo Village, don’t go back and ride along Liabo Road for about 10 minutes. There is an obvious uphill intersection on the right, which is the Maijing Tao Fortress (Macaolong) on the top of the hill. The uphill section is super steep, so cyclists should do their best and might as well go up the mountain with a pushcart. With great difficulty, the editor successfully rode to the top of the mountain and was very satisfied. There is a small set of steps in front of the bunker, so be patient and carry it up to the top of the mountain.
Surrounded by an iron fence, the McIntyre Fortress has become a hot spot for check-in.
The McIntosh Bunker is one of seven bunkers of the same type in the northern New Territories. It faces Shenzhen to the north and is surrounded by a dense iron fence, making it a hot spot for check-in. Turn right in front of the bunker and walk along the fence, passing through the mountains and forests, and you will see another village with dark trees and bright flowers. The scene in front of me suddenly became clear, and I could enjoy the stunning scenery of more than 70 Yutang villages from a high position. Behind me were the high-rise buildings of Shenzhen between the rivers. At this time, I can only say that Hong Kong is really beautiful. You don’t know when the fish pond will disappear, so don’t miss it to check in and save the good time.
Brother Huan, the second generation successor, came to Zhizhi to remember the past and present life of the wood factory.
Stay at the last moment to remember the wood factory
Going down the steep slope from the McIntosh Fortress, it is recommended that novices take a bike down the mountain and return to Liaobo Road before continuing to ride for safety reasons. Cycling to the intersection in front of Xinyi New Village, turn left on Macaolong Road and keep going downhill. After riding for about 15 minutes, you will arrive at Zhiji Wood Factory, the last stop of this trip.
Checking in according to the wood, all kinds of flavors are in your heart.
Arriving at the gate of the wood factory, the other wood factories on the left have been demolished, leaving only the "Chi Kee Wood Factory" in Hong Kong. The wood factory opened on Java Road in North Point in 1947 and moved to its current location in 1983. It has a history of 75 years and is currently run by the second-generation brother and sister Huan Huan. Brother Quan, who was sitting at the gate, saw the editor coming and talked about the past and present life of the wood factory. If he was wrong, he said that he had received an ultimatum from the government on September 12 for the demolition. "If the government refuses to extend it, the only option is to dry the wood and send it to the landfill."
Brother Quan was reluctant to let the wood factory end in his hands.
A negative word makes me feel desolate. The editor walked into the wood factory. It was filled with piles of logs, which was very spectacular. There were also wooden benches, chopping boards, etc., which gave me a sense of the golden years of Hong Kong. This feeling can be remembered. Brother Quan said enthusiastically that bike friends are welcome to visit the wood factory and witness the end of an era in Hong Kong's wood industry. "It is most convenient to come here on a bicycle. After riding on Ma Cao Leng and looking at the fish pond, we can go back to the wood factory again." Visit and have a full day of fun.”
The only remaining Chi Kee Timber Factory in Hong Kong will be demolished on the 12th of next month.
Brother Quan’s sister said she would work until the last moment.
Written/Photographed by: Louis Choi