Sha Lo Tung - Dragonfly Haven.
Sha Lo Tung in the New Territories was established an estimated 300 years ago, but has since been abandoned. While listed as grade 2 heritage, most houses are not maintained and are slowly falling apart. Developers have bought the land from villagers with the sole purpose of destruction (what else) and build, amongst others, a columbarium.
The area is remarkably silent as it is completely surrounded by hills and mountains, blocking out any sounds from the city. It's geography also allows for water to collect, and most of the area is wetland. In autumn the ginger lily flowers, spreading sweet scent over the land. Many species of dragonfly and damselfly but also many species of butterfly may be observed in the area. As it is a wetland it has a unique and very rich ecology. Sha Lo Tung is therefore designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Please enjoy this site as long as it is possible; any time the bulldozers may come and destroy all its beauty.
Some links with general information about the area and photos here, here, here and here.
The cache.
A small lock 'n lock type container, hidden near the road. Note that this area is prone to flooding in summer, so make sure the container is hidden securely between some big stones and another one on top. The original container was flushed away during its second summer (it seems together with a chunk of road).
Getting there.
Take minibus 20A (special departure, every 30 minutes)) from Tai Po Market Station to Fung Yuen, and walk about half an hour up from there, or take minibus 52B from Fanling Station (every 20-30 minutes) to Hok Tau Reservoir and walk about one hour from there. This is a bit further but less ascent.
Final notes.
A special mention should be made of Fat Kee Store, a small restaurant five minutes walk from the cache (just follow the main road onwards) selling cold drinks and sweet tofu pudding (dou-fu-fa) on weekends and holidays.
Mobile phone signals may not be available, depending on your network. My provider, China Mobile, has no coverage there.