Historical and contemporary sights along the Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail (Photo-essay)

When people ask me why I go hiking in Hong Kong, my usual answer is that I do it for exercise and to be able to check out interesting sights in sections of the territory that are not accessible by motorized transportation.  Usually, these satisfying sights involve scenic vistas or eye-catching creatures.  Sometimes, however, it's cultural and/or historical sights that end up being the hike highlights or main focus. 

One of my more regular hiking buddies in recent years is a military buff with whom I've explored such as the ruins of the Shing Mun Redoubt located within Shing Mun Country Park and the even older ruined redoubt atop Devil's Peak.  And it was with him that I opted to go along the Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail that is a historical battlefield trail that passes through a key area of conflict during the Battle of Hong Kong which was one of the first battles of the Second World War's Pacific arena...

One of ten detailed information panels that can be found

along this battlefield trail established in 2006

 

It can be difficult now to imagine this part of Hong Kong as

a battleground where many lives were lost back in December 1941

 

A pillbox located on the side of the trail

 

 A good view of Wong Nai Chung Gap

(and a good place to set up a defence post?)

 

We went looking for historical relics but couldn't help

but stop at times to admire the contemporary view

Nature looks to be winning its battle against historical ruins

at the former West Brigade Headquarters

A better preserved section of the former military site

A Hong Kong summer hike wouldn't feel complete

without a large spider spotting... ;)