Tate's Cairn Meteorological Station, Hong Kong's Very First Weather Radar with Continuous Upgrade 大老山氣象站

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Coronavirus is on the headline everyday. Hong Kong is on lockdown since early March. Residents returning from overseas have to be quarantined for 14 days.  People are advised to stay at home. Today is the last day of April and a public holiday. Zero new infections reported for 5 straight days. Loads of people rushed to Sai Kung, islands to breath fresh air, enjoy space and freedom.

What is special about Tate's Cairn Meteorological Station? It is historically and operationally special as the home of Hong Kong's very first weather radar in 1959, marking a major milestone for tracking rainstorms and typhoons like Typhoon Wanda in 1962.  It operates round-the-clock alongside the radar at Tai Mo Shan to generate a comprehensive 3D picture of wind patterns, rain intensity and tropical depressions across Hong Kong. The dual-polarization setup allows forecasters to analyze raindrop sizes and spot potential hail. Perched at roughly 577 to 580 meters elevation, the station's distinct white spherical radome (which resembles a giant golf ball) is a famous visual landmark along popular local hiking routes. It can be seen from the roof of our apartment


We opt to walk up to the Tate's Cairn Meteorological Station from Wong Tai Sin. Since my hiking partners are not used to walk long distance, we took a minibus (Shatin Pass Road) up to Tsz Wan Shan and walked up terribly long staircases. Exhausted and sweating a lot!


Soon after the demanding staircases will be one after one beautiful view of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.



Stay on the main road. When you see a store selling drinks and food, stock up if needed or take the path on the right. Until you see the next cross road, take again the right path. 


In about 15 minutes, you will see a pavilion. Take a rest and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. 



To head up to the meteorological station you need to take the path on the left. In less than 20 minutes the station is in sight. Excited! 



The staircase to the meteorological station is long but the steps are low. It is closed. You can walk a bit but be careful. The views are extended to Sai Kung. If the sky was clearer, it would be fantastic.



We went up to the hill opposite to the meteorological station. It has a magnificent view of the station and Sai Kung. Superb!



Slowly we returned to Tsz Wan Shan via Fazang Temple 法藏寺instead of the staircases. The trip finished with a nice meal at Wing Lai Yuen 詠藜園.
Location: Tate's Cairn, Hong Kong

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