What Mang Gui Kiu is
Mang Gui Kiu, also known as the Haunted Bridge or Ghost Bridge, is a bridge in Tsung Tsai Yuen, Tai Po Kau, Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong. Its history and eerie local legends have drawn visitors to the area.
The material about Mang Gui Kiu also describes a site of that name in Shenzhen, presenting it as a cultural landmark with well-preserved architecture and artifacts. Visitor information for the two places differs, so both sets of details are included below.
History and significance
Origins and the 1955 tragedy
Mang Gui Kiu was originally called Hung Shui Kiu, meaning “Bridge of Flooding.” The name reflects how often heavy rain submerged the bridge. The surrounding lush, green area has a river that frequently swells during the rainy season (Everything Explained Today).
The bridge’s haunted reputation is associated with a tragedy in 1955. On a heavily rainy day, teachers and students from St. James’ Settlement perished in flooding conditions at the bridge (Wikipedia).
Paranormal activity and local legends
Stories told after the 1955 tragedy include reports of apparitions and unexplained phenomena, as well as sounds of ghostly soldiers marching. One legend links these sounds to nearby Dan Kwai Village, described as an execution site during the Second Sino-Japanese War. According to the story, the blood of the executed flowed into the river beneath Mang Gui Kiu and stained the water red (Moon Mausoleum).
The original bridge was replaced by a reinforced concrete structure. Frequent car accidents on Tai Po Road near the original site have also continued to fuel stories of paranormal activity (Everything Explained Today).
Cultural significance
In Hong Kong, the bridge’s haunted reputation attracts paranormal enthusiasts. Tsung Tsai Yuen and the surrounding area also draw visitors for their natural scenery, river and greenery. The area’s transportation links and scenic setting make it a destination for picnics and day trips, despite—or perhaps because of—its ghost stories (Wikipedia).
The Shenzhen material describes Mang Gui Kiu as a cultural landmark with historical and cultural importance, and as a place that offers a glimpse of the region’s past.
What to see
At the Hong Kong site, visitors can see the bridge and explore the natural surroundings of Tsung Tsai Yuen, including its river and lush greenery.
In Shenzhen, the listed attractions include cultural theme parks, historic sites, modern architecture, shopping areas and beaches. Splendid China Folk Village, Shenzhen Museum and Window of the World are described as places that showcase the city’s cultural heritage and development (China Discovery).
Practical visiting information
Hong Kong: Mang Gui Kiu
The Hong Kong bridge is described as accessible to the public 24/7, with no entrance fee. Tsung Tsai Yuen can be reached by public transport, including buses and taxis from various parts of Hong Kong.
There are no regular guided tours specifically for Mang Gui Kiu. Local tour operators occasionally offer haunted tours that include the bridge; check with local tour companies for availability.
Shenzhen: differing visitor details
The supplied Shenzhen listings give different hours and admission details:
- One listing says the site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with an entrance fee of approximately 50 CNY for adults and 25 CNY for children. Discounts may be available for seniors and students with valid ID.
- Another says it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and that entry is free, with guided tours available for a fee.
One listing says guided tours can be booked in advance through local tour operators or at the venue. The Shenzhen guidance also says many attractions offer online ticket purchases through their official websites or authorized sellers.
Shenzhen travel information
Shenzhen has an extensive metro system that covers most tourist attractions, including Mang Gui Kiu. Buses and taxis are also available. Taxis are described as relatively inexpensive; having the destination written in Chinese characters can help with communication. Ride-hailing apps such as Didi are another option (The Wacky Duo).
The city’s currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shopping centers, but not everywhere, so carrying some cash is useful. ATMs are plentiful, and many accept international cards. WeChat Pay and Alipay are popular mobile payment options (Mind The Travel).
Healthcare facilities include hospitals and clinics, many of which offer services in English. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is advised. Pharmacies are widely available, but some specific medication brands may not be available, so bring necessary medicines. Bottled water is advised because tap water is not considered safe to drink (Mind The Travel).
Tips
Visiting the Hong Kong bridge
- Check the weather Given the area’s history of flooding and accidents, check conditions before visiting and avoid heavy rain or storms.
- Take care near the river Explore the scenery cautiously, especially around the water and on the terrain.
- Respect local beliefs and memories Treat the legends and the memory of those who perished in 1955 with respect, and avoid disrespectful behaviour.
Visiting Shenzhen
- Choose the season Shenzhen has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are described as the best times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and less frequent rain (The Wacky Duo). October is also described as a pleasant time to visit, with cultural events taking place (Living Nomads).
- Prepare for rain Typhoon season begins in May, so carrying an umbrella is recommended (Mind The Travel).
- Plan for language differences Mandarin is the primary and official language; many locals also speak Cantonese, and other Chinese dialects may be encountered. English is not widely spoken, particularly outside the city center. Learn a few basic Chinese phrases or use a translation app. Restaurant menus often have pictures, and for remote areas a translator may help; hotel staff can also write down place names for you (Mind The Travel; The Wacky Duo).
- Keep hotel details handy Carry your hotel details and ask for the nearest Metro station if you get lost. Metro signs are written in English and Chinese (Mind The Travel).
- Take standard safety precautions Shenzhen is generally safe for travelers. Keep an eye on belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport; avoid displaying valuables and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Keep a copy of your passport and important documents somewhere safe (The Wacky Duo).
- Observe local etiquette Politeness and courtesy are appreciated. A nod or handshake is customary for greetings; address people by their title or last name. Dress modestly at temples or sacred sites and remove shoes if required. It is considered polite to give and receive items with both hands (The Wacky Duo).
- Check entry requirements Ensure you have the necessary visa to enter China. Shenzhen offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for nationals from 53 countries (China Discovery).
- Use public transport where practical Shenzhen’s buses and metro can help avoid traffic congestion.
Nearby places
Splendid China Folk Village
This theme park has two main areas: Splendid China Miniature Park and China Folk Culture Village. The Miniature Park is described as the largest miniature park in the world and contains 82 reproductions of iconic places in China, grouped as beautiful scenery, grand architecture, historical sites and traditional dwellings. More than 50,000 small ceramic human and animal figurines give it the nickname “Lilliput of Shenzhen” (China Discovery).
Window of the World
Covering 480,000 square meters, Window of the World features replicas of landmarks from around the globe, including the Eiffel Tower, London Tower, Roman Colosseum and Sydney Opera House. The park also has amusement rides and performances (China Discovery).
Ping An Finance Centre
Standing 599 meters tall, Ping An Finance Centre is described as Shenzhen’s tallest building and the fourth tallest in the world. Its top-floor observation deck offers city views. The building also contains offices, a hotel and a shopping mall (China Highlights).
Shun Hing Square
Also known as Diwang Building, Shun Hing Square was the tallest building in Shenzhen and Asia when completed in 1996. It is described as the thinnest skyscraper, with a width-to-height ratio of 1:9. Its top floor has an observation deck and exhibits on Shenzhen’s development history (China Highlights).
Huaqiangbei
Huaqiangbei is described as China’s largest electronics market. Its products include electronic appliances, telecommunications products and computer accessories (China Highlights).
Shenzhen Antique City
Open-air stalls at Shenzhen Antique City sell teapots, tableware, beads and other objects that appear to be centuries old. Fakes are prevalent, so the guide advises against buying expensive items. Visitors can observe buyers checking goods with lenses (China Highlights).
East Gate Old Street
Also known as Dongmen, East Gate Old Street is a pedestrian street with more than 20 shopping malls, as well as numerous stores and restaurants. It is a place to shop for affordable goods and enjoy local cuisine (China Highlights).
Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches
These beaches are known for their long, soft sand and coastal scenery, and are described as places for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing (China Discovery).
Happy Valley
Happy Valley is a large amusement park with roller coasters, water rides and live performances, offering entertainment for families and thrill-seekers (China Discovery).
Festivals and performances
- Lychee Festival A celebration of the local lychee harvest, with lychee picking, tasting and cultural performances (China Discovery).
- Dragon Dancing Show Dancers manipulate a large dragon puppet to music and fireworks (China Discovery).
- Ethnic Arts Show Performances by various ethnic groups feature traditional music, dance and costumes (China Discovery).
- Shenzhen also hosts flower festivals in late spring and early summer (Living Nomads).
Food and shopping
Shenzhen’s food scene includes Cantonese cuisine, seafood and local street snacks. Food streets and restaurants offer opportunities to try local specialties (China Discovery).
Luohu Commercial City is a shopping destination for replicas, souvenirs, watches, clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry. Bargaining is common in markets. Major shopping malls also offer international brands and luxury goods (China Discovery).
Shenzhen’s outdoor destinations include Shenzhen Bay Park as well as Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches. The coastline and green spaces offer settings for walks, picnics and other outdoor activities (China Discovery).
FAQ
What are Mang Gui Kiu’s visiting hours?
The Hong Kong bridge is described as accessible 24/7. Shenzhen listings give different hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in one account and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in another. One listing advises checking for changes during holidays or special events.
How much does admission cost?
The Hong Kong bridge has no entrance fee. Shenzhen listings differ: one says entry is free, while another gives approximate prices of 50 CNY for adults and 25 CNY for children, with possible discounts for seniors and students with valid ID.
Are guided tours available?
There are no regular tours specifically for the Hong Kong bridge, but local operators occasionally offer haunted tours that include it. Shenzhen listings say guided tours are available for a fee, through local tour operators or at the venue; another says they can be booked in advance.
How do I get to Mang Gui Kiu?
For the Hong Kong bridge, buses and taxis from various parts of Hong Kong can take visitors to Tsung Tsai Yuen. In Shenzhen, buses, the metro, taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Didi are available.
What are some historical sites in Shenzhen?
The listed sites include Splendid China Folk Village, Shenzhen Antique City and East Gate Old Street.
Can I buy tickets for attractions online?
Many Shenzhen attractions offer online ticket purchases through their official websites or authorized sellers.