Botanic Garden and Nature Reserve
Exploring Our Hillside
Botanic Garden and Nature Reserve Caring For Our Hillside Exploring Our Hillside

Hot Pots

Many visitors walk or take the shuttle bus up to Kwun Yum Shan to find peace, or simply enjoy the view.

In the little woodland at the summit are four outlets of cracks in the mountain, called "Hot Pots", which continuously release warm air. The origin of the heat in this airflow is not known for sure; it may be coming from deep in the earth, or it may have been stored in the mountain since the hot summer days, releasing slowly.

On cold, damp winter days the warm air coming from the hot pots sometimes condenses into swirling mist as it meets the cool humid air outside, adding an aura of mystery to the stillness and tranquility of the mountain top, a phenomenon we call the 'Dragon's Breath'.

During the cold winter we issue a Dragon's Breath Index to help visitors plan their journeys to witness this unusual occurrence. Of course, we cannot guarantee that visitors will see the steam on any given day, as conditions change.

Even if the steam is not visible, visitors can still warm themselves a little at the hot pots.

The vent about 15 paces along the path inside the woodland, a bath-like hole just to the right of the path, tends to be the most active.

The Dragon's Breath Index (Latest news of "Dragon's Breath" phenomenon will be announced during winter days on KFBG Homepage and Facebook)

 


Not Visible - The steam is not visible, though visitors may be able to feel the heat coming from the vents, using their hands.

Low – Visitors may see a faint stream of mist only when they stand close to the opening of a hot pot and observe carefully.

Moderate – Visitors may feel that the air is warm as they approach the woodland. A steady flow of steam, easily visible, can be seen rising from the hot pots. Hands will feel significantly warmer when placed in the vent.

High – Steam can be seen at a distance around the hot pots and filling the woodland. The air in the woodland is warm and wet.