Hiking in Hong Kong — Top 6 best & easy hiking trails in Hong Kong
If you are visiting Hong Kong for the first time, we recommend that you do not miss the “classic” tourist attractions that every visitor to this beautiful island must-see, such as Victoria Harbour, Avenue of Stars, Giant Buddha, Victoria Peak, Ladies Night Market, Lan Kwai Fong, or crowded shopping at Tsim Tsa Tsui. Let’s go trekking and hiking in Hong Kong – here are the top 6 greatest and easiest hiking routes in Hong Kong.
But, as you know, Hong Kong is a small city with unusual attractions, and visitors often wish to return again and again. If you want to return to Hong Kong, you should take the opportunity to explore one or more of the following magnificent hiking routes, and see Hong Kong through lenses other than the ones used by Focus Asia Travel.
1. Explore the trails of Dragon’s Back Mountain
Dragon’s Back is considered to be the most beautiful hiking trail in Hong Kong, with majestic views of the mountains and the sea. This is also a climbing trail that is easily accessible from the city.
The route is approximately 8.5 kilometers long and will take around 4 hours to complete. Begin at Shek O Road near Tei Wan Village and continue the route to the summit of Shek O (284m). Beautiful panoramic views of Shek O, Tai Long Wan, and Tung Lung Island may be enjoyed from here. The adventure concludes in Tai Hard Wan hamlet, which is home to the famed Big Wave Beach, where you may fully reward yourself after a long hike.
How to get there
+ You should go to Shau Kei Wan MTR, then come to the gate A and reach Shau Kei Wan bus station. Take the bus number 9 or minibus marked “Shek O”. Get off at To Tei Wan, Shek O Street.
+ From the end, you can take a taxi or minibus back to Shau Kei Wan.
2. Watch the sunrise on top of Lantau (Fung Wong Shan)
As the second tallest peak in Hong Kong, it is no surprise that the Lantau Peak (934 m) is a great place to catch the sunrise. The peak takes about two hours, so you should stay overnight at Ngong Ping.
You should start the journey from 3:30 am to reach the peak at 5:30 to 6:00 and receive the first clear ray of a new day. The best time of year to see the sunrise is during the dry season, from November to February.
How to get there
+ You can go to Tung Chung MTR, then go to gate B. At Tung Chung Ngong Ping cable car station, take the cable car (about 25 minutes) to Ngong Ping station. Then look for signboard and walk along the Lantau Trail
+ Go to Tung Chung MTR, then go to gate B. From the bus station next to MTR station, take bus 23 (about 50 minutes) to Ngong Ping. Then look for a signpost and follow the Lantau Trail.
3. See the sunset on Sunset Peak (Tai Tung Shan)
Sunset, along with Lantau, is one of Lantau Island’s highlights. Sunset was chosen as the name because it has become a traditional spot to view the sunset in Hong Kong, with majestic landscape, lovely grass mop, and a wonderful performance of the sun as it is about to set. However, because it is now dark, you should carry a flashlight for your return trip.
How to get there
Go to Tung Chung MTR, go to door B. From bus station near MTR station, take bus number 11A to Pak Kung Au. Turn left and follow the Lantau Trail along with the signboard to Sunset
4. Conquer Tai Mo Shan – the highest mountain in Hong Kong
Tai Mo Shan, at an elevation of 957 meters, is Hong Kong Island’s highest point. The Tai Mo Shan hiking trails are the 7th and 8th portions of one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful hiking routes: Maclehose Trail
Tai Mo Shan was originally a volcano, although it is now dormant. Previously, it was a well-known tea plantation. The beautiful panorama at the mountain’s summit will make you drool over the bubbling clouds, especially during the days in the sky that you can see from the Kowloon Nature Reserve, the Tsuen Wan skyscraper, and a little of Mainland China.
How to get there
Go to MRT Tsuen Wan, Kwai Hing or Tai Wo Hau. Then take a taxi to Lead Mine Pass.
Sharp Peak – a challenging trail for hiking
With a height of 468m, the Sharp Peak is a challenging hiking trail with winding and steep paths. There are three ways to get to Sharp Peak: from North Ridge, East Ridge and South Ridge, where trails from the North Ridge are the hardest to go by.
Choose a starting location and return from South Ridge if you don’t have much climbing expertise. It is difficult to climb, but when you reach the summit and gaze out over the breathtaking view of the hills and mountains, you will realize that every drop of sweat was well spent. If you want to attempt it in the arcade, make sure you have a decent pair of climbing shoes and gloves to stick to a few paragraphs.
How to get there
Take the bus 94 from Sai Kung, get off at Pak Tam Au.
6. Peak of Lion Rock – the view of Hong Kong from above
This is where you may enjoy the stunning view that allows you to see the entirety of Kowloon and Hong Kong, especially on clear days. This path is not as well-known as Dragon’s Back, but it provides spectacular vistas. The full trip takes around 4 hours, but don’t worry since there are an infinite number of stations where you may pause the journey.
How to get there
Go to Wong Tai Sin MTR and go to the Gate B3
