Best Hiking Trails in Hong Kong

While Hong Kong is renowned for its bustling city life, nearly 75% of its land consists of country parks and nature reserves, offering world-class hiking trails. Below are five selected routes that represent different levels of difficulty and landscape types:

1. Dragon's Back

• Highlights: Rated by Time Magazine as "Asia's Best Urban Hike," it is famous for panoramic views of mountains and the sea, a continuous ridge line, and Shek O Beach.
• Trail Length: Approximately 8.5 kilometers (takes 3-4 hours).
• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate; some steep slopes, but overall suitable for newcomers.
• Suitable For: Photography enthusiasts, family outings, short-distance hikers.
• Transportation:
• Start: Exit A3 at Shau Kei Wan MTR Station → take Bus No. 9 to Tung Long Wan Station.
• End: Stonecutters Bay Road → take Bus No. 9 back to the city.
• Best Season: October to April next year (avoid summer heat).
• Cost: Free, no entrance fee.
• Notes:
• Strong winds at the top, recommend wearing a windproof jacket.
• Try local Hong Kong-style cafes at the end point, Shek O Village.

2. MacLehose Trail Section 2

• Highlights: One of Hong Kong’s most classic hiking routes, passing through Cheung Sha Beach, Sai Wan Mountain, and Ham Tin Wan, known for its white sand beaches and the geological wonder of "Hexagonal Rock Columns."
• Trail Length: About 13.5 kilometers (takes 5-6 hours).
• Difficulty: Intermediate; some mountain paths are rugged, requiring a certain level of physical fitness.
• Suitable For: Nature explorers, geology enthusiasts.
• Transportation:
• Start: Taxi from Sai Kung Town Center to the eastern dam of High Island Reservoir (about HKD 120).
• End: Take Bus No. 94 back to Sai Kung from Pak Tam Au.
• Best Season: Autumn (November, cool climate, clear seawater).
• Cost: Free, some villages offer paid speedboat services back to Sai Kung (about HKD 150 per person).
• Notes:
• Few replenishment points along the way, bring at least 2 liters of water and dry food.
• Cheung Sha Beach is a popular camping spot, apply for permits in advance.

3. Lantau Trail Section 3

• Highlights: Ascend to the second highest peak in Hong Kong, Lantau Peak (934 meters), offering panoramic views of Lantau Island and the Tian Tan Buddha, especially stunning during sunrise.
• Trail Length: About 6.5 kilometers (takes 4-5 hours).
• Difficulty: Advanced; many steep stone steps, requires good physical condition.
• Suitable For: Mountain climbing enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts.
• Transportation:
• Start: Take Bus No. 3M from Mui Wo Pier to Po Kong Ngok.
• End: Return to Tung Chung via Bus No. 23 from Ngong Ping Market.
• Best Season: Winter (cold morning temperatures, but high visibility).
• Cost: Free, Ngong Ping Market offers souvenirs for purchase.
• Notes:
• Bring a headlamp for early morning climbs, slippery stone steps require anti-slip shoes.
• Large temperature differences at the summit, recommend warm clothing.

4. Wilson Trail Section 1

• Highlights: Crossing from Chi Tsun Gap Road to Repulse Bay, blending historical relics (WWII bunkers) with urban sea views.
• Trail Length: About 10 kilometers (takes 3-4 hours).
• Difficulty: Beginner; mostly flat paths.
• Suitable For: Cultural explorers, families with children.
• Transportation:
• Start: Take Bus No. 6 from Causeway Bay MTR Station to Wong Nai Chung Gap Road.
• End: Repulse Bay Beach → take bus back to Central.
• Best Season: All year round, avoid rainy season (June-August).
• Cost: Free.
• Notes:
• Do not climb dangerous structures near military relics.
• Repulse Bay has several upscale restaurants, book scenic afternoon tea.

5. The Peak Circle Walk

• Highlights: 360-degree panoramic view of Victoria Harbour and skyscrapers, night view ranked as one of the "Three Greatest Night Views in the World."
• Trail Length: About 3.5 kilometers (takes 1-1.5 hours).
• Difficulty: Entry-level; fully paved paths.
• Suitable For: Time-limited tourists, couples, scenery lovers.
• Transportation:
• Start: Take the Peak Tram from Garden Road in Central to Sky Terrace.
• End: Return via the same route or walk down to the Mid-Level Escalator.
• Best Season: Suitable all year round, recommended evenings (seamless transition from sunset to night view).
• Cost: Round-trip Peak Tram ticket costs HKD 88 (can use Octopus Card).
• Notes:
• More tourists on weekends, recommend off-peak times such as weekday mornings or nights.
• Sky Terrace viewing platform charges fees, free walking trail offers broader perspectives.

General Suggestions

1. Gear Checklist: Lightweight hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, portable charger.
2. Safety Tips:
3. Download the "Hong Kong Hiking Routes" app (includes offline maps).
4. Call 999 in case of emergency (universal emergency number in Hong Kong).
5. Transport Card: Purchase an Octopus Card, which supports public transportation and convenience store purchases.
6. Weather Check: Refer to the Hong Kong Observatory’s real-time forecast (www.hko.gov.hk).