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If you’re planning a visit to Hong Kong, you’re most likely considering of dim sum, skyscrapers, and flashing neon lights. Sure, you possibly can see all that, however do you know that 75% of Hong Kong is open countryside, which means you possibly can get pleasure from an abundance of nature.
Hiking in Hong Kong is without doubt one of the most unforgettable actions, and is without doubt one of the hottest past-times for the native folks right here. You can hike to see gorgeous Victoria Peak views, to pristine seashores, round distant islands, up rocky mountain-sides to misty mountain peaks – the various number of nature settings means which you can at all times expertise one thing completely different and distinctive on each hike.
Hong Kong’s hikes are additionally vastly completely different by way of issue and size – you could find brief, family-friendly hikes, or lengthy multi-day hikes.
But if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the town, and also you’re undecided which hikes in Hong Kong are best for you, then right here we’ve listed our favorites!
The Best Hikes in Hong Kong
The following hikes are organised from straightforward to most difficult.
Dragons’ Back, Hong Kong Island
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Elevation: 170 meters
- Time to finish: 1 hour half-hour
- Difficulty: straightforward
- Trail head location: get a taxi or minibus to this location.
For hikers in search of one thing straightforward and family-friendly, then the Dragon’s Back Trail is the one most locals will advocate to you.
Time journal as soon as named the Dragon’s Back mountain climbing path as Asia’s finest city hike.
It’s straightforward to see why!
The path has scenic views of the southern facet of Hong Kong Island all through, and has a straightforward terrain.
The first part of the hike is usually uphill, and from the highest it has a mild up and down elevation. It will get its title as a result of the path resembles the rocky again of a dragon.
You can end your hike from both Shek O seaside of Big Wave Bay, the place you possibly can cool off with a swim, or get a minibus again to Causeway Bay.
Victoria Peak Loop, Hong Kong Island
- Distance: 3.7 km (2.2 miles)
- Elevation: 133 metres
- Time to finish: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Difficulty: straightforward
- Trail head location: from this path close to The Peak
If you’re in Hong Kong for a brief layover, or haven’t acquired numerous time for a hike, then the Victoria Peak loop is the most effective one to do.
Not solely do you get superb views throughout Victoria Harbour and of the Kowloon peninsula, however you may as well admire views of the South China Sea to the south of the island.
The round path wraps across the base of Victoria Peak, the very best peak on Hong Kong Island, and gives coastal views all through.
It’s a straightforward hike with little elevation and a paved floor, and we’ve even seen folks pushing strollers alongside it.
10,000 Buddha Monastery (Man Fat Sze), New Territories
- Distance: 1.8km (1.1 miles)
- Elevation: roughly 217 meters
- Time to finish: 15 minute stroll, enable an hour to discover the monastery and do the hike
- Difficulty: straightforward
- Trail head location: discover the trail from right here behind the Immigration Department constructing in Sha Tin.
The 10,000 Buddha Monastery is a pleasant discovery nested within the Po Fook Hill mountains in Sha Tin.
It’s composed of 1 principal temple corridor, a nine-story pagoda and a number of other shrines, halls and pavilions unfold over two principal ranges on the facet of the mountain.
The expertise begins with a steep climb up 420 steps lined with golden Buddhas in quite a lot of poses with quite a lot of expressions.
As we walked up, we took our time, pausing to catch our breath and admire the main points on the statues. We had by no means seen so many Buddhas earlier than. The overhanging bushes supplied welcome shade and aid from the warmth.
We additionally held our baggage shut as Macaque monkeys stealthily adopted us alongside the leafy switchbacks of the hill, and they’re identified to be artful and take issues out of your bag pockets!
At the highest, there’s a lavishly adorned temple. Inside are 1000’s of miniature Buddha states overlaying the partitions.
Outside within the grounds, there are two terraced ranges with colourful pavilions, shrines, temples and rock gardens.
Most putting was the 9 story Pagoda, which is tough to overlook. We spent a very long time exploring the grounds and absorbing the serenity and having a tea from the restaurant.
It’s a ravishing house and extra quieter and extra peaceable than different temples in Hong Kong or the Big Buddha on Lantau Island.
It was a type of journey experiences that I’ll at all times bear in mind as one thing so surprising and surprisingly good.
It’s a straightforward hike and not too removed from the town – only a 40-minute practice trip from Central after which a ten min stroll from the station.
Mini Great Wall Hike, Cheung Chau
- Distance: 7.49 km (4.6 miles)
- Elevation: 160 metres
- Time to finish: 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: straightforward
- Trail head location: the beginning of the Mini Great Wall part begins from right here, however we advocate ranging from Tung Wan Beach
We wished so as to add slightly extra rest to our couple’s getaway, so we jumped on a ferry to Cheung Chau, an outlying island solely 40 minutes boat trip from Central in Hong Kong.
It’s solely a small island, however with seashores, temples, and a loop hike across the complete island, there’s a lot to do for the day.
Getting round is by foot or bicycles as motorized autos will not be allowed!
We walked straight over to the other facet of the island to Tun Wan Beach earlier than setting out on a path alongside the Southern facet of the island.
The path, referred to as the Mini Great Wall, snakes the hilly facet of the coast, and takes you around the southern tip and again to the village.
There are lookout pavilions and gorgeous views of the ocean and outer islands.
We barely noticed one other particular person on the path. It was unimaginable to have come from rubbing shoulders with 1000’s in Hong Kong to all this house and serenity to ourselves. Even within the harbour we noticed few vacationers.
We didn’t make it to the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, which is a well-liked spot tucked into the southwest nook of the island and has a historical past of pirates and hidden treasures.
We turned again on the finish of the Little Great Wall with views of the wild southeast coast. Continuing will take you to by way of bamboo forests and beautiful seashores and rocky headlands.
I wanted we saved going, however we wished to get again to the harbour to feast on scrumptious seafood at one of many eating places alongside the waterfront promenade earlier than heading again to central Hong Kong.
Of all of the thrilling and enjoyable issues we did in Hong Kong, our day journey to Cheung Chau is what we discuss essentially the most.
It was quiet and fairly and an surprising treasure of Hong Kong and made us need to return to find extra hidden treasures amongst its pure magnificence.
Tai O to Kau Ling Chung, Lantau Trail Section 7
Tai O, a village on the island of Lantau, retains a wealth of eco-cultural treasures, together with stilt homes, salt subject relics and Chinese Pink Dolphins, which stay within the waters surrounding the world.
On this Hong Kong hike you may as well expertise farming on the close by village of Yi O, the place terraced rice paddies can nonetheless be discovered, earlier than persevering with alongside a path that hugs the coast till it reaches the western facet of the island.
This path is named the Lantau Trail part 7. The Lantau Trail is a big, 70 kilometres hike that wraps round the entire island. Since it’s not doable to do that a lot mountain climbing in a single journey, we advocate doing one part of it.
We selected part 7 as a result of it incorporates Hong Kong’s rural villages, dense forests, distant seashores, and unspoiled pure magnificence.
Wu Kau Tang to Lai Chi Wo, New Territories
- Distance: 11.6 km
- Elevation: 332 meters
- Time to finish: 3 hours
- Difficulty: reasonable
- Trail head location: the distant village of Wu Kau Tang
400 years in the past, Lai Chi Wo was as soon as among the many most prosperous villages within the Northeastern New Territories. The homes and the woods behind the village stay effectively preserved.
The village can be extremely distant, and solely accessible by a 5 km path that’s solely massive sufficient to hike – you possibly can’t even drive there!
The path passes by way of a densely forested space, earlier than reaching the spectacular reddish shoreline to the most important mattress of Coastal Heritiera (Heritiera littoralis) in Hong Kong.
Look out for the White-flower Derris, which types a ‘natural swing’ alongside the mangroves.
Sharp Island, Sai Kung
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Elevation: 219 meters
- Time to finish: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Difficulty: reasonable
- Trail head location: get the ferry from Sai Kung Pier
In Sai Kung, there’s a caldera, which is the results of a volcanic eruption.
This space is filled with tiny, distant islands and rocky formations, which you’ll see not removed from Sai Kung Town.
Take a brief ferry over to Sharp Island, the place you possibly can hike over this distant, uninhabited island and admire the fascinating geological formations.
Don’t skip the seaside originally and search for aged rocks specimens, minerals, fossils and proof of tidal influences.
Walk over a naturally occurring 250-metre-long tombolo from Sharp Island to succeed in Kiu Tau, earlier than heading again to Sai Kung Pier.
Tung Lung Chau
- Distance: 8.2 km
- Elevation: 452 meters
- Time to finish: 3 hours
- Difficulty: reasonable
- Trail head location: from the pier on Tung Lung Chau, head in a westerly route
Most folks suppose essentially the most distant and delightful a part of Hong Kong is the Sai Kung shoreline, however these folks haven’t been to Tung Lung Chau.
This distant, uninhabited island sits on the far west of Hong Kong and is simply accessible by a small, native boat, known as a kaito ferry, leaving from Sam Ka Tsuen in Kowloon, and one other from Sai Wan Ho on Hong Kong Island.
Both routes function solely at weekends and on public holidays.
This hilly island is thought for its open, bush wacking path with unimaginable coastal views from all sides.
Head to the army/broadcast station to see essentially the most windswept and thrilling views. There can be a novel rock carving on the east facet of the island, not removed from the ferry pier, price testing.
Ap Lei Chau
- Distance: 3.7 km
- Elevation: 315 metres
- Time to finish: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Difficulty: reasonable
- Trail head location: the trailhead is situated right here behind the Lei Tung Estate
The Ap Lei Chau hike is just not a very lengthy, nor excessive, hike, and so many individuals suppose it’s straightforward.
It’s to not be underestimated. This hike takes you up the Ap Lei Chau mountain peak, referred to as Mount Johnson, earlier than descending the opposite facet to a spit, connecting it to its smaller island, Ap Lei Pai.
This descent is the difficult bit. It’s steep, rocky, and sandy, and might be treacherous for those who’re not cautious.
Fortunately there’s a rope to carry on to for those who’re not assured in your toes. We’ve additionally seen some folks sliding down on their bum!
It’s price it although, because the distant, windswept Ap Lei Pai is attractive, and for those who make it to the decrease west facet of the island, you’ll discover a pure swimming gap to chill off in.
This is some extent to level path, so you’ll want to return the best way you got here.
The MacLehose Trail (Section 2)
The MacLehose Trail is a demanding 100-kilometre route throughout the New Territories, ranging from Sai Kung within the East and increasing throughout all the nation, and ending on Lantau Island within the West.
It was chosen as one of many world’s 20 “dream trails” by National Geographic, and it’s straightforward to see why.
It encompasses the most effective of Hong Kong, and actually exhibits how a lot and the way numerous the nation’s nature actually is.
While most individuals don’t have time to hike all the 100km, those that need to hike a brief part of it could accomplish that because it’s conveniently break up up into 16 sections.
The most lovely sections, which most individuals will agree, is part 2, which passes alongside the shoreline in Sai Kung. Section 1 is principally up a street and boring, so we advocate skipping it and getting a taxi to part 2 on the UESCO Global Geopark.
This part hugs the coast all the method earlier than reducing into the forest and passes by way of the distant village of Sai Wan, earlier than traversing onto the pristine seashores of Long Ke Wan and Ham Tin.
The official path cuts into the mountains right here, however for those who wished extra seashores, you might stroll on from Ham Tin to Tai Wan Beach, a couple of 15-20 minute stroll from right here, whic his our favourite seaside in Hong Kong.
It’s so wild and distant, and untouched, you’ll overlook that Hong Kong even has skyscrapers. You can add extra problem to your hike by mountain climbing up the close by Sharp Peak, or save that one for an additional day.
Lion’s Rock
- Distance: 7.2 km
- Elevation: 552 metres
- Time to finish: 3 hours
- Difficulty: reasonably difficult
- Trail head location: the trailhead is on the finish of the street behind the Tsz Wan Kok Temple
Anyone who has already been mountain climbing in Hong Kong was most likely questioning after they began studying this information when Lion’s Rock Country Park would come up.
It’s arguably essentially the most well-known hike in Hong Kong, identified for its views over Kowloon, Victoria Harbour, and Victoria Peak within the distance, in addition to the limestone rock formation which from the bottom stage wanting up, resembles a lion’s head.
The Lion Rock hike isn’t the prettiest hike to start with. Most of the path follows a street which winds up the steep mountain facet for many of the method, earlier than the path cuts into the dense, untamed brush.
You could make this hike simpler by taking a taxi up this street, however the place’s the enjoyable in that?
When you get off the street the path turns into unfastened underfoot, steep, and has some rocky sections. There are areas that require scrambling, and for those who’re not cautious, you might take a unsuitable flip and find yourself on the fringe of a steep cliff.
The views from the highest are definitely worth the effort although. It’s notably good at sundown, simply deliver a torch that can assist you in your method down and follow the trail.
Ng Tung Chai to Tai Mo Shan
- Distance: 9.5 km
- Elevation: 849 metres
- Time to finish: 4 hours (although for those who’re swimming within the waterfalls, enable at the very least 6 hours)
- Difficulty: reasonably difficult
- Trail head location: begin from the village of Ng Tung Chai right here
Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak, and it actually interprets to Big Misty Mountain – the explanation for that turns into clear once you attain the highest, as I’ve not often seen it on a transparent day!
The path to the highest of Tai Mo Shan is steep and difficult, and requires a great deal of bodily exercise to do it.
The principal path principally follows a street, so we advocate taking the Ng Tung Chai path which passes three lovely waterfalls that you simply swim in on the best way up.
Although you’re unlikely to get unimaginable views from the highest, with the ability to say you reached the very best level in Hong Kong is nothing to be modest about.
This is one path the place the journey is healthier than the vacation spot.
Twin Peaks / Wilson Trail Section 1
- Distance:
- Elevation:
- Time to finish:
- Difficulty: reasonably difficult
- Trail head location: begin from this street and head south (backwards on the Wilson Trail)
While the MacLehose path goes from East to West, the Wilson Trail goes from South to North.
The entire path extends for 81 km (50 miles) and passes by way of Hong Kong’s countryside and concrete landscapes.
The first part is on Hong Kong island, and is usually known as Twin Peaks. This is as a result of the path requires you to hike up two excessive peaks, earlier than descending the opposite facet.
I’d additionally advocate doing this hike backwards, from the north heading south. This is so that there’s much less of an upward climb to do (thank me later).
You may prolong this hike to incorporate Violet Hill.
Although this hike isn’t essentially the most difficult of the hikes, there’s a part that requires you to hike up round 1,200 stairs – and belief me, your thighs will really feel it the subsequent day!
West Dog’s Teeth Hike
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Elevation: 930 meters
- Time to finish: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: difficult
- Trail head location: begin from right here, and comply with the Shek Pik Country Trail till you see an indication for West Dogs Teeth in your proper. It will seem like a steep boulder…sure, that’s the best way up!
This is essentially the most difficult hike I’ve finished in Hong Kong, and there have been moments the place I genuinely was scared to proceed.
Other folks will disagree although, and say it’s not that dangerous. However, that is my opinion, and I don’t suppose you must sort out this one until you’re an skilled hiker.
The path requires numerous scrambling over rocks and boulders, and it’s steep many of the method. It will get its title from the path resembling sharp, pointy canine tooth…you get the thought then!
This is a really rugged, unmaintained path as much as Lantau Peak, and may incorporate Sunset Peak too if you wish to prolong it.
The views are unimaginable, positively among the finest I’ve ever seen. And for those who do make it to the height at Sunset – you’ll perceive why there’s a mountain known as Sunset Peak once you see it.
Final Thoughts
So there you’ve it, these are among the finest hikes in Hong Kong. As you possibly can see, there are lovely seashores, marshes, wetlands teeming with life, and loads of outside adventures available in Hong Kong’s nature spots.
We couldn’t characteristic the entire hikes in Hong Kong, there are over 520 of them, however we really feel these hikes are the most effective in Hong Kong’s 1,108 sq. kilometers of countryside.
Hiking is one thing I had by no means thought-about about Hong Kong till our expat pal instructed us that was the place the sweetness lay.
Hong Kong isn’t just the town, however a area comprised of over 200 offshore islands and greater than 330 hills!! That opens up a complete world of mountain climbing experiences for you.
We don’t need you visiting Hong Kong considering it’s only a metropolis filled with skyscrapers like we did.
As nature lovers, and outside adventurers, we made a plan and left the skyscrapers behind. Do you suppose we made the proper alternative? Let us know what you suppose within the feedback.
Hong Kong Hiking Tours
If you’re not snug mountain climbing by yourself, you would possibly like to affix one of many following mountain climbing excursions. To be taught extra about these hikes and how one can be a part of one, please make sure to go to this website detailing the unimaginable adventures out there by way of June.
More Hong Kong and China Travel Tips
Planning on visiting Hong Kong or China? Here are another guides that could be helpful…
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Did you recognize there was a lot nature in Hong Kong? Which of those Hong Kong hikes would you love to do? Let us know within the feedback.