Hong Kong is home to some of the best hiking spots in the world. There is a trail for every traveller and with a wealth of options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one to tackle. Whether you are looking for a way to get your steps in or you want to conquer a challenging climb, here is Compare Retreats’ comprehensive guide to the best Hong Kong hikes.
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1. Beginners hike: Dragon’s Back
No list of Hong Kong hikes would be complete without Dragon’s Back. An iconic and scenic trail, Dragon’s Back was named as TIME Magazine’s Best Urban Hike in Asia and for good reason. Conveniently located on Hong Kong Island, the hub of the city, Dragon’s Back is a favourite among the local community and tourists for its easy, uncomplicated route and stunning overview of southern Hong Kong. For a low-impact activity that finishes on a beautiful beach, we recommend checking out Dragon’s Back.
Starting point: Shau Kei Wan bus terminus. Length: 8km
2. Dog-friendly hike: Wan Chai Gap to Aberdeen
Bring your canine pals along for a moderately challenging trek over the weekend. The Wan Chai Gap Road takes you from the markets of Wan Chai into an urban jungle tucked away from the city. The steep trail into the hike might be intense at first so make sure you fuel up at a restaurant or cafe. Wan Chai Gap Road merges with Bowen Road fitness trail, which makes for a great trail for running. But if you’ve brought along your dog, continue until you reach Wan Chai Gap Park, which is pet-friendly, and has an abundance of open space.
Starting point: Wan Chai Gap Road. Length: 7.5km
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3. Historical hike: Lai Chi Wo Hakka village
Hong Kong has a rich history, some of which can be found on the trails scattered across the fragrant island. Before leaving for this hike, you should read up on Lai Chi Wo, a 300-year old Hakka village. The village is home to one of the last existing feng shui woodlands, the God of War temple and an amazing landscape of mangroves and vegetation. To learn more about Lai Chi Wo, take the Geopark tour which will immerse you in the history of Hong Kong’s trails.
Starting point: Lo Wai, Wu Kau Tang. Length: 1.2km
4. Advanced hikers: Suicide Cliff
If you have grown tired of Dragon’s Back or need a Hong Kong hike that is more difficult to satiate your adrenaline rush, head over to Kowloon for a hike that lives up to its name. Don’t worry, it’s only named for its risky path and the killer effect it’ll have on your muscles the next day. Suicide Cliff is one of the few cliffs which make up Kowloon Peak that overlooks the Kowloon peninsula, making it an adventurous trail and popular spot for urban photography.
Starting point: Bus 11 to Fei Ngo Shan Road. Length: 10km
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5. Gym junkies: The Twins
Skip stair climbers at the gym, if you are travelling to Hong Kong and want to combine some of the best Hong Kong hikes with working out, The Twins and Violet Hills is the perfect fitness hike. The Twins is also named 1,000 Steps, but the Parkview to Stanley trail actually exceeds this number – so prepare for an intense day of exercise.
Starting point: Parkview. Length: 4.8km
6. Overnight campers: Tai Long Wan
Gem of the Sai Kung peninsula, Tai Long Wan feels less more like the tropics of Thailand than Hong Kong. There are three beaches nearby and one of them, Ham Tin even doubles as a campsite perfect for backpackers and the survivalist ready to brave mosquitoes and the hot city weather. If you arrange for a boat beforehand on Sai Kung pier, you can skip the hike back.
Starting point: Sai Wan pavilion. Length: 12km
7. Adventurous explorers: Po Toi
If you have been in Hong Kong for a while, chances are that you have witnessed a fair number of the best hiking views that Hong Kong Island and Kowloon have to offer – so the lesser-known Po Toi Island should be on your list for something different. The island is basically one large trail with many picturesque viewpoints along the way to offer you something special. Asides from its beautiful coastal scenery, Po Toi is home to a renowned seafood restaurant, Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant with the best Chinese calamari.
Starting point: Po Toi public pier. Length: 5.5km
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8. Iconic hike: Victoria Peak
It’s a rite of passage, whether you are in Hong Kong for two days or two years: The Peak is one of the must-do activities. If you want to give your visit a healthy twist, hike up and avoid the queues for the tram. Likewise, if you want a different experience, try a night hike:
Victoria Peak is great as a night hike as you will avoid the stream of tourists and get great panoramic views of the skyline in the dark.
Starting point: Mid-Levels Escalator, Caine Road. Length: 4.5km
9. Short hike: Lion Rock
At only 1.8km, this is the shortest hike on our list – but don’t be fooled, it’s a steep climb and not necessarily the quickest. It’ll give you an entirely new perspective across Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with breathtaking views (and breathtaking steps, too).
Starting point: Lion Rock Country Park. Length: 1.8km
10. Sunset views: Sunset Peak
For the sunset picture that rivals everyone else’s, Sunset Peak is a tough but gratifying climb. We’ve given you loads of Hong Kong hikes with stellar skyscraper views but you will forget they exist on Sunset Peak. The view is unscathed by city living, making it an excellent spot for taking pictures when the sun goes down.
Starting point: Pak Kau Au. Length: 9km
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11. Early risers hike: Lantau Peak
If you cannot wait to get your hike in, Lantau Peak offers some of the greatest views of the sunrise. It’s the second highest peak in Hong Kong and at its foot, you will find several Buddhists and Confucian texts, all great for morning motivation.
Starting point: Pak Lau Au. Length: 5km
12. Ultimate hike: MacLehose Trail
For those with a vocation for conquering new heights, The MacLehose Trail is a 10-stage climb that runs through the New Territories. Named one of the best hikes in the world by the National Geographic Society, this hike takes you completely out of the urban area with its quiet countryside landscape. The trail takes five to six days to finish, but once you are done you can truly say you have seen it all.
Starting point: Kei Ling Ha. Length: 100km
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