Classic hikes in Hong Kong, from Dragon’s Back to Lantau Peak
- Hong Kong is a hiking paradise and there are a number of classic routes you have to do if living in Hong Kong
- The iconic Dragon’s Back or the towering Lantau Peak are epic days out for outdoor lovers
Hiking in Hong Kong is an endless paradise of new, exciting and obscure routes. But do not miss what’s right under your nose. There are classic routes that all Hongkongers should venture up at least once.
These hikes are tough, so pack plenty of water and food. Bring a fully charged phone, and be clear of your route before you start (there are lots of great hiking apps like AllTrails). If you are on your own, tell someone your plan before you start.
1. Dragons’ Back
Perhaps this is Hong Kong’s most famous route. It follows a beautiful ridge above Shek O and Big Wave Bay, with stunning coastal and sea views.
You can start the route by the public toilets on Shek O road, which is accessible by bus or taxi. Head up the stairs and follow the signs to Dragon’s Back.
When you are on the ridge, you will see beaches far below you and understand why this is such a classic route. The ridge line undulates over a few different peaks. After the Dragon’s Back, you turn left down some stairs, then right along a flat and shaded path.
After an open grassy area, turn right down the hill and you will end up in Big Wave Bay where there are options for food, drink and a refreshing dip in the sea if the beaches are open.
2. Lantau Peak
It is a tough hike but worthwhile for the views and sense of accomplishment.
Start from Pak Kung Au on Tung Chung Road, which is accessible by bus or taxi from Tung Chung or Mui Wo.
The hike immediately starts with a climb and the climbing basically never ends. Up and up you go. So, pack plenty of food and water.
The summit is a steep and exposed outcrop that affords you 360 degree views of Lantau Island and the Mainland. It is breathtaking.
You can return the way you came, or go down to Ngong Ping. Ngong Ping is closer, but the steps are huge, so they can be challenging (and a bit vertigo inducing) if your legs are already shaky.
3. Lion Rock
Start from Sha Tin Pass, which is accessible by cab from Wong Tai Sin MTR, or you can extend your hike and walk up from the MTR.
Follow the MacLehose Trail. Almost 2km in, there is a sharp left turn up steep stairs. Clamber up, and when you reach the top, you will see Hong Kong stretch out in front of you.
Walk across to the head of the lion and take in Hong Kong in all its glory. You can follow the path down near the head and rejoin the MacLehose Trail.
There are many options to exit the trail or continue on over Beacon Hill. You should study your desired route before you start, and have a fully charged phone, so you can chose if and when to end your hike and return to civilisation.
4. The Eight Immortals
The Eight Immortals are each an individual peak on the Pat Sin Leng ridge and should be on all hikers’ Hong Kong bucket lists.
“It is very reminiscent of the ridges you get in the Highlands of Scotland. It gives you a great sense of being outdoors but of course you are also so close to one of the most densely populated cities in the world,” he said.
Take the MTR to Fanling and then the 56B Minibus to Hok Tau Wai Pavilion to start the hike.
The hike starts with a tough steep climb, followed by a breathtaking ridge with a sheer drop to your right. Then, you hit the Eight Immortals, with leg burning undulation.
At the other end, down the steps you end up a short walk from Tai Mei Tuk with lots of lovely restaurants for you to celebrate a tough, hard hike.
