This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, if you happen to make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
In the event you’re planning a visit to Hong Kong, you’re in all probability pondering of dim sum, skyscrapers, and flashing neon lights. Certain, you may see all that, however do you know that 75% of Hong Kong is open countryside, that means you may get pleasure from an abundance of nature.
Climbing in Hong Kong is likely one of the most unforgettable actions, and is likely one of the hottest past-times for the native folks right here. You’ll be able to hike to see gorgeous Victoria Peak views, to pristine seashores, round distant islands, up rocky mountain-sides to misty mountain peaks – the varied number of nature settings means that you may all the time 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 – yow will discover quick, family-friendly hikes, or lengthy multi-day hikes.
However if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of town, and also you’re undecided which hikes in Hong Kong are best for you, then right here we’ve listed our favorites!
The Finest Hikes in Hong Kong
The next hikes are organised from simple to most difficult.
Dragons’ Again, Hong Kong Island
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Elevation: 170 meters
- Time to finish: 1 hour half-hour
- Issue: simple
- Path head location: get a taxi or minibus to this location.
For hikers in search of one thing simple and family-friendly, then the Dragon’s Again Path is the one most locals will advocate to you.
Time journal as soon as named the Dragon’s Again climbing path as Asia’s finest city hike.
It’s simple to see why!
The path has scenic views of the southern facet of Hong Kong Island all through, and has a simple terrain.
The primary part of the hike is usually uphill, and from the highest it has a delicate up and down elevation. It will get its title as a result of the path resembles the rocky again of a dragon.
You’ll be able to end your hike from both Shek O seashore of Huge Wave Bay, the place you may 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
- Issue: simple
- Path head location: from this path close to The Peak
In the event you’re in Hong Kong for a brief layover, or haven’t obtained a number of time for a hike, then the Victoria Peak loop is the perfect one to do.
Not solely do you get wonderful views throughout Victoria Harbour and of the Kowloon peninsula, however you too can 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 simple hike with little elevation and a paved floor, and we’ve even seen folks pushing strollers alongside it.
10,000 Buddha Monastery (Man Fats 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
- Issue: simple
- Path head location: discover the trail from right here behind the Immigration Division constructing in Sha Tin.
The ten,000 Buddha Monastery is a pleasant discovery nested within the Po Fook Hill mountains in Sha Tin.
It’s composed of 1 important temple corridor, a nine-story pagoda and a number of other shrines, halls and pavilions unfold over two important 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 timber offered welcome shade and reduction from the warmth.
We additionally held our luggage shut as Macaque monkeys stealthily adopted us alongside the leafy switchbacks of the hill, and they’re recognized to be artful and take issues out of your bag pockets!
On the high, there’s a lavishly embellished temple. Inside are 1000’s of miniature Buddha states overlaying the partitions.
Exterior within the grounds, there are two terraced ranges with colourful pavilions, shrines, temples and rock gardens.
Most hanging 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 wonderful area and extra quieter and extra peaceable than different temples in Hong Kong or the Huge Buddha on Lantau Island.
It was a kind of journey experiences that I’ll all the time bear in mind as one thing so sudden and surprisingly good.
It’s a simple hike and not too removed from town – only a 40-minute practice trip from Central after which a ten min stroll from the station.
Mini Nice Wall Hike, Cheung Chau
- Distance: 7.49 km (4.6 miles)
- Elevation: 160 metres
- Time to finish: 2.5 hours
- Issue: simple
- Path head location: the beginning of the Mini Nice Wall part begins from right here, however we advocate ranging from Tung Wan Seaside
We wished so as to add a bit extra leisure 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 whole island, there may be a lot to do for the day.
Getting round is by foot or bicycles as motorized automobiles should not allowed!
We walked straight over to the other facet of the island to Tun Wan Seaside earlier than setting out on a path alongside the Southern facet of the island.
The path, often known as the Mini Nice 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 unbelievable to have come from rubbing shoulders with 1000’s in Hong Kong to all this area 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 Nice Wall with views of the wild southeast coast. Persevering with 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 probably the most.
It was quiet and fairly and an sudden 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 Path Part 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 language Pink Dolphins, which dwell within the waters surrounding the realm.
On this Hong Kong hike you too can 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 known as the Lantau Path part 7. The Lantau Path is a big, 70 kilometres hike that wraps round the entire island. Because it’s not potential to do that a lot 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
- Issue: reasonable
- Path 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 properly preserved.
The village can also be extremely distant, and solely accessible by a 5 km path that’s solely giant sufficient to hike – you may’t even drive there!
The path passes by way of a densely forested space, earlier than reaching the spectacular reddish shoreline to the biggest mattress of Coastal Heritiera (Heritiera littoralis) in Hong Kong.
Look out for the White-flower Derris, which types a ‘pure swing’ alongside the mangroves.
Sharp Island, Sai Kung
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Elevation: 219 meters
- Time to finish: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Issue: reasonable
- Path 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 stuffed with tiny, distant islands and rocky formations, which you’ll see not removed from Sai Kung City.
Take a brief ferry over to Sharp Island, the place you may hike over this distant, uninhabited island and admire the attention-grabbing geological formations.
Don’t skip the seashore at first and search for aged rocks specimens, minerals, fossils and proof of tidal influences.
Stroll 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
- Issue: reasonable
- Path head location: from the pier on Tung Lung Chau, head in a westerly path
Most individuals suppose probably the most distant and exquisite 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 just accessible by a small, native boat, referred to as a kaito ferry, leaving from Sam Ka Tsuen in Kowloon, and one other from Sai Wan Ho on Hong Kong Island.
Each routes function solely at weekends and on public holidays.
This hilly island is understood for its open, bush wacking path with unbelievable coastal views from all sides.
Head to the army/broadcast station to see probably the most windswept and thrilling views. There’s additionally a singular rock carving on the east facet of the island, not removed from the ferry pier, value trying out.
Ap Lei Chau
- Distance: 3.7 km
- Elevation: 315 metres
- Time to finish: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Issue: reasonable
- Path head location: the trailhead is positioned right here behind the Lei Tung Property
The Ap Lei Chau hike will not be a very lengthy, nor excessive, hike, and so many individuals suppose it’s simple.
It’s to not be underestimated. This hike takes you up the Ap Lei Chau mountain peak, often known 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 could be treacherous if you happen to’re not cautious.
Happily there’s a rope to carry on to if you happen to’re not assured in your toes. We’ve additionally seen some folks sliding down on their bum!
It’s value it although, because the distant, windswept Ap Lei Pai is attractive, and if you happen to make it to the decrease west facet of the island, you’ll discover a pure swimming gap to chill off in.
It is a level to level path, so that you must return the best way you got here.
The MacLehose Path (Part 2)
The MacLehose Path is a demanding 100-kilometre route throughout the New Territories, ranging from Sai Kung within the East and increasing throughout the whole nation, and ending on Lantau Island within the West.
It was chosen as one of many world’s 20 “dream trails” by Nationwide Geographic, and it’s simple to see why.
It encompasses the perfect of Hong Kong, and actually reveals how a lot and the way numerous the nation’s nature actually is.
Whereas most individuals don’t have time to hike the whole 100km, those that need to hike a brief part of it may well achieve this because it’s conveniently break up up into 16 sections.
Probably the most lovely sections, which most individuals will agree, is part 2, which passes alongside the shoreline in Sai Kung. Part 1 is principally up a street and boring, so we advocate skipping it and getting a taxi to part 2 on the UESCO World Geopark.
This part hugs the coast the whole approach earlier than slicing into the forest and passes by way of the distant village of Sai Wan, earlier than traversing onto the pristine seashores of Lengthy Ke Wan and Ham Tin.
The official path cuts into the mountains right here, however if you happen to wished extra seashores, you could possibly stroll on from Ham Tin to Tai Wan Seaside, a few 15-20 minute stroll from right here, whic his our favourite seashore in Hong Kong.
It’s so wild and distant, and untouched, you’ll neglect that Hong Kong even has skyscrapers. You’ll be able to add extra problem to your hike by 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
- Issue: reasonably difficult
- Path head location: the trailhead is on the finish of the street behind the Tsz Wan Kok Temple
Anybody who has already been climbing in Hong Kong was in all probability questioning once they began studying this information when Lion’s Rock Nation Park would come up.
It’s arguably probably the most well-known hike in Hong Kong, recognized for its views over Kowloon, Victoria Harbour, and Victoria Peak within the distance, in addition to the limestone rock formation which from the bottom degree wanting up, resembles a lion’s head.
The Lion Rock hike isn’t the prettiest hike to start with. A lot of the path follows a street which winds up the steep mountain facet for many of the approach, earlier than the path cuts into the dense, untamed brush.
You may make this hike simpler by taking a taxi up this street, however the place’s the enjoyable in that?
While you get off the street the path turns into free underfoot, steep, and has some rocky sections. There are areas that require scrambling, and if you happen to’re not cautious, you could possibly take a flawed flip and find yourself on the fringe of a steep cliff.
The views from the highest are definitely worth the effort although. It’s significantly good at sundown, simply carry a torch that can assist you in your approach 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 if you happen to’re swimming within the waterfalls, enable not less than 6 hours)
- Issue: reasonably difficult
- Path 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 Huge Misty Mountain – the explanation for that turns into clear once you attain the highest, as I’ve hardly ever 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 primary path principally follows a street, so we advocate taking the Ng Tung Chai path which passes three lovely waterfalls that you just swim in on the best way up.
Though you might be unlikely to get unbelievable views from the highest, with the ability to say you reached the very best level in Hong Kong is nothing to be modest about.
That is one path the place the journey is best than the vacation spot.
Twin Peaks / Wilson Path Part 1
- Distance:
- Elevation:
- Time to finish:
- Issue: reasonably difficult
- Path head location: begin from this street and head south (backwards on the Wilson Path)
Whereas the MacLehose path goes from East to West, the Wilson Path 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 primary part is on Hong Kong island, and is typically known as Twin Peaks. It is because 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. That is so that there’s much less of an upward climb to do (thank me later).
You may also prolong this hike to incorporate Violet Hill.
Though this hike isn’t probably 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 Canine’s Tooth Hike
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Elevation: 930 meters
- Time to finish: 3-4 hours
- Issue: difficult
- Path head location: begin from right here, and comply with the Shek Pik Nation Path till you see an indication for West Canines Tooth in your proper. It can appear to be a steep boulder…sure, that’s the best way up!
That is probably the most difficult hike I’ve accomplished in Hong Kong, and there have been moments the place I genuinely was scared to proceed.
Different folks will disagree although, and say it’s not that unhealthy. Nevertheless, that is my opinion, and I don’t suppose it’s best to sort out this one until you’re an skilled hiker.
The path requires a number of scrambling over rocks and boulders, and it’s steep many of the approach. It will get its title from the path resembling sharp, pointy canines tooth…you get the thought then!
It is a very rugged, unmaintained path as much as Lantau Peak, and also can incorporate Sundown Peak too if you wish to prolong it.
The views are unbelievable, positively a number of the finest I’ve ever seen. And if you happen to do make it to the height at Sundown – you’ll perceive why there’s a mountain referred to as Sundown Peak once you see it.
Remaining Ideas
So there you’ve gotten it, these are a number of the finest hikes in Hong Kong. As you may 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 function the entire hikes in Hong Kong, there are over 520 of them, however we really feel these hikes are the perfect in Hong Kong’s 1,108 sq. kilometers of countryside.
Climbing is one thing I had by no means thought of about Hong Kong till our expat good friend instructed us that was the place the sweetness lay.
Hong Kong isn’t just town, however a area comprised of over 200 offshore islands and greater than 330 hills!! That opens up an entire world of climbing experiences for you.
We don’t need you visiting Hong Kong pondering 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 fitting alternative? Tell us what you suppose within the feedback.
Hong Kong Climbing Excursions
In the event you’re not snug climbing by yourself, you would possibly like to affix one of many following climbing excursions. To be taught extra about these hikes and how one can be a part of one, please you’ll want to go to this site detailing the unbelievable adventures accessible by way of June.
Extra Hong Kong and China Journey Suggestions
Planning on visiting Hong Kong or China? Listed below are another guides that could be helpful…
Pin To Share On Pinterest
Do you know there was a lot nature in Hong Kong? Which of those Hong Kong hikes would you love to do? Tell us within the feedback.
