Dragon’s Back Trail, Maclehose Trail, Monkey Trail Hike, The Peak Trail, Ping Shan Heritage Trail, Yung Shue Wan Hike, Lantau Peak Trail, Hike to Tung O Beach, Violet Hill & Twin Peak, Sunset Peak, Po Toi Trail, Devil’s Peak, Lion Rock, Cape D’Aguilar, High Junk Peak and many more.
With its backdrop dominated by towering green ranges, the scenic trails here make hiking in Hong Kong one of the most popular of tourist spots. From challenging uphill climbs to leisurely promenades by the coast, the hikes here vary in length and difficulty, making the city a popular haunt among novice and seasoned hikers alike.
As a hiker in Hong Kong, one must carefully choose their trail to fit their expertise. While those experts in the sport can go for more challenging hikes, such as the Suicide Cliff hike or the Twin Peaks trail, beginners can choose from some of the friendlier Hong Kong hiking trails such as the Victoria Peak Circle or the Yung Shue Wan trail.
The best hikes in Hong Kong are known for their unnatural beauty. Whether it be the Lung Ha Wan trail, with its bird’s eye view of the city, or the Cape D’Aguilar Walk with its many natural marvels, the views from the trails form half the allure.
1. Dragon’s Back Trail
Dragon’s Back Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in Hong Kong and it is easy to access from the city center coupled with the added advantage of being a highly scenic route. The trail is excellent for both beginners and experienced hikers.
For some real adrenaline rush indulge in a paragliding plunge from Shek O Peak. If hiking is your primary goal then continue to Big Wave Bay Beach and end the trek with a sumptuous seafood feast.
Location: Hong Kong, Shek O, Dragon’s Back
Hiking Duration: Approximately 2 hours with stops
Hiking Tips: Avoid weekends if possible or start before 9 am.
The weather can be unpredictable- carry a waterproof jacket and sunscreen.
How Long is the Trail: The loop of the trail is 5 km long
2. Maclehose Trail
Maclehose Trail offers some of the best trekking in Hong Kong. This hiking trail has some of the most spectacular geological sites which can catch the intrigue of avid photographers and adrenaline junkies. The Trail has 5 stages and most are not able to complete all these stages.
For those who do, there is the famous monument of Lion Rock with a full colony of monkeys waiting for them. The Maclehose Trail is also listed in National Geographic’s 20 Dream Trails chosen by Outdoor Luminaries.
Location: Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Hiking Duration: The entire trail-5 to 7 days. Stage 1&2 – 7 hours approximately
Hiking Tips: Trailhead at the end of Stage 3 has a huge camping ground with all basic facilities.
How Long is the Trail: Entire trail – 100 km
3. The Peak Trail
The Peak Trail is a walking set in the midst of the bustling city providing for one of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong. The summit of The Peak is ideal for watching the sunset behind the Hong Kong skyline. The Peak Trail is not only a fitting exercise of the body but of the mind as well.
There are signs and boards along the way that explains and tells about the different variety of plants growing in the area. This urban trail gives the perfect city views surrounded by verdant plants and heritage sites.
Location: The Peak, Hong Kong Island
Hiking Duration: 2 hours approximately
Hiking Tips: There are no replenishing stations on the trail so stock up before starting on the hike.
take before you start.How Long is the Trail: 3.5 km approximately
3. Ping Shan Heritage Trail
The result of a hiking trail combined with spectacular heritage sites is an exhilarating experience that is incomparable. This is exactly what the Ping Shan Heritage Trail presents to its visitors. First, of its kind, this Trail was opened in 1993 showcasing the culture and life of one of the most powerful of the ‘FIve Clans’, the Tangs.
There is a lot to take in, such as ancient walled villages, historical buildings, Hong Kong’s oldest Pagodas: The Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda and so much more.
Location: Ping Shan, Yuen Long District, Hong Kong
Hiking Duration: 2 hours approximately with several sightseeing stops
Hiking Tips: Carry enough drinking water
Carry sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof jacket
How Long is the Trail: 2 Kms approximately
4. Lantau Peak Trail
Lantau Peak Trail boasts to be the second-highest peak in Hong Kong offering the most spellbinding views. It is an excellent trail if you want to combine hiking along with sightseeing. The Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery are two major attractions on this trail.
The more challenging side is when you start your hike from Ngong Ping or from the Big Buddha. The ascend is a series of steep stairs after stairs.
Location: Lantau Peak, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Hiking Duration: Approximately 2 hours to Lantau Peak
Hiking Tips: The trail is arduous and you need to be careful while heading back down.
Bring water, sunscreen, and a waterproof jacket
How Long is the Trail: Approximately 4.5 km
5. Tai Mo Shan Trail
Indulge in an exciting adventurous hike along Tai Mo Shan Trail as you scale the highest peak in Hong Kong. The trail is mainly a ridge-top walk which offers some of the most spectacular views of Hong Kong, especially on a clear day.
The walk itself can give you the experience of being up in the clouds. If you want to enjoy a perfect sunset then head to Tai Mo Shan Lookout point for the most picture-perfect sight.
Location: Centre of the New Territories, Hong Kong
Hiking Duration: Approximately 5 hours with stops
Hiking Tips: Visiting on a cloudy or misty day can offer some of the best experiences.
and comfortable hiking shoes or trainers.How Long is the Trail: 11 km
Ananya Bansal