Hong Kong’s hiking trails are a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. We’ve put together the most scenic routes for you to get away from the grind.
Hong Kong is home to many of the world’s most beautiful and well-known hiking trails. Many of these hikes provide glorious views of the city’s most impressive skyscrapers and lush greenery, and the large variety of trails means that there’s a hike to suit all styles and builds.
To help you choose which hike to spend your precious weekends on a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best hiking trails in Hong Kong which differ in location, distance, and difficulty. Happy hiking!
1. Victoria Peak Circle Walk – The Peak
Our list begins with a true classic: The Victoria Peak Circle Walk. The walk is one of the most iconic hikes in Hong Kong and boasts stunning views over Central, with various Instagram-worthy hotspots located across several points of the hike. The walk is also one of the simplest on our list in terms of difficulty and should be relatively easy for people of all ages and capabilities to complete, thanks to its minimal incline and paved paths. To get there, simply ride the Peak Tram from Garden Road in Central all the way up. Painless, scenic, and super accessible, the Victoria Peak Circle Walk is an essential stop if you’re visiting Hong Kong for the first time or looking to go on your first hike.
Best For: Weekend family hike
Approximate Distance: 4 km
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: 1 out of 5 stars
2. Dragon’s Back – Shek O
In 2019, CNN ranked Dragon’s Back as one of the 23 best hiking trails in the world. Dragon’s Back, in addition to its wickedly cool name, has established a reputation as one of Hong Kong’s most scenic hikes thanks to its pretty spectacular view of southern Hong Kong. While it’s certainly a lot more difficult when compared to the Peak Walk, it’s also extremely rewarding as hikers can enjoy a dip or surf in Big Wave Bay after completing the (approximately) 4 hour long hike. The trail begins on Shek O Road, with hikers then having to scale Shek O Peak, which involves a moderately more challenging path made mostly of dirt and stone. We’d recommend that you start at To Tei Wan Village, and to get there, you should either take a taxi from the Chai Wan MTR Station to the village or catch Bus #9 to Shek O from Shau Kei Wan MTR Station and get off at the village.
Best For: A longer hike and a chance to enjoy a swim afterwards
Approximate Distance: 8.5 km
Estimated Completion Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: 3 out of 5 stars
3. Twin Peaks – Stanley
This trail was granted the moniker of “Terrible Twins” due to the aggressiveness of its incline, and is undoubtedly one of the toughest hikes in Hong Kong in terms of difficulty. You can enter the trail either through Stanley or Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park, but either way, you’ll have to endure the multitude of concrete steps to finish the hike. However, the Twin Peaks hike also offers incredible views of Stanley and the surrounding greenery throughout most of the journey, making it a highly worthwhile trip. Keep in mind that the trail is packed on weekends, and we’d also recommend that you start in Wong Nai Chung in the afternoon and finish your hike in Stanley around sunset to catch a truly magnificent view of the peninsula below.
Best For: A physical challenge
Approximate Distance: 5 km
Estimated Completion Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Jardine’s Lookout – Tai Tam
If you’re a little short on time, then this hike is perfect for you. Jardine’s Lookout is one of the shortest hikes on this list, but it provides a fantastic vantage point over Central and Victoria Harbour, and is easy for everyone in the family to complete. The trail begins at Parkview in Tai Tam; look for the large sign that says “Wilson Trail”. This hike is also less well-known compared to some of Hong Kong’s other longer, more difficult hikes, so you won’t find yourself competing for a spot to take your next Instagram shot. The trail is relatively straightforward with a very low incline, and the well-paved path ensures that even young children will find the trail enjoyable. Along the way, be sure to stop by the Osborn Memorial to pay your respects to John Robert Osborn, a Canadian soldier who sacrificed his life during WW2 while bravely single-handedly fighting off a Japanese offensive in the area.
Best For: Short hike with Instagram-worthy views
Approximate Distance: 3.5 km
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: 1.5 out of 5 stars
5. Kowloon Peak – New Kowloon
The Kowloon Peak option may not be the best hike for beginners due to its steep incline and lack of barriers, but experienced hikers will enjoy this longer trail which also contains one of the most recognisable hiking photography spots in Hong Kong. Coming in at just under 7km, the hike provides a great backdrop of Kowloon for all your Instagram needs, and we’d recommend you time your journey to finish at sunset to capture the soft violet glow over the city, which makes for an incredible photo. The trail also contains a viewpoint known as “Suicide Cliff”, named for the deadly drop down below it. It’s another great spot on the trail to take photos, but exercise caution when trying to navigate the rocky area. Follow this guide for more information on where to start the trail, as there are two possible paths you can take. The first, longer path takes you over Fei Ngo Shan and provides 360-degree views of the city, and the second, shorter path brings you straight to Suicide Cliff.
Best For: Advanced hikers looking for a day-long experience
Approximate Distance: 7 km
Estimated Completion Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: 4.5 out of 5 stars
6. Devil’s Peak – Lei Yue Mun
Devil’s Peak takes its name from pirates who once occupied the hill during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), but despite its fearsome title, it is actually a relatively easy hike. The trail differs from those previously mentioned on the list as it takes you through the Permanent Chinese Cemetery of Junk Bay, as well as a bunch of fortification ruins. As a result of its proximity to a cemetery, the vibe can be slightly eerie, but once you reach the peak, a great view of Kowloon to your right and Central to your left more than makes up for it. Once again, the hike itself is pretty straightforward, with a total distance of just around 3km, and half the trail is paved while the other half is quite well-defined, making it a nice hike to undertake on a relaxing afternoon. Be sure to check out the ruins of Gough Battery, an old military structure which is now overflowing with vines and trees, producing a real-life Tomb Raider vibe.
Best For: A chance to visit historical monuments
Approximate Distance: 3 km
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: 1 out of 5 stars
7. West Dog’s Teeth Hike – Lantau Island
The West Dog’s Teeth Hike has garnered a reputation as Hong Kong’s most difficult hike due to the high level of incline and bouldering required to reach the end of the ridge. We’d highly recommend only experienced hikers giving this trail a go, as you will be constantly rock-hopping and dealing with uneven terrain throughout the journey. However, the difficult trek is well worth it, as the hike provides for some absolutely insane views of Lantau Peak along the way. To get to the start of the hike, there are two options: Take the MTR to Tung Chung and then get either the 11 or 23 bus, or catch the ferry to Mui Wo and then board the 1 or 2 bus. Either way, you have to get off at Shek Pik Police Station, a small bus stop next to the reservoir, and walk back towards the way the bus came from for around 100m to reach the beginning of the trail. You will need to rest plenty of times along the way, so be sure to dress appropriately and carry plenty of water with you.
Best For: Those who want to conquer “The Toughest Hike in Hong Kong”
Approximate Distance: 9 km
Estimated Completion Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: 5 out of 5 stars
8. Tai Mo Shan – New Territories
Scaling Tai Mo Shan is almost a must for any hiking enthusiast in Hong Kong, as it leads you to the highest peak our city has to offer, with an elevation of 957 metres. The trail sees hikers spending a lot more time in the jungle compared to other trails in Hong Kong, and adventurers will also have the chance to stop at several beautiful waterfalls along the way for a refreshing break. Our personal favorite waterfall is “Bottom Falls”, the first waterfall hikers come across and located in a small slot canyon. Because most people prefer going to “Main Falls” further ahead due to its larger size, Bottom Falls is a better choice for those who want to relax in secluded waters away from the crowds. This trail should be considered as a medium difficulty hike, as although a large part of the trip contains rather steep incline and pathing less well-paved than other hikes Hong Kongers might be used, it is generally quite consistent and will not require any advanced knowledge of bouldering or other hiking maneuvers. To get to the start of the trail, exit from Tsuen Wan MTR Station’s Exit A, walk to the bus stop on Tai Ho Road North, then take bus 51 to the Country Park stop. You should then be able to see the entrance of the country park on Tai Mo Shan Road.
Best For: Standing atop the tallest peak in Hong Kong
Approximate Distance: 10 km
Estimated Completion Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: 3.5 out of 5 stars
9. Ma On Shan – Sai Kung
Ma On Shan (which translates to Horse Saddle Mountain) is a very well-rounded hike for someone looking to challenge themselves physically and capture their progress with a nicely framed Instagram photo. Hikers will have to summit hundreds of stairs and traverse rocky paths to reach the peak of Ma On Shan which sits at 702m above sea level, and provides stunning views of our metropolis down below. The hike can be classified as a medium difficulty hike; it’s very steep at certain spots but for the most part is quite manageable for a person of average fitness. To reach the starting point of the Ma On Shan hike, take the MTR to the Ma On Shan Station, catch bus NR84 from On Luk Street which should bring you to Ma On Shan Campsite, then locate the Ma On Shan Family Walk archway to begin your trek. This trail is also one of the longer hikes on this list, so come prepared with plenty of fluids and take breaks as necessary.
Best For: Decently tough hike with Instagram-worthy vantage points
Approximate Distance: 7.5 km
Estimated Completion Time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: 3.5 out of 5 stars
10. Lion Rock – Between Kowloon Tong and Tai Wai
Many of the hikes on this list boast dazzling views of our city, but perhaps none more so than Lion Rock. One of the most iconic peaks in Hong Kong, Lion Rock takes its name from its resemblance to a crouching lion. This hike can be considered one of the more difficult expeditions that Hong Kong has to offer, and is not recommended for beginning hikers due to its very steep incline and mostly dirt path. Safety needs to be a priority when undertaking this hike, as several novice hikers have died attempting to take photos on the dangerous cliffs that dot the trail. However, as long as you stay within safe boundaries, Lion Rock will provide you with a challenging journey, and reward you with what many consider to be the most breathtaking view of the iconic Hong Kong skyline. The lion-head shaped rock on the summit provides adventurers with a marvellous viewpoint over Kowloon all the way to Central, and is one of the best trails on this list to finish when the sun is beginning to set.
Best For: Decently tough hike with Instagram-worthy vantage points
Approximate Distance: 7.5 km
Estimated Completion Time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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