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For those who’re planning a visit to Hong Kong, you’re in all probability pondering of dim sum, skyscrapers, and flashing neon lights. Positive, you may see all that, however do you know that 75% of Hong Kong is open countryside, which means you may get pleasure from an abundance of nature.
Climbing in Hong Kong is among the most unforgettable actions, and is among the hottest past-times for the native individuals right here. You possibly can hike to see beautiful Victoria Peak views, to pristine seashores, round distant islands, up rocky mountain-sides to misty mountain peaks – the varied number of nature settings means which you could at all times expertise one thing totally different and distinctive on each hike.
Hong Kong’s hikes are additionally vastly totally different when it comes to issue and size – yow will discover brief, family-friendly hikes, or lengthy multi-day hikes.
However if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the 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
- Problem: 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 greatest city hike.
It’s simple to see why!
The path has scenic views of the southern aspect of Hong Kong Island all through, and has a simple terrain.
The primary part of the hike is generally 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 possibly can end your hike from both Shek O seashore of Massive 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
- Problem: simple
- Path head location: from this path close to The Peak
For those who’re in Hong Kong for a brief layover, or haven’t obtained loads of time for a hike, then the Victoria Peak loop is the perfect one to do.
Not solely do you get superb views throughout Victoria Harbour and of the Kowloon peninsula, however you may as well admire views of the South China Sea to the south of the island.
The round path wraps across the base of Victoria Peak, the best peak on Hong Kong Island, and affords coastal views all through.
It’s a simple hike with little elevation and a paved floor, and we’ve even seen individuals 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
- Problem: 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 essential temple corridor, a nine-story pagoda and a number of other shrines, halls and pavilions unfold over two essential ranges on the aspect of the mountain.
The expertise begins with a steep climb up 420 steps lined with golden Buddhas in a wide range of poses with a wide range of expressions.
As we walked up, we took our time, pausing to catch our breath and admire the small print on the statues. We had by no means seen so many Buddhas earlier than. The overhanging timber offered welcome shade and aid 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 adorned temple. Inside are 1000’s of miniature Buddha states protecting 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 difficult 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 good looking area and extra quieter and extra peaceable than different temples in Hong Kong or the Massive Buddha on Lantau Island.
It was a type of journey experiences that I’ll at all times keep in mind as one thing so sudden and surprisingly good.
It’s a simple hike and not too removed from the town – only a 40-minute prepare experience 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
- Problem: simple
- Path head location: the beginning of the Mini Nice Wall part begins from right here, however we advocate ranging from Tung Wan Seashore
We needed so as to add a bit extra rest to our couple’s getaway, so we jumped on a ferry to Cheung Chau, an outlying island solely 40 minutes boat experience from Central in Hong Kong.
It’s solely a small island, however with seashores, temples, and a loop hike across the complete island, there’s a lot to do for the day.
Getting round is by foot or bicycles as motorized autos will not be allowed!
We walked straight over to the alternative aspect of the island to Tun Wan Seashore earlier than setting out on a path alongside the Southern aspect of the island.
The path, generally known as the Mini Nice Wall, snakes the hilly aspect of the coast, and takes you around the southern tip and again to the village.
There are lookout pavilions and beautiful views of the ocean and outer islands.
We barely noticed one other particular person on the path. It was unimaginable 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 lovely seashores and rocky headlands.
I wanted we saved going, however we needed 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 essentially 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 discipline relics and Chinese language Pink Dolphins, which reside within the waters surrounding the realm.
On this Hong Kong hike you may as well 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 aspect 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 attainable 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
- Problem: average
- 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 massive 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
- Problem: average
- 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 filled with tiny, distant islands and rocky formations, which you’ll be able to 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 initially 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
- Problem: average
- Path head location: from the pier on Tung Lung Chau, head in a westerly course
Most individuals suppose essentially the most distant and exquisite a part of Hong Kong is the Sai Kung shoreline, however these individuals 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, known 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 unimaginable coastal views from all sides.
Head to the navy/broadcast station to see essentially the most windswept and thrilling views. There may be additionally a novel rock carving on the east aspect of the island, not removed from the ferry pier, price testing.
Ap Lei Chau
- Distance: 3.7 km
- Elevation: 315 metres
- Time to finish: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Problem: average
- Path head location: the trailhead is positioned right here behind the Lei Tung Property
The Ap Lei Chau hike shouldn’t 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, generally known as Mount Johnson, earlier than descending the opposite aspect 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 will be treacherous in case you’re not cautious.
Fortuitously there’s a rope to carry on to in case you’re not assured in your ft. We’ve additionally seen some individuals sliding down on their bum!
It’s price it although, because the distant, windswept Ap Lei Pai is attractive, and in case you make it to the decrease west aspect of the island, you’ll discover a pure swimming gap to chill off in.
This can be a level to level path, so 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 lengthening throughout all the 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 various the nation’s nature actually is.
Whereas most individuals don’t have time to hike all the 100km, those that need to hike a brief part of it could accomplish that because it’s conveniently break up up into 16 sections.
Probably the most stunning sections, which most individuals will agree, is part 2, which passes alongside the shoreline in Sai Kung. Part 1 is mainly up a highway and boring, so we advocate skipping it and getting a taxi to part 2 on the UESCO International Geopark.
This part hugs the coast all the method 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 in case you needed extra seashores, you may stroll on from Ham Tin to Tai Wan Seashore, a couple of 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 possibly can add extra problem to your hike by climbing up the close by Sharp Peak, or save that one for one more day.
Lion’s Rock
- Distance: 7.2 km
- Elevation: 552 metres
- Time to finish: 3 hours
- Problem: reasonably difficult
- Path head location: the trailhead is on the finish of the highway 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 essentially 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 stage trying up, resembles a lion’s head.
The Lion Rock hike isn’t the prettiest hike to start with. Many of the path follows a highway which winds up the steep mountain aspect for a lot of the method, earlier than the path cuts into the dense, untamed brush.
You can also make this hike simpler by taking a taxi up this highway, however the place’s the enjoyable in that?
Whenever you get off the highway the path turns into free underfoot, steep, and has some rocky sections. There are areas that require scrambling, and in case you’re not cautious, you may take a fallacious flip and find yourself on the fringe of a steep cliff.
The views from the highest are well worth the effort although. It’s notably good at sundown, simply deliver a torch that will help you in your method down and persist with the trail.
Ng Tung Chai to Tai Mo Shan
- Distance: 9.5 km
- Elevation: 849 metres
- Time to finish: 4 hours (although in case you’re swimming within the waterfalls, enable not less than 6 hours)
- Problem: 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 Massive Misty Mountain – the rationale for that turns into clear while 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 mainly follows a highway, so we advocate taking the Ng Tung Chai path which passes three stunning waterfalls that you simply swim in on the best way up.
Though you’re unlikely to get unimaginable views from the highest, having the ability to say you reached the best level in Hong Kong is nothing to be modest about.
That is one path the place the journey is healthier than the vacation spot.
Twin Peaks / Wilson Path Part 1
- Distance:
- Elevation:
- Time to finish:
- Problem: reasonably difficult
- Path head location: begin from this highway 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 usually known as Twin Peaks. It’s because the path requires you to hike up two excessive peaks, earlier than descending the opposite aspect.
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 can even lengthen this hike to incorporate Violet Hill.
Though this hike isn’t essentially 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 following day!
West Canine’s Tooth Hike
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Elevation: 930 meters
- Time to finish: 3-4 hours
- Problem: difficult
- Path head location: begin from right here, and observe the Shek Pik Nation Path till you see an indication for West Canine Tooth in your proper. It’ll seem like a steep boulder…sure, that’s the best way up!
That is essentially the most difficult hike I’ve performed in Hong Kong, and there have been moments the place I genuinely was scared to proceed.
Different individuals will disagree although, and say it’s not that dangerous. Nonetheless, that is my opinion, and I don’t suppose you must deal with this one except you’re an skilled hiker.
The path requires loads of scrambling over rocks and boulders, and it’s steep a lot of the method. It will get its title from the path resembling sharp, pointy canines tooth…you get the thought then!
This can be a very rugged, unmaintained path as much as Lantau Peak, and can even incorporate Sundown Peak too if you wish to lengthen it.
The views are unimaginable, undoubtedly among the greatest I’ve ever seen. And in case you do make it to the height at Sundown – you’ll perceive why there’s a mountain known as Sundown Peak while you see it.
Ultimate Ideas
So there you will have it, these are among the greatest hikes in Hong Kong. As you may see, there are stunning seashores, marshes, wetlands teeming with life, and loads of outside adventures available in Hong Kong’s nature spots.
We couldn’t function all the 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-about about Hong Kong till our expat pal advised us that was the place the sweetness lay.
Hong Kong isn’t just the 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 stuffed 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 suitable alternative? Tell us what you suppose within the feedback.
Hong Kong Climbing Excursions
For those who’re not snug climbing by yourself, you may like to hitch one of many following climbing excursions. To study extra about these hikes and how one can be a part of one, please you should definitely go to this website online detailing the unimaginable adventures obtainable by way of June.
Extra Hong Kong and China Journey Suggestions
Planning on visiting Hong Kong or China? Listed here are another guides which may be helpful…
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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.