Hong Kong hiking trails

Short hikes (2–4 hours)

Dragon's Back The most famous Hong Kong urban hike. 8.5 km along the southern ridge of Hong Kong Island, ending at Big Wave Bay beach. Ridge views over the South China Sea; the final descent through forest then onto the beach. 2–3 hours.

Trailhead: Cape Collinson Road; bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR. Difficulty: moderate.

Lion Rock The Kowloon-side mountain that gives 'Lion Rock spirit' as a Hong Kong cultural concept. 2 hours up from Tsz Wan Shan, with sweeping views back over Kowloon and the harbour. The summit is a flat ridge; sit and enjoy.

Trailhead: Lion Rock Country Park, accessible from Wong Tai Sin or Lok Fu MTR + bus.

The Peak Trail A 1-hour loop around Victoria Peak after the Peak Tram up. Lugard Road circuit. Easy, level, fully accessible. Recommended at sunset.

Sai Kung East Country Park Tai Long Wan ('Big Wave Bay') is one of Hong Kong's nicest beaches, accessible only by trail or boat. 3-hour hike from Sai Kung village.

Day hikes (4–7 hours)

Sharp Peak (Nam She Tsim) The classic Sai Kung challenge. Steep scrambling sections; expansive views from the 468m summit. 6–7 hours. Not for the unfit.

Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan) Hong Kong's second-highest at 934m. Sunrise hike: start at midnight from Pak Kung Au, summit by dawn. 4–5 hours each way. Cold at altitude even in summer.

Sunset Peak After Lantau Peak, the second 800m+ on Lantau. 4–5 hours from Pak Kung Au. Old YHA huts at the summit.

Tai Mo Shan Hong Kong's highest at 957m. Easy gradient, fully paved road for vehicles, but still a long walk. 5 hours from the trailhead.

Multi-day trails

MacLehose Trail The classic long-distance trail. 100 km in 10 sections from Pak Tam Chung (eastern New Territories) to Tuen Mun (western New Territories). Passes through every major Hong Kong landscape — Sai Kung beaches, Pat Sin Leng ridges, the Kowloon range, Tai Mo Shan. The annual Trailwalker race covers all 10 sections in 24–48 hours.

A typical leisure hike: 2 sections per day, 5 days total. Camping is allowed at designated sites along the route.

Wilson Trail 78 km in 10 sections from Stanley Gap to Nam Chung in the northeast New Territories. Less famous than MacLehose but excellent.

Hong Kong Trail 50 km across Hong Kong Island. Covers the southern slopes from Victoria Peak to Big Wave Bay. 4–5 day option for a complete urban-edge ridge walk.

Lantau Trail 70 km circular trail on Lantau. Includes Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak. 4–5 days at a leisurely pace.

Practical notes

• Hong Kong heat and humidity is the main hazard. May–September daytime hiking can be punishing. Carry 2L of water minimum; start early.
• Typhoons: trails close during typhoon signal 8 or higher. Check before going.
• Trail markers are excellent on the named trails (MacLehose, Wilson, Lantau, HK Trail) — distance posts every 500m.
• Mobile coverage is good on most trails; emergency call 999.
• Snakes: yes, including some venomous species. Stick to marked trails; carry a noisy stick if alone in remote sections.
• Wild boars: increasingly bold in some areas. Don't feed; back away slowly if confronted.
• No water sources on most ridges; carry what you need.

What to bring

• Sturdy walking shoes (not just trainers for Sharp Peak or scrambling sections).
• Sun hat, sunscreen, bug spray.
• 2L water minimum, electrolytes for long hikes.
• Snacks; few trail-side shops.
• Light waterproof; afternoon thunderstorms are common.
• Octopus card for transport at both ends of the trail.

Apps

• Hong Kong Hiking (the official Country Parks app).
• Maps.me offline maps with the trails marked.
• AllTrails has good Hong Kong coverage.