You’ll be surprised that Hong Kong is more than just shopping and eating!
Many years back, the Hong Kong Tourism Board came up with this catchy Mandarin jingle, which translates literally to “buy something, eat something”, that perfectly encapsulates what Hong Kong has to offer for its tourists – excellent food and cheap shopping. This jingle worked so well that all of us flocked to Hong Kong for its roast goose, dim sum, and outlet shopping.
Yet, Hong Kong is actually more than just eating and shopping. At the opposite end of this busy and chaotic city exists peaceful and scenic nature. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the cramped city life, step onto these 5 beautiful hiking trails to explore the lesser known, but so much more beautiful side of Hong Kong.
All trails end up at a gorgeous beach so pack your swimwear along with your hiking shoes, and remember to stay hydrated at all times!
1. Dragon’s Back
Dragon’s Back is the most popular hike among all the hiking trails in Hong Kong because of its absolutely gorgeous scenic view at the top. You will forget that you’re in a city when you are on this hike. The trail is 284 metres long with a steep flight of stairs at the beginning. Beautiful flora and fauna flanks the trail on your way up. The view is a spectacular unobstructed view towards the horizon.
The hike finishes at a tucked away Big Wave Bay where you can stop for a refreshing bottle of beer and scenic view of the sea whilst lazing on the sand and soaking in the sun. This will be a perfect afternoon well spent!
Difficulty of Hike: 2/5 Duration of Hike: 2 to 3 hours How to Get There: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan station. Then take Bus 9 from the interchange. Stop at To Tei Wan bus stop, or alight when everyone, who looks like they are going hiking, alights.
2. Tap Mun (Grass) Island
Tap Mun is an oasis of serenity amidst the bustling city. A small fishing village with wide grasslands that is only one hour away by ferry from the city, it offers a clear view of the sea and mountains over Sharp Peak. Here, you can have the experience of picnicking together with cows grazing near you, while soaking in the view of the crystal blue sea against the lush green lands. The hike ends at two rustic fisherman villages where you can immerse yourself in the locals’ way of life and taste some local delicacies along the way.
Difficulty of Hike: 2/5 Duration of Hike: 1 – 2 hours How to get there: Take the MTR to University Station. From Exit B, walk to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier to take a ferry to Tap Mun Pier; or take bus 94 from Sai Kung to Wong Shek Pier to take a ferry to Tap Mun Pier.
3. Mui Wo to Discovery Bay
For this trail, you can either start hiking from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo and back; or take a ferry to Mui Wo directly and hike back to Discovery Bay. The former takes about 4 hours, and the latter about 2 hours.
We suggest that you choose the latter and start out from Mui Wo to have a stroll along the beautiful Silver Mine beach first. After which, hike up to the summit on the steep and narrow concrete steps to enjoy a gorgeous birds’ eye view of the island. The other side of the mountain overlooks Nim Shue Wan and Peng Chau. The descent is then a hiking trail to Discovery Bay which is a walk through the old village, and even into someone’s outdoor kitchen!
Difficulty of Hike: 3/5 due to steep ascents here and there. Duration of Hike: 2 hours How to get there: Take a ferry from Central Pier to Mui Wo.
4. Twin Peaks
As daunting as it might sound, Twin Peaks is actually very manageable, and totally worth the hike. You will be rewarded with an astounding view of Stanley Beach and the other outlying islands at the top!
First, climb up to Violet Hill where you then descend down to Tsin Shui Wan Au – an unofficial rest stop for everyone before they make the ascend to the first Twin—up the 1000 steps. As mentioned, it is really not as daunting as it looks so persevere on! The second Twin is nearby and only a quarter as big as the first. On your way to the second Twin, you can stop by Stanley Beach which is only a 10-minute walk where you can enjoy the sun, sand and sea.
Remember to take as many rest stops as you need and don’t over exert yourself.
Difficulty of Hike: 3/5; take as many rest stops as you need. Duration of Hike: 2 to 3 hours How to get there: Take Bus 6, 63, or 66 from Exchange Square Terminus, Central to Wong Nai Chung Gap. Then walk up to Parkview, one of the trailheads. Take a left onto the main street and stay on that side of the road. Walk past Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park and a trail marker for Hong Kong Trail on the opposite side of the street. Continue walking about 50 meters past those signs on your side of the road, and you will see a trail map saying it leads to Violet Hill at the bottom of some stairs leading into the woods adjacent to Parkview. Follow them up.
5. Tai Long Wan
This hiking trail stretches across 12km, and you get to visit 4 of the most pristine beaches in Hong Kong – Ham Tim, Sai Wan, Tai Long Wan, and Tung Wan. The 4 beaches are connected to each other and you can choose to hike to all 4 (12km) or stop at Ham Tim (5km).
The first 2 are more famous amongst tourists and they have restaurants serving fresh seafood around the island. The latter 2 have lesser “touristy” facilities and are better for surfing and camping.
Difficulty of Hike: 3/5; long walk but you can choose to exit at Ham Tim where you can get a boat back to Sai Kung Pier. Duration of Hike: 5 to 6 hours (the complete trail) or 1.5hour (to Ham Tim) How to get there: Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station. From Exit C2, take bus 92 o Sai Kung Bus Terminal. From Sai Kung town, take the 29R Minibus from outside the McDonald’s to the Sai Wan Pavilion. You will see signs from there to Sai Wan.
Have a great time exploring the natural beauty of Hong Kong! Leave a comment and let us know if there are any other scenic hiking trails that are worthy of exploring.