Hong Kong: A Hiker's Secret Paradise
Most people picture Hong Kong as a dense jungle of skyscrapers. What surprises first-time visitors is that over 70% of Hong Kong's land area is countryside — and much of it is protected as country parks. World-class hiking trails wind through this green hinterland, offering dramatic sea views, ancient villages, and remarkable biodiversity just a short MTR ride from the city centre.
Trails for Beginners
Dragon's Back Trail (石龍尾)
Consistently ranked among Asia's best urban hikes, Dragon's Back follows a ridgeline on Hong Kong Island with panoramic views of the South China Sea. The 8.5km loop is well-marked and manageable for most fitness levels. End the hike at Shek O Beach for a well-earned swim.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Access: Bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR
Shing Mun Reservoir Country Park
This popular trail in the New Territories circles a serene reservoir through lush secondary forest. It's flat, well-shaded, and dotted with WWII-era tunnels and pillboxes — a fascinating historical layer to explore.
Intermediate Trails
MacLehose Trail — Stage 2 (West)
The MacLehose Trail stretches 100km across the New Territories, but Stage 2 between Sai Kung and Pak Tam Chung is a highlight on its own. Expect coastal views, clear-water reservoirs, and the striking High Island Reservoir's hexagonal volcanic rock columns.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Access: Minibus 1 from Sai Kung town
Lantau Trail — Sunset Peak Section
Sunset Peak (大東山) at 869m is Lantau Island's second-highest point. On clear days, the summit offers views stretching to Macau. The trail is famous for an otherworldly sea of clouds that rolls in on winter mornings.
Challenging Trails
Lion Rock (獅子山)
Lion Rock is more than a mountain — it's a symbol of Hong Kong's resilience and spirit. The 495m summit requires a steep ascent but rewards with a sweeping view of Kowloon and the harbour. It's beloved by locals as a pilgrimage of sorts.
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Duration: 3–4 hours return
- Note: Some sections require hands-and-feet scrambling
Essential Hiking Tips for Hong Kong
- Start early: Beat the heat and crowds — many trails get very busy by 9am on weekends.
- Carry plenty of water: Hong Kong's humidity is unforgiving, especially May through September.
- Download offline maps: Apps like AllTrails or Trails of HK work well even without signal.
- Typhoon awareness: Never hike during or immediately after a typhoon — landslides are a real risk.
- Respect wildlife: You may encounter wild boar, monkeys, and various reptiles. Keep your distance and don't feed them.
- Tell someone your plan: Always inform someone of your route and expected return time.
Best Season to Hike
October to March offers the most pleasant conditions — cool temperatures, low humidity, and clear blue skies. Summer (June to September) is hot, humid, and typhoon-prone, but early morning hikes can still be rewarding. Spring (March to May) brings lush greenery but also fog and occasional rain.
Hong Kong's hiking scene is one of Asia's best-kept secrets. Lace up your boots, pick a trail, and discover a completely different side of this extraordinary city.