The city of Hong Kong is often portrayed as a concrete jungle in movies, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the urban landscape. Over 60% of the land actually consists of natural terrain, and the best way to experience its beauty is through hiking. Even if you’re just starting out, don’t worry! There’s a variety of routes to fit all skill levels. From the must-visit The Peak to the challenging Sharp Peak in Sai Kung, you’ll find lush hills and dramatic coastlines that make every step worth the effort.
Cape D’Aguilar — Southern District
Looking for a hike to enjoy with your kids? Cape D’Aguilar is mostly flat and paved, making it perfect for beginners and pet-friendly too. This coastal trail on the southeast side of Hong Kong Island is close to the city. Starting at Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve, you’ll pass iconic spots like Thunder Cave, where waves create a thunderous echo, and Crab Cave, a favourite among photographers for its dramatic rock formations. The trail takes around 3.5 hours to complete, so don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning coastal scenery!
Distance: 8km
Duration: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Getting there: Take bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan Station to Cape D’Aguilar
Dragon’s Back — Shek O
The most popular hike in Hong Kong? Dragon’s Back has to be on the list. Famous for its breathtaking coastal views and easy accessibility, the trail starts at To Tei Wan on Shek O Road, just minutes from the city. Follow the path up to Shek O Peak, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Shek O, Big Wave Bay, and Tai Tam Bay. The hike ends at Big Wave Bay, perfect for a post-hike dip or casual meal by the beach. Popular with both locals and tourists, it’s no wonder Dragon’s Back is rated one of the best urban hikes in Asia.
Distance: 8.5km
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Getting there: Take bus 9 or red minibus from Shau Kei Wan Station to To Tei Wan on Shek O Road
High Junk Peak — Clear Water Bay
The three sharpest peaks in Hong Kong are High Junk Peak, Sharp Peak and Castle Peak. For a moderate scenic hike, head to High Junk Peak in Clear Water Bay. Starting at Ng Fai Tin, the High Junk Peak Country Trail takes you along a path featuring views of the Tseung Kwan O skyline and the serene coastline of Sheung Sze Wan. The final climb to the peak is steep and rocky, but the panoramic views are well worth the effort. For a less demanding option, follow the country trail instead. The hike ends at Po Toi O fishing village, where you can reward yourself with delicious seafood.
Distance: 8.5km
Duration: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Getting there: Take bus 91 from Diamond Hill Station or Minibus 103 from Hang Hau Station to Ng Fai Tin
Lion Rock — Sha Tin
Known as the symbol of the city’s resilience, Lion Rock is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic rock formations that you can hike to. This moderately challenging trail takes you up a steep incline with a mix of paved paths and natural terrain. At the 495m summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories. Start your hike from Temple Hill and follow the clearly marked trail through Lion Rock Country Park. Be sure to wear plenty of sunblock as parts of the trail are exposed to the sun.
Distance: 6km
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Getting there: Take minibus 18M from Wong Tai Sin Station to Temple Hill Fat Jong Temple then walk uphill to Lion Rock Country Park
Sharp Peak — Sai Kung
Hiking Sharp Peak is a challenge fit for adventurers. Although the sharpest summit of Hong Kong stands at only 468 metres, it is regarded as one of the city’s most demanding hikes. Hikers will begin on the MacLehose Trail Stage 2 before branching off towards Sharp Peak itself. As you ascend, you’ll encounter steep slopes and rugged terrain, with sections reaching close to 60-70 degrees that requires careful navigation and proper gear. When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Sai Kung Peninsula. This is not a beginner-friendly trail, so make sure you have the right equipment and experience before attempting this hike.
Distance: 14km
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Getting there: Take minibus 7 from Sai Kung town to Pak Tam Au
Suicide Cliff — Clear Water Bay
Suicide Cliff offers some of the most stunning views of the city skyline, especially at sunset, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. The trail will take you through Kowloon Peak and over rugged terrain to the famous cliff edge. While the dramatic cityscape backdrop is perfect for photos, hikers should remain cautious, as there have been incidents over the years. The loose gravel and steep drop-offs make this hike better suited for experienced hikers prepared for both the physical challenges and potential risks.
Distance: 6.8km
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate to Hard
Getting there: Take minibus 1A from Choi Hung Station to Fei Ngo Shan Road
Sunset Peak — Lantau Island
Sunset Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most scenic yet challenging hikes. The trail begins at the Lantau Trail in Nam Shan, leading up to Yi Tung Shan before ascending to the city’s third-highest summit at 869m. In addition to sweeping views of the Lantau coastline, the hike is especially stunning during the silver grass season from October to November. The steep climb is well worth the effort, and you can even extend your hike to Lantau Peak, the second-highest summit; but be sure to start early and bring a headlamp for safety as it gets dark quickly.
Distance: 6.5km
Duration: Lantau Trail #2 is 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Getting there: Take bus 11, 23 or 3M from Tung Chung Station to Pak Kung Au
Tai Long Sai Wan and Ham Tin Wan — Sai Kung
The oldest trail in Hong Kong, the 100-kilometer MacLehose Trail, is typically hiked in sections rather than in full, unless you’re competing in the Trailwalker. Section 2 offers a beautiful coastal hike to the idyllic beaches of Tai Long Sai Wan and Ham Tin Wan in Sai Kung. Starting at Sai Wan Pavilion, the family-friendly walk is mostly flat and takes about 30 minutes to reach Tai Long Sai Wan, where you can relax on the white sand or enjoy a beachside meal. An additional hour’s hike brings you to Ham Tin Wan, another stunning beach with camping options.
Distance: 4km
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Getting there: Take minibus 29R from Sai Kung Town to Sai Wan Pavilion
Tai Mo Shan — Tsuen Wan
Do you know that Tai Mo Shan is the highest peak in Hong Kong? Standing at 957 metres, Tai Mo Shan offers an exhilarating hike with unblocked views of the entire city. The trail begins at Tai Mo Shan Road and passes through Rotary Park. As you ascend, you’ll be surrounded by silvergrass and open skies, with views that stretch across the city and even into Shenzhen on clear days. As you approach the summit, you can easily spot the iconic radar dome of the Hong Kong Observatory. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip, as the road can become slippery on misty days and may even be covered in thin ice under extreme conditions.
Distance: 5km
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Getting there: Take bus 51 from Tsuen Wan or Nina Mall near Tsuen Wan West Station to Tai Mo Shan Country Park, then find your ways to Rotary Park
The Peak — Central
The Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic tourist spots, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals alike. It’s also a popular hiking destination, offering many options for you to choose. For an easy and scenic route, the iconic Harlech Road and Lugard Road Circular Walk offers a flat, one-hour loop with panoramic views of the city and Victoria Harbour, perfect for families with pets and first-time visitors. Alternatively, hike up to High West for some of the best sunset views, or tackle Old Peak Road from Central to The Peak, a steady uphill path with rewarding harbour views.
Distance: 3.5km
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Getting there: Take bus 15 from Exchange Square to The Peak or take the tram from the lower Peak Tram terminus in Central
Violet Hill and Twin Peak — Southern District
Consider yourself fit for an intense workout? The Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike is one of the best in Hong Kong, offering both a challenge and rewarding scenery. Famous for its “A Thousand Steps,” you can expect long stair climbs along the way. Starting from Wong Nai Chung Reservoir, the trail ascends Violet Hill before tackling The Twins, with scenic views of Stanley Village, Tai Tam Reservoir, and the Southern Islands along the way. The path is a mix of steep stairs and dirt roads, so bring plenty of water and take breaks as needed. After the hike, relax and grab some food at Stanley.
Distance: 5.5km
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Getting there: Take bus 6 or 66 from Central to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park then walk 10 minutes to the starting point
Header image credit: Youssef bentbib via Flickr
