Probably your first thought of travel to Hong Kong is the great skyscrapers and urban living that one of the greatest world cities provides. But there’s plenty in Hong Kong to satisfy not only the avid walkers but also the experienced lovers of hiking!
Trip.com is here to tell you about all the best hiking Hong Kong trails around the whole area. You’ll find places you’ve never even heard about – and see places from another new perspective – after you’ve read this great little hiking Hong Kong guide.
Hiking Hong Kong shouldn’t be a difficult thing. There’s little reason to pay big bucks for a gym membership when there’s so much nature to see at your front door.
So take the chance to get out hiking in Hong Kong, and even bring friends or family with you! Trip.com will help you decide where’s the best place to go when you need to get those muscles working.
The Rhino Rock Trail
This is a hiking route in Stanley that’s less than 1 km each way – so it’s perfectly easy even for the most inexperienced hiking enthusiasts. If you’re hiking in Hong Kong at an average pace, it’ll be a 30 mins round trip.
Although you will want to spend some time there to take photos, as the rock formation alone is totally Instagrammable – never mind the sunset views!
It’s super easy to get there, too. The trail for hiking in Hong Kong at Rhino Rock begins when you alight from the Stanley Fort bus stop. Just catch a train to San Wan Ho Station then jump on the Number 14 bus, or catch the 6A straight from Central Exchange Square.
This is an easy hiking journey. Although it may be difficult to get to, the effort is worth it once you emerge from the canopy and enjoy some beautiful views of tropical Hong Kong! And, of course, the Rhino Rock formation is just perfect for a souvenir pic from your hiking journey!
Red Incense Burner Summit
From the Red Incense Burner Summit
You’ll also get even more of that tropical feeling on this hike, and you can realize all that Hong Kong has to offer. With ocean, seas, and sand, as well as one of the world’s biggest urban jungles, it’s a wonder of the world that can also provide untrammeled and unspoiled nature.
This is one of the most entrancing trails in Hong Kong. You’ll get a little taste of all of the above by hiking the Red Incense Burner Summit – make sure to get all the pictures you can on the way up as well as the way down. You won’t want to forget a moment of this.
What you’ll be wondering is how to get there. If you want the quickest route to the top (perhaps you’re feeling lazy...), then you can literally just grab a bus from the Joan of Arc Secondary School. But for a more interesting (and leg-challenging) walk, you can also start from Mt Butler.
Either way, you’ll want to put aside 3 or more hours for HK hiking trails like this, especially to make sure you get the photos you need!
Kowloon Peak
Another beautiful sunset at Kowloon Peak
In that case, the Kowloon Peak – including what’s known by some as "Suicide Cliff" – might be one of the hiking trails in Hong Kong you’re looking for. This is one of the longer hiking trails in Hong Kong – so if you’ve done the previous 2 trails and are looking for something a little more challenging, look no further!
Or maybe you already think a 3 km hike is child’s play. In that case, this 7 km hiking Hong Kong should really be your cup of tea.
But, besides the fearsome name, Suicide Cliff is known mainly for its awesome photo opportunities or, time willing, just some moments to enjoy a fantastic view over a beautiful area of the world. Although it’s easy to find your way to the trail from Choi Hung MTR, the hike itself isn’t for the faint-hearted!
You’ll encounter steps, steep slopes, boulders, and even the need for ropes! Towering over this southern Chinese metropolis, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. But don’t expect an easy ride – especially on the way back down! HK hiking trails are tough on the muscles!
Lantau Peak
Lantau, or Fung Wong Shan – Phoenix Mountain.
On a clear day, you’re guaranteed a view from Lantau Peak that looks like it’s come straight from a Chinese ink painting – silky clouds, rock, and water intermingling. And even on a cloudy day, you can be sure of a great view over the top of the clouds!
Being across on the island of Lantau, you’ll really get a feeling that you’re somewhere exotic. It’s not even that far up – just 880m or thereabouts.
Once you’re on the island, it’s probably best you factor in a time of around 5 hrs for HK hiking trails like this. Probably the easiest way of getting there is from Pak Kung Au bus stop. Afterwards, you’ll want to rest your weary legs in the bar or even back in the hotel room!
You should expect to be clambering over boulders, pushing through the wilderness, and sweating up steep inclines on this, one of Hong Kong’s most difficult hikes.
Sunset Peak
Sunset Peak view over the islands
Be brave and begin your hiking trip at Tung Chung MTR for a total journey of over 8 km. You won’t find a better way to see the peninsula stretch beneath you than at the top of Sunset Peak. Even if you don’t make it for the sun going down, there’re not many views to beat the sight of this historic scene unfolding beneath you.
Depending on how long you like to dally while taking photos and simply enjoying the environs, you can schedule from 3 to 5 hrs for this hike. That’s the best part of a day, after which you’ll need to find somewhere to relax!
Especially considering Tung Chung Station is approximately 45 minutes from Hong Kong Central, Sunset Peak is definitely an adventure in and of itself. So why not make a night of it, too, and stay at one of the greatest hotels that Lantau Island has to offer?
Tai Mo Shan
Picturesque views from Tai Mo Shan
If you’re a hiker who enjoys cooling off in some scenic waterfalls as you walk, then this is certainly one for you. On your way to the cloud-coated mountain peak, you’ll pass by streams and waterfalls that will welcome you in for a dip!
It’s a pretty safe hike for most of the journey, but given the distance of over 10 km for the bravest of hikers, you’ll want to put aside 5 hrs for this hike. What’s the best way to do this most terrific of hikes in Hong Kong? Read on to find out!
From the Kam Sheung MTR, you can get the 64K bus to Ng Tung Chai, then from the Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls head to Tai Mo Shan itself. With waterfalls and wild jungles around you, the urban jungle will be the last thing on your mind.
You could spend hours hiking out here and barely see another soul on the trail. It’s the best way to refresh yourself from the stress of living in a metropolis like Hong Kong!
Pat Sin Leng
Idyllic views from Pat Sin Leng
Although this hiking trip is steep and will require some serious leg muscles, it’s also a relatively safe hike in Hong Kong. You won’t find yourself fighting through the undergrowth or pushing through too much jungle here. It’s mostly steps, steps, steps.
But you’ll be rewarded for all those steps for some spectacular views over the ridge and river. Even in Hong Kong, one of southern China’s most fantastic metropolitan areas, there are real charms of nature to be found.
From the Fanling MTR, you’re best catching the 52B bus, and then getting onto the trail from the Hong Tau Wai pavilion. You won’t be looping back on yourself with this hike, so you’ll also need to know how to get back! It’s not too difficult, either – from the Plover Cove Country Park, where you finish, just hop on the 72K to Tai Po MTR. There’s nothing to it! (Apart from all the walking…)
Sharp Peak
Sharp views on sharp peak...
Best you find yourself a clear day with a nice cool breeze because this serious hike will take you up from the beach in a long series of stairs. Best you don’t look down until the very end – in which case, you’ll get the best reward for your troubles!
Those turquoise waters and golden flawless sands will look like paradise from a bird’s eye view on the peak. There’s a bunch of different routes up to Sharp Peak – ranging from just 4 km to over 20 km – but the easiest in terms of public transport is from Pak Tam Au.
This is potentially a long, long hike, and you’ll want to give it 6 or 7 hrs, especially if you’re taking one of the longer routes. It’s a peak that’s worth spending a whole day on. You won’t regret it – although maybe your legs will…
To get there on public transport, take the bus to Pak Tam Au. The easiest place to get that bus is from Sam Kung Pier. Once you get there, and get onto the trail, the route loops back on itself. At that point, you can collapse on the ride back home!
Although you’ll find bushes, steep climbs, and slippery gravel on your route, actually the most grueling aspect of this hike is the distance alone. We all love a challenge, but make sure you’re well prepared with decent hiking boots, water, and sustenance to keep you going on the way.
Hong Kong Hiking – Off the Beaten Track!
From the park lands and hills of the New Territories, to the overlooked beauty of Lantau Island, there’s plenty more than simply Victoria Peak to climb in Hong Kong.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly it feels that you’ve returned to nature, and all the noise and hubbub of the city disappears. Even when you can still see the urban landscape spread out far beneath you…
FAQ
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Where is an easy place to hike in Hong Kong?
One of the easiest spots to hike in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak – it’s right in the center of the city, and provides some classic views. Click here for details!
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What’s a challenging hiking trail in Hong Kong?
If you climb Kowloon Peak in Hong Kong, you’ll need to prepare for boulders, bushes, and gravel. You might even need ropes! Not for beginners… Click here for more!
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What’s the highest peak for hiking in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong’s highest peak is Tai Mo Shan – 957 meters above sea level. It’s located in the New Territories. Click here for more on this majestic mountain!
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How long does a hiking trip in Hong Kong take?
For hiking Hong Kong, 3 to 5 hrs is enough – especially if you want to take your time and get photos for social media! Click here for a picture-perfect trail!
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What’s the most difficult about hiking in Hong Kong?
On most trails in Hong Kong, the most difficult part is all the steps, and the duration! But some trails are off the beaten track – click here for an example!