Beyond the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, Hong Kong offers a network of hiking trails that wind through verdant hills, ancient relics, and picturesque coastal vistas. These trails provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in both the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this dynamic city.
When one thinks of Hong Kong, images of beautiful night views and exquisite cuisine often come to mind. However, there is another side: Hong Kong boasts an astonishing 40% of its land area designated as country parks. These expansive natural havens offer a stark contrast to the urban landscape, providing both locals and tourists with a unique chance to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature.
Hong Kong’s hiking trails offer something for every adventurer, regardless of age or experience level. As one delves into these natural wonders, they will not only discover stunning landscapes but also uncover the rich tapestry of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, as many trails pass through traditional villages, historical temples and ancient landmarks.
In this guide, we will start on a journey to explore the captivating world of Hong Kong’s hiking trails, delving into the stories they tell, the adventures they offer, and the experiences they provide for travellers. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of wonder, and prepare to start an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Hong Kong’s natural splendour.
Old Hong Kong lifestyle
Miss Ena Leung, 22, a Hong Kong geographer and hiking enthusiast, thinks hiking in the city is a unique way to explore its essence, she says: “I think hiking in Hong Kong is an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s geography, culture and history.
Exploring ancient trails offers tourists an opportunity to delve into the pre-colonial history of Hong Kong. For example Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail, it is an ancient trail used by villagers in the New Territories to travel between Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long in the 1900s.
“The Ancient Trail was very important to the villagers in the Shap Pat Heung area during that era, as it served as a vital route for transporting crops to the Tsuen Wan market in exchange for daily necessities. Exploring this historical pathway allows tourists to gain insight into Hong Kong’s distinctive traditional walled village culture.
“Take a leisurely stroll for an hour, you will arrive at Shek Lung Kung, situated on elevated terrain. From this vantage point, hikers can enjoy a clear view of the Tsing Ma Bridge, which ranks as the world’s 16th longest span suspension bridge. This iconic landmark of Hong Kong offers hikers the opportunity to marvel at the renowned scenery of the city during their hike,” Ena says.
Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail
Route: Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital – (40 min) Ha Fa Shan – (30 min) Shek Lung Kung – (1hr 15min) Tin Fu Tsai – (1.5 hr) Kat Hing Bridge – (1hr 45min) Tai Tong
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 4.5 hr
Length: 12.5 km
Transport: Tsuen Wan: Bus 39M/ 30X (get off at Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital)
Tai Tong: Bus K66 (to Long Ping MTR station)
Wartime relics
Apart from learning the pre-colonial history, the experience of hiking through Mount Davis on Hong Kong Island, people can uncover traces of the past. Miss Leung says: “Hiking trails such as the Mount Davis, remnants of the artillery depot utilised by the British armed forces during World War II. This hiking trail takes you into the depths of important fort ruins and a secret bunker.
“Mount Davis is located on the western edge of Hong Kong Island, with an altitude of 260 metres. In 1900, the British army proposed building defence facilities at Mount Davis to guard the western entrance to Victoria Harbour.
“There were five cannons at Mount Davis, two of which were later moved to Stanley Fort, there were also two batteries, which is called Mount Davis Anti-Aircraft Battery.”
The Mount Davis Fortress consisted of a headquarters, a fort, a gunpowder magazine, an observation deck and barracks. It was the headquarters of the Hong Kong West Shooting Command at that time.
Some of the military relics on Mount Davis are still well preserved, and the fort was listed as a Grade II historic building in 2009.
Mount Davis Trail
Route: Victoria Road – Mount Davis Path – Mount Davis Peak – Victoria Road
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hour
Length: 3.5km
Transport: Bus 1/ 43m/ 971 (get off at Victoria Road)
South Pole of Hong Kong
Geographically, Hong Kong consists of mainland land such as the Kowloon Peninsula and 263 islands, hiking on the outlying islands of Hong Kong through hiking offers a chance to discover the region’s distinct geographical characteristics.
Ena says: “While many parts of the world are mainly shaped by sedimentary rocks, Hong Kong stands out with its primarily granite formation. Granite, renowned for its geological diversity, contributes to the creation of various unique rock formations across the city.”
Po Toi Island, the southernmost island of Hong Kong, which is mainly formed of granite, offers hikers a glimpse into a landscape shaped by this unique geological feature along the hiking trail. One such example is the Palm Rock on Po Toi Island, which bears a striking resemblance to the hand of Buddha, showcasing the distinctive geological marvels found in Hong Kong.
Hikers can also visit the ancient rock carvings on the southwest edge of Po Toi Island thought to date back over 3,000 years. These carvings were uncovered during the 1960s and potentially crafted as offerings to sea deities, showcase two distinct motifs divided by a 70 cm wide crevice in the rock.
“Also, notable landmarks dot the path, the Tin Hau Temple, dedicated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. Positioned on the island’s southwestern periphery, the temple historically safeguarded local fishermen and villages.”
“And also Mo’s Old House, a dilapidated property dating back to the 1930s. Once home to one of the earliest settler families on the island, Po Toi Island historically had a maximum of 1,000 fishermen and farmers, whose economic activity consisted mainly of fishing, farming and seaweed harvesting. Presently, the island has gained fame for its seaweed production, attracting numerous tourists who are eager to purchase this local delicacy as a souvenir,” she says.
Po Toi Country Trail
Route: Po Toi Island Public Pier – Tin Hau Temple – Po Toi Lighthouse – Buddha’s Hand Rock – Rock Carvings on Po Toi – Po Toi Island Public Pier
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2.5 hour
Length: 6km
Transport: Ferry: Aberdeen/Stanley – Po Toi Island
Immersive nature
Ms Sharon Chiu, 62, a Hong Kong hiking lover with two decades of experience, cherished her treks through Hong Kong’s diverse landscapes for more than just the physical benefits they offered. With a passion for both sports and nature, hiking was a natural choice for her, serving as a pathway to both physical well-being and spiritual enrichment.
While Sharon often embarked on solo hikes, she relished group hikings. She says: “I love doing sports and taking walks. I have been hiking for at least 20 years. I usually hike by myself, but it depends on the route, I usually hike with my friends for a long distance route.
“I love the natural environment, it provides me with a sense of calm and fills my lungs with fresh air. I currently live in rural areas, often hiking in Tai Tam where I typically spend a few hours exploring the mountains.”
Sharon also highlighted the convenience of hiking in Hong Kong, where hikers can swiftly access various hiking trails with shorter travel times compared to different countries.
She says: “Hiking in Hong Kong is very convenient, the country park and urban area are close together, you can take public transport to different trails easily. I used to take a 15 minute bus to Kam Shan Country Park for hiking, which facilitated the development of my hiking routine and benefited my physical health.”
Engaging in hiking, particularly for individuals over 40 or with family, doesn’t always have to be arduous.
Sharon says: “In Hong Kong, there are plenty of relatively easy routes available. Such as the Lower Shing Mun trail in Kam Shan Country Park and Tai Lam Country Park, which I frequently hike, these trails are relatively flat and are very popular among elderly and families alike.
“There is always a trail that matches your exercise level, but it is important to hike within your capabilities and ensure you have the appropriate gear for safety. It’s never too late to begin hiking, establishing a positive exercise routine while relishing the wonders of nature.”
Practical tips to explore Hong Kong’s trails
Weather: Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, drier winters.
- Spring (March–May) is warm and humid, 20-25°C
- Summer (June–August) is hot and wet, 27-33°C
- Autumn (September–November) is temperate and settled, 23-27°C
- Winter (December–February) is cool and dry, 15-20°C
September to November is the best season to hike as Autumn in Hong Kong brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels compared to the hot and humid summer months. This makes it more comfortable for outdoor activities, allowing hikers to enjoy the trails without feeling overheated.
Safety tips before hiking:
- Choose a hiking trail suitable for your strength and ability
- Do not go hiking when the weather is bad, unstable or too hot
- Wear clothing that is suitable for the weather, eg: cotton clothing in summer
- Bring along enough food and water
- Carry a detailed map, a compass and a fully-charged mobile phone in case of emergency
- Apply insect appellant on the clothes and the exposed part of the body to prevent mosquito bites
- Never go off on your own and avoid hiking in dense woodland or tall underbrush
Useful telephone numbers:
24-hour emergency helpline: 999 / 112
Hong Kong Observatory: +852 1878 200
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department hotline: +852 2708 8885
