It’s time we break the stereotype of Hong Kong being just a place for shopping. The city has fairly established its reputation for a shopping hub owing to its numerous shopping centers while it also wears the happening night-life really well. Hong Kong also boasts about being the most significant financial hub in entire Asia.
But Hong Kong also has something significantly better in its ambit – adventure!
While most people go to Hong Kong to satiate their craving for shopping, hiking enthusiasts, this is not about it! Hong Kong should be your next destination if you are seeking some real unmatched adventure. Hiking there can be a new experience altogether because a lot of people are clueless about these trails , and while still others few find it unusual. So even if you are hiking on a perfectly well-planned road, don’t assume that there is no mystery left to it. When in Hong Kong, you must experience daunting and challenging hikes.
If we have indeed sold you the idea of hiking and you are still perplexed about the best trails then look no more.
Top 10 Trails For Hiking In Hong Kong
Reading this write-up would undoubtedly give you a complete idea of why you need to choose Hong Kong as your next trekking destination. Let us quickly understand some of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong that can make you feel extremely adventurous.
1. Po Toi
Roaming in a path filled with granite can be quite an appealing thing to do. The trail in Po Toi Island is unlike any other hiking trail because of the place it is. The lovely island of Po Toi offers a fantastic view of the rock formations along the path for the trekkers.
This place is also known for its delectable seaweed soup as well as dried seafood products. The 3000-year old carvings on the rocks can leave you spellbound. Spend an amazing time here exploring this place and the other nearby attractions for a lovely experience.
Level: Easy to Medium
Go to the landmarks like:
- Tortoise Rock
- Ngau Wu Teng Pavilion
- Nam Kok Tsui
- Monk Rock
Tips to Hikers
- There aren’t any pit-stops available during this hike so carry a filled
- water bottles and some protein bars for energy
- Do wear proper trekking shoes
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2. Wan Chai
Take a 3km walk to get to know the most exciting trails, hiking enthusiasts. The abundant greenery and the lush green pathway that leads to the Wan Chai Gap Road is the best thing to spot when you are hiking to this place.
Walking for just about an hour or two can expose you to culture and the history of the place, and this can make you feel elated. If you are a sucker of tradition, art, and literature, then this is the hike you would want to walk !
Level: Easy
Go the landmarks like:
- Wan Chai Heritage Trail
- Tamar Park
- Partying at the Lockhart Road Bars
- Pak Tai Temple
Tips to Hikers
- Wear the right pair of shoes and clothes when you hike
3. Dragon’s Back Trail
Walking up 5km to a magnificent view of Hong Kong city can be one of the best things to do. Hiking at the Dragon’s Back Trail can be the most exciting thing for all the hikers.
Known for its spectacular view throughout the trail is one of the most significant advantages of this trail. Well, another best thing about this hiking trail is it is well-suited for both the amateurs and the seasoned hikers.
Level: Easy to Medium
Tips to Hikers
- Make sure to carry an ample amount of water
- Wear proper clothes and also take rain-jackets always
- If you want to enjoy solitude, choose week-days instead of weekends.
4. Lantau Peak Trail
Trekking to the second highest peak in Hong Kong can be one of the most exhilarating activities to do with a group of friends over a weekend. For all those health freaks, this 4.5 km trail can make you feel rejuvenated at mind and energized at the body. Walking the trail helps you form a connection with your own being as well as the being of nature as you literally walk through the lap of nature whilst enjoying a fantastic view. This trail might look pretty simple but, one must be extremely careful, especially while climbing down. The steeper stairs from the Big Buddha can be quite challenging, so be prepared! Make sure to prepare yourself before you venture out for this 2-hour trek.
Level: Easy
Tips for travelers
- Visit the Big Buddha
- Carry a sunscreen lotion with high SPF
- Carry rain-jackets and do not forget to wear hiking shoes with a good grip
- Do not forget to carry water to this place
5. Lamma Island
One would always remember this trekking trail for its outstanding views and also the arduous trail. Hiking for 4 hours, making pit-stops at some of the best attractions is one of the best parts of the Lamma Island Hike. Spending time looking at the marvelous landscape and the spectacular beaches is a must when you are hiking to this place.
Level: Easy to Medium
Tips to Hikers
Landmarks to visit:
- Kamikaze Cave
- Tin Hau Temple
Tips to Hikers
- Wear proper gears required for hiking
- Keep drinking sips of water as the trail is pretty long and also slightly
- tougher ( and hiking or not, it’s always recommended to be hydrated!)
6. Sunset Peak
Imagine hiking up to sunset and feeling complete. Then Imagine Sunset Peak. The trail is exactly what it sounds.
And if you are you a shutterbug and love carrying your camera wherever you go, then hiking to the Sunset Peak in Hong Kong can be one of the best choices and decisions to make . You will be abke to get some splendid photographs of the area and no matter what the filter will be, the beauty of the trail is such that every photograph will come out as beautiful as you see them in real life.
This trail is beautiful because it is unusually green and unlike the other trails in Hong Kong. Hence, this is one of the most frequented hiking trails by a lot of people. You can click a lot of pictures at the ridges and the stone huts and frame them once you get back to your places. Of course, missing the sunset here is not recommended!
Level: Medium to difficult
Tips to Hikers
- It is a 9km trek hence, preparing yourselves is mandatory
- Torches, headlamps and other gears are to be carried mandatorily
Cameras are must - Tripod stand and a good lens to capture the sunset and the scenery would be good
7. Plover Cove Country Park
Hiking amidst beautiful landscape filled with streams and gigantic trees forming a pathway to paradise is what the Plover Cove Country Park hike is all about. This hike is one of its kind, and the best bit of this hike is that it is close to the city. The hamlets, the paddy fields, and the beautiful countryside atmosphere can make you elated. Enjoy the cool breeze hitting your face as you sway to the melody of the rustling leaves and the gushing wind.
Level: Medium to Difficult
Tips to Hikers
- Early morning views can be lovely, and the 8km might seem easy
- Stop by Sam A Tsuen and Lai Chi Wo for a refill and enjoy the scenery
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery at the Wu Kau Tang Village
8. The Peak Trail
Walking to a hillock to enjoy the stunning views is not a cup of tea for all. For those who love to explore their adventurous side must trek to the Peak Trail when you are in Hong Kong. The sweeping views of the Hong Kong city from atop can be one of the most bewitching sights. As the sun goes down, the skyline of the city would blow your minds off.
Level: Easy to medium
Tips to Hikers
- There are no pit-stops anywhere as the trail is just 3.5 km
- It takes about 2 hours to go to this peak
- Wear the right kinds of clothes and also carry water
9. Ngong Ping Trail
Climbing up the stairs to the Ngong Ping Trail can make you understand your stamina and know yourselves better. The stretch is going to test your endurance levels as you climb up to the views of the rolling hills that are going to leave you stunned. The glorious view of Buddha, a bronze statue which is 34 meters high, is one of the best sights to look forward to when you are hiking to this place.
Level: Medium to Difficult
Tips to Hikers
- The first stretch on this trail is pretty hard. Prepare yourselves both physically and mentally for this arduous adventure
- Carry hats and jackets to protect your skin from the sun
- Carrying a hiking stick would be advisable as it helps you maintain balance and posture
- Wear sports shoes with a good grip
- Carry a lot of water to sip along the path.
10. Sharp Peak
Trekking to a place thrice using three different routes that offer different kinds of views from all the three directions in Hong Kong is possible when you hike to the Sharp Peak. Mind-boggling right? Considered to be one of the most challenging hikes there, this is one of the best peaks to hike. The ridges and the contours that you get to experience are unlike any other hiking trail. The trekking distance is just 3km, but, the path is pretty challenging.
Level: Difficult
Tips to Hikers
- Carry a proper stick as the trail is steeper and slightly challenging
- Wearing loose clothes is important
- Wear hats, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion with high SPF
These are some of the most outstanding hiking trails that you get to experience when you are in Hong Kong. So, this time if you plan a trip to this wonderful place make sure to list down a few trails and experience the breath-taking views.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking In Hong Kong
Does hiking require a lot of physical training?
Physical training depends on the difficulty level of the hike. Even though the trail and the distance are important factors determining the difficulty of a trek, it is always advisable to be absolutely physically fit before planning a hike.
Are trekking gears essential to be worn during all the treks?
It is recommended to wear the proper trekking gear for all the treks.
What kind of shoes should we wear during the treks?
It is always good to wear shoes that have a good grip and also the water-proof ones. There are also special hiking shoes available at sports stores.
Is it helpful to carry a hiking stick good to carry?
Yes, carrying hiking sticks to steeper places or where there are a lot of stairs can be quite beneficial.
What kind of clothes are to be worn during treks and hiking?
It is always recommended to wear loose-fitting clothes when you are hiking. It is also advisable to wear the appropriate clothes according to the season and weather.
Are there any trekking fees that have to be paid during hiking?
Some of the hiking trails may fall under a reserved area, and at such places, one must pay a nominal fee as entry to the place.
Can an amateur trekker try climbing up a peak meant for seasoned and professional trekkers?
Well, some of the trails may be highly difficult, and as an amateur, it can become highly challenging to reach the summit. However, with proper training, even novices can try climbing up a peak meant for seasoned trekkers.
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A journalism graduate with a love for reading, writing, and travel, Kiran has trekked through various offbeat paths in the Himalayas. She writes travel stories and indulges in landscape photography every now and then, which, considering where you’re reading this, makes perfect sense.
