Hike the Dragon’s Back in Hong Kong

It is basically a path which connects Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak, which is 226m and 284m respectively. It stretches vertically over D'Aguilar Peninsula. The path swings between these hilltops, resembling the shape of a dragon’s backbone, that is why it is known as Dragon’s back. Hiking the Dragon’s Back is one of the most popular activities done by tourists, the reason being its beautiful coastal landscape and location near the city. It is the best place to go a little far away from hustling life of Hong Kong and enjoy the peaceful scenery of this place.

The average time it takes to hike the Dragon’s Back is around 4 hours as the distance it covers is approximately 8.5 Km. Hiking in Dragon’s Back is famous for flying kites and Paragliding. You can enjoy these adventure sports here as experience the calm panoramic vistas of offshore islands as well. Other amazing things to do at Dragon’s Back are walking on a silk-sand beach and exploring traditional Hakka villages. If you are lucky enough, you might spot birds, monkeys, water buffalo or even a wild bear. Going for the hike at Dragon’s Back can reveal a very different side of the city. You can try a rustic seafood restaurant too. This 8.5km long hike has been named the world’s best urban walk in Asia by TIME magazine.The Dragon's back is a fragment of the trail and is the most visually rewarding and most accessible part of the island trail.

In terms of difficulty, it is largely climate dependent if you hike it in 38 degrees and with 100% humidity, it will make the initial part of the hike (which is all uphill) quite difficult as sweat will leave every pore of your body profusely. It will sting your eyes, and within minutes you will be drenched as like you had just taken a shower. Likewise, during the wet season, you risk torrential downpours and the path can become quite impassable in parts due to thick mud, additionally, we are led to believe that lightning strikes are frequent and of course no one fancies a lightning strike to the forehead whilst out enjoying the lush scenery.

Like most trails, if it is dry then walking trainers will be fine, but you can use boots and your feet will cause you no problems at all due to the heat or humidity. However, for those wondering if they have the fitness to complete it, a 6-year-old child can complete it if he can run most of the way. Hong Kong is one of the safest places in the world and so you can let your kids take off ahead and he absolutely loved the freedom of the trail.