Hong Kong's Best Hikes: Dragon's Back and Epic Trails Beyond
It's easy to overlook hiking in Hong Kong amid its skyscrapers and bustling markets like Yau Ma Tei's Jade Market. Yet, a glance at the map reveals a verdant paradise: 73% of the territory comprises open spaces—woods, mountains, beaches, and wetlands—with 40% safeguarded as country parks.
Man on a hiking trail heading toward Hong Kong. Image by Ian Trower / AWL Images / Getty Images.
Hong Kong boasts extensive trails, including four long-distance routes—Maclehose, Wilson, Lantau, and Hong Kong Trails—totaling nearly 300km. Shorter paths offer endless variety. Efficient public transport (trains, buses, taxis, ferries) makes access affordable and straightforward.
These hikes deliver breathtaking island panoramas, pristine beaches, traditional Hakka villages, wildlife like monkeys and boar, and hidden seafood spots. Even if you're here for dim sum and shopping, a short trek unveils the city's wild side.
Explore more via the Hong Kong Tourism Board (www.discoverhongkong.com) downloadable guides or guided tours with Walk Hong Kong (www.walkhongkong.com).
High Island Reservoir to Pak Tam Au, New Territories
A beach on stage two of the Maclehose Trail by tine stevnhoved. CC BY 2.0.
Hong Kong's longest trail, the 100km MacLehose, winds around Sai Kung Peninsula and across the New Territories. Tackle all 10 stages or select highlights like stage two—a rewarding full-day hike with climbs to 314m Sai Wan Shan for South China Sea views. Discover chair graves, hamlets, and beaches like Long Ke and Sai Wan. Start at High Island Reservoir.
Dragon’s Back, Hong Kong Island
The Wilson and 50km Hong Kong Trails cross the island; the S-shaped Dragon's Back in Shek O Country Park stands out. This 8.5km urban hike, voted world's best, offers Shek O Peak vistas, paragliders, and ends at Shek O or Big Wave Bay for swims and seafood.
Keung Shan and Tai O, Lantau
Tai O by Alfonso Jimenez. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Lantau, twice Hong Kong Island's size, features 934m Lantau Peak. The 70km Lantau Trail circles south, passing Tian Tan Buddha. Combine stages five and six (10km) for hilltop views, monasteries, and Tai O's stilt houses and shrimp paste fame.
Plover Cove Country Park, New Territories
In the remote northeast, 300-year-old Hakka village Lai Chi Wo anchors a four-hour circuit from Wu Kau Tang. Pass abandoned villages, rice terraces with birds, feng shui forests, and spot deer or boar.
Across Lamma Island
A temple on Lamma Island by McPig. CC BY 2.0.
Lamma offers beaches, seafood, and trails. Hike from Yung Shue Wan (Tin Hau temple) to Sok Kwu Wan via fisher villages and restaurants, then circle south via Ling Kok Shan to Tung O Wan beach.
Ma On Shan & Lion Rock, New Territories
Maclehose stages four and five (23km) blend views, wildlife, and history. Summit 702m Ma On Shan for 360° panoramas, explore Wong Chuk Yeung village, monkeys, and Kowloon vistas from Lion Rock.
