Hong Kong is known for shopping, business, and banking but let me tell you, this is one of the best regions in the world for day-hikes. I spent an entire month exploring Hong Kong and I hiked almost every single day. The hiking trails in Hong Kong are unique because the highlight of the trail is often the views from the forested mountains that overlook the high-rises in the busy city. It’s what drew me to Hong Kong in the first place and it more than lived up to my expectations. I basically hiked every day for a month to put together this massive guide of 21 Awesome Hikes in Hong Kong.
BEST HIKES IN HONG KONG
There are 21 Hong Kong hikes on this list and for each one I’ve written a separate, detailed guide with information such as how to get there, distance, duration and a recap of my experience on that specific hike. Of course, all of my photos are there on each individual post as well. I hope you find a few of these Hong Kong hiking trails that look interesting to you and have a great adventure.
DETAILS ABOUT THIS HONG KONG HIKING GUIDE
As well as this list of hikes in Hong Kong, I’ll also include a short section of informationat the bottom of this blog post. This is where you can find information about the following topics to help you plan your trip. These were definitely points I would have liked to know before planning my trip to Hong Kong:
- When is the best time to hike in Hong Kong?
- Is Hong Kong safe?
- Where is the best place to stay in Hong Kong (specifically with hiking in mind)?
- What are the top five most epic hikes in Hong Kong?
- Do you need a visa for Hong Kong?
- How to get around in Hong Kong?
- How to stay connected in Hong Kong?
- Are there Hong Kong hiking tours and tour guides?
THE FOUR HIKING REGIONS OF HONG KONG
I’ve broken this Hong Kong hiking guide into four sections to help you with the locations of all the hikes. The sections are:
- Hong Kong Island: The hikes in this section will include any hikes that are on Hong Kong Island such as far as Stanley.
- Kowloon Region: The Kowloon section will comprise of all hikes in Kowloon or within close proximity to the Kowloon region.
- Lantau Island: This section will include a few great hikes on the island of Lantau.
- Sai Kung and New Territories: This section probably has some of the more epic or natural hikes as you are getting quite far north now and often close to the coast. These hikes involve a little more effort but the payoff is well worth it.
SUPER TIP: If you aren’t sure about the weather for the hike you want to explore, click here to visit this free Hong Kong Observatory website that has live-stream webcams from all over Hong Kong. I always check the region to see if it is cloudy, raining or prime weather for a hike.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN HONG KONG
- Best Value Hotel: Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay – 4-star hotel for less than $100
- Best Value Luxury Hotel: Hotel ICON – $150 for a 5-star hotel with an epic pool
- Best Hiking/Adventure Base: Hotel Stage – Located in Kowloon and right next to lots of epic hikes.
Check out my full guide here: BEST AREAS TO STAY HONG KONG
21 AWESOME HIKES IN HONG KONG
Alright, shall we get into this list of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong?
HONG KONG ISLAND
Hong Kong Island is the major business hub of Hong Kong. It might sound confusing at first, but when you pull out a map you will see this big land of mass in the southern part of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Island is home to some of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong, especially those with city views.
It’s got a few little gems for hiking but I found it to be slightly less impressive hiking wise than further up north and on Lantau. The key attraction on this side of the harbor is that the city is like a mini-New York, so any time you are up in the mountains and can see the skyscrapers and urban sprawl it is a real mind-blowing view.
1. VICTORIA PEAK CIRCLE WALK
The Victoria Peak Circle Walk is one of the simplest hikes in Hong Kong but offers some of the most spectacular views. For that reason, it is up there as one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong and is accessible for all levels of hikers including children, elderly and even dogs! If you want the view but not the grind, this is a great one.
You can take a tram or a bus up the peak and then do a full lap of the circle-walk, which is 3km in total. If you are keen on the workout, you can walk all the way up through Long Fu Shan Country Park. I did both ways and enjoyed it twice.
You can book your ticket on the tram or take a bus up to the peak and then do a full lap of the circle-walk, which is 3km in total. If you are keen on the workout, you can walk all the way up through Long Fu Shan Country Park. I did both ways and enjoyed it twice.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: THE VICTORIA PEAK CIRCLE WALK
2. JARDINE’S LOOKOUT HIKE
Jardine’s Lookout Hike is quite a short hiking trail in Hong Kong but it leads you to one of the best viewpoints over Hong Kong Central and the harbor. The great part about this hike is that it’s not that well-known so you can often be one of the only people up at the viewpoint. Whereas Victoria Peak can be quite busy. If you are looking for an epic view of the city without having to hike for more than a few kilometers, this is your trail.
The hike is only 3.5km in distance with the minimal incline but because it starts at incline you will be up high enough for a beautiful sunset view over Hong Kong Island and all the way across to Kowloon. I loved this trail because at the summit you can weave your way through the trees and find a nice spot to watch the sun set over the city while perched in amongst the trees. That’s what hiking in Hong Kong is all about.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: JARDINE’S LOOKOUT HIKE
MY 4 FAVORITE HONG KONG TOURS
- Victoria Peak Tram & Sky Terrace: If you visit Hong Kong, you have to visit Victoria Peak!
- Aqua Luna Victoria Harbor Cruise: Sail Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour on a traditional Chinese wooden junk boat.
- Hong Kong Disneyland Park: An awesome experience for all ages!
- M+ Museum Ticket: Most popular museum in Hong Kong!
Click the orange button below to view all of the top-rated tours on Klook
3. TWIN PEAKS & VIOLET HILL HIKE
The Twin Peaks Hike in Hong Kong takes you up and down Violet Hill and gives incredible views over Stanley and the peninsula below. It’s up there amongst the toughest Hong Kong hiking trails due to the brutality of the stairs. No matter which direction you attack this Hong Kong hiking trail from, you will have to endure hundreds of stairs up and down the twin peaks. This Hong Kong hike is often nicknamed the ‘Terrible Twins’ because many people despise a thousand stairs that burn your legs as you make your way up and down the two peaks.
If you are up for a challenge, this is definitely an intense session, but one that most in average fitness will be able to handle. It’s a great hike because there are lots going on. You are either descending a steep set of stairs or pushing up a sharp incline. It’s pretty popular and will be packed on weekends but it is a good vibe as everyone out on the trail encourages each other to keep pushing on!
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: TWIN PEAKS HIKE & VIOLET HILL HIKE
4. RHINO ROCK TRAIL IN STANLEY
The Rhino Rock is one of the most incredible rock formations in Hong Kong, bearing an uncanny resemblance to a Rhinoceros. It’s a very short Hong Kong hiking trail in Stanley that is less than 1-kilometers each way. With stunning views of the coast, this is a great mini-adventure for a sunny day! This trail is also known as Che Pau Teng.
It really does resemble a Rhino so much and when you see it in person, the ridges and holes in the rock almost seem to resemble the eyes, wrinkles, and features of a giant rhinoceros.
Stanley takes around an hour to reach from Hong Kong Central and the trail to Rhino Rock is quite short so I advise combining this little adventure with the aforementioned Twin Peaks & Violet Hill hike, which is also in Stanley.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: RHINO ROCK TRAIL IN STANLEY
5. DRAGON’S BACK HIKE
The Dragon’s Back Hike is one of the most popular hiking trails in Hong Kong due to its impressive coastal views seen from the ridge-line but also because it is one of the less intense routes in the region. Really after Victoria Peak, I think this may be the second most popular hike in Hong Kong. The Dragon’s Back Trail gives hikers outstanding, scenic views of the coast without too much incline and climbing. The trail is suitable for families, amateur hikers and all tourists looking for an adventure.
Lots of hikes in Hong Kong have quite a steep incline, but the popularity of Dragon’s Back stems from its mild incline. The reference to the back of a dragon comes from the ridgeline that you traverse throughout the bulk of the hike. It’s a very impressive coastal view and you will seem far away from the hustle of the city.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: DRAGON’S BACK HIKE
You NEED the Octopus Card
TRAVEL TIP: In Hong Kong you NEED the Octopus Card to use public transport and ferries, which is how everyone gets around. Pre-Book your Octopus Card with a Pre-Loaded balance of 50HKD so you can pick it up at the airport (very easy) and then catch public transport straight to your hotel.
- Conveniently ride the MTR, bus, ferry, coach, and tram with just a tap of your Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card
- Conveniently pick up your card with a preloaded credit of HKD50-100 at the Hong Kong International Airport
6. BRAEMAR HILL HIKE
The Braemar Hill hike takes you up to one of the best viewing platforms to watch the sunset over Hong Kong. It has a few names and this beautiful Hong Kong hike is often also referred to as, Hung Heung Lo Fung or the Red Incense Burner Summit. The hike itself is very short with an option to hike 3km in total or you can even reach the summit with just a 5-minute walk from the nearest bus stop!
It’s quietly popular among night photographers so don’t be surprised to see a few keen photographers with tripods up at the summit. A big tip for this epic hiking trail in Hong Kong is that the best viewpoints are actually before the summit as they are a bit more natural and have the jungle vibe.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: BRAEMAR HILL SUNSET HIKE
7. AP LEI CHAU TO AP LE PAI (MOUNT JOHNSTON LIGHTHOUSE)
The Ap Lei Chau to Ap Lei Pai hike is a great little coastal, hiking trail in Hong Kong that takes you out to Mount Johnston Lighthouse via a small sandbar. It’s an out-and-back hike that is just under 5-km but it will still serve up some solid incline with over 500m of ascent up and over the hills each way. This is a beautiful hike on a sunny day, so make sure you don’t forget to look out for the secret tide pool.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: AP LEI CHAU TO AP LEI PAI HIKE
KOWLOON REGION
The Kowloon region is a great place to be based. Lots of these short Hong Kong hikes look down over the shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok. One of my favorite hikes in Hong Kong, ‘Suicide Cliff’ is in this region. I actually stayed in Tsim Sha Tsui for two weeks so I got to know this side of the city well and it’s a great gateway to the New Territories and Sai Kung, which I will cover later in the blog post.
8. SUICIDE CLIFF & KOWLOON PEAK
Kowloon Peak hike takes you on a journey to the Kowloon Peak viewpoint but also leads you to one of the most well-known hiking photography spots in Hong Kong, which is Suicide Cliff. The total route is under 7-kilometers to see both viewpoints and is recommended for sunset. It’s not a hike for beginners but is relatively safe for the average hiker!
The majority of the hike is on a nice ridge but it is nothing too crazy. However, right at the end of the ridge are two viewpoints that are very precarious. You will need to be careful in these spots as the drop below is deadly, which is how the cliff received its name.
However, after a bit of research, Suicide Cliff doesn’t seem to be a place of tragedy with no suicide-related deaths reported at this location. The name seems to refer to the possible danger of jumping or falling from the ledges.
Both of the ledges at Suicide Cliff are among the best photo spots in all of Hong Kong with huge drops and an epic background of Kowloon behind. This is a great area to be for sunset as you can see from the photos below.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: KOWLOON PEAK HIKE TO SUICIDE CLIFF
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9. LION ROCK HIKE
The Lion Rock hike in Hong Kong is one of the most popular trails in the region with an epic viewpoint over Kowloon all the way to Hong Kong Central. The lion-head shaped rock at the summit is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city from the forest. It is the kind of rock formation that you seem to spot out no matter where you are in Hong Kong but it isn’t until you are up there that you can enjoy the incredible view from the head of the Lion.
The hike up is only a few kilometers and once you reach the summit, you will find yourself on a winding ridge down the back of the Lion until you reach its head. It was one of my first hikes in Hong Kong and even after a month of hiking, it remains up there as one of my favorites. It’s a great spot for sunset and a lot of night photographers migrate here after dark to shoot the city lights.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: THE LION ROCK HIKE
10. DEVIL’S PEAK HIKE
Devil’s Peak hike is a bit of a strange adventure, passing you through a huge cemetery and a number of fortification ruins. However, despite the sometimes eerie atmosphere, it is a great view of Hong Kong as you peer into Victoria Harbor with Kowloon on your right and Central on your left.
This is a very easy hike but a great place to watch the sunset and the city lights from the old forts. I wouldn’t necessarily pick this hike if I just had one or two days in Hong Kong but can be a good little adventure if you are in Hong Kong for multiple days and have done some of the other more ‘epic’ hikes and viewpoints.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: DEVIL’S PEAK HIKE
LANTAU ISLAND
Lantau Island is a pretty special place and is an island full of ridges and sharp peaks. It’s home to Lantau Peak, the second-highest point in Hong Kong and also the place where you can find the so-called ‘hardest’ hike in Hong Kong, the West Dog’s Teeth Ride. I found Lantau to have some of the most picturesque hiking trails in Hong Kong. Good luck on Lantau!
11. LANTAU PEAK HIKE
The Lantau Peak hike is one of the most spectacular hikes in Hong Kong taking you to the Lantau Peak summit, which is the second-highest point in Hong Kong. There are several routes to the top. One route includes a visit to the big buddha while another route is touted as the ‘hardest’ hike in Hong Kong. The panoramic views from the summit are just off the charts and nothing like you would expect when you think of the big city life in Hong Kong.
Wha I love about Lantau and Lantau Peak is that you are just so far away from the city and urban sprawl. Even at the summit, you don’t have the cities below you and it just seems that you are right out there in the middle of the natural wonders of Hong Kong. This hike can be done with 880m of incline or much less depending on the route you choose. I’ve detailed all of that in the individual blog post for Lantau Peak.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: LANTAU PEAK HIKE
12. WEST DOG’S TEETH RIDGE
The West Dog’s Teeth Hike in Hong Kong is billed as the hardest hike in Hong Kong. The trail involves 850m of incline and requires a very basic level of bouldering and scrambling to reach the end of the ridge. The ridge then connects to Lantau Peak, which is a great place to finish your climb before making the journey back down the ridge.
This ridge-hike reminded me of a lot of the hikes in Hawaii that take you along the jagged ridges to a summit. There were never any moments of danger but this hike would be among the most exhilarating hikes in Hong Kong with the basic bouldering and the rugged trail. It’s definitely the trail to pick if you like to push your limits and want a challenge.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: WEST DOG’S TEETH HIKE ‘HARDEST HIKE IN HONG KONG’
What are my favorite pieces of hiking gear?
There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my hiking essentials.
- Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is my go-to rain jacket. It’s super light, folds down into a tiny ball, and protects brilliantly in a storm. This one never leaves my backpack.
- Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For the best ankle support, waterproofing, and durable exterior I’m a fan of tough but light hiking boots like these Salomons for my adventures.
- Black Diamond Head Torch: I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve arrived back from a hike unexpectedly late. I always keep this lightweight but strong headtorch in my bag for the unexpected.
- Darn Tough Socks: These are the most comfortable hiking socks I’ve ever worn and last for years. They also have a lifetime warranty and you just send them in with a hole and they replace it no questions asked.
13. SUNSET PEAK HIKE
Sunset Peak hike on Lantau Island is an epic stairway climbing challenge to one of the best viewpoints in Hong Kong. As the name suggests, it is an excellent spot to watch the sunset over the peninsula below.
This Hong Kong hiking trail has a bit of everything. It begins with a grueling climb up a long set of stairs before a winding trail takes you through the forest. You then emerge on a grassy hilltop to make your way up to the viewpoints. From the summit, you can look over to Lantau Peak and down to the coast below.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: SUNSET PEAK HIKE ON LANTAU ISLAND
SAI KUNG & NEW TERRITORIES
Hong Kong is actually 85% parklands, which is surprising to those who know Hong Kong for its giant metropolis. But it’s true and Sai Kung and the New Territories (actually includes Lantau Island as well) are the best places to see first hand, when it comes to just how wild Hong Kong really is. Sai Kung is a beautiful coastal area, which would be perfect in the summer with its beaches and turquoise waters. The regions in the north closer to Shenzhen offer some awesome off-the-beaten-path adventures and some stunning waterfalls.
14.TAI MO SHAN
The Tai Mo Shan hike is a special adventure because it is the highest peak in Hong Kong. The hike takes you on a journey through the jungle, passing by several incredible waterfalls before you reach the peak, which overlooks Hong Kong on a clear day. It isn’t necessarily the most epic view from the summit even though it is the highest. However, the journey up to the top is quite scenic and the waterfalls along the way make the adventure well worth your time.
At the summit, you won’t have too much in terms of a viewpoint. There are a few satellites and some other off-limits buildings but views down to the city and the surrounding valleys are beautiful when the summit isn’t covered in clouds. Because the summit is almost at 1000m above sea-level it is often engulfed by clouds so try and save this Hong Kong hike for a day with clear skies.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: TAI MO SHAN HIKE: THE HIGHEST PEAK IN HONG KONG
15. TAI TO YAN HIKE
Tai To Yan is a challenging ridge-line hike in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It is often referred to as the Dragon’s Back hike of the new territories.
I thought it was a great trail, with lots of tough stair sections throughout the ridge. It undulates on the narrow ridge for several kilometers, which gives you great views down both sides as you make your way from start to finish. On a clear day, views of Shenzen are aplenty along the trail as well as lots of panoramic viewpoints.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: TAI TO YAN HIKE – EPIC RIDGE TRAIL
16. PAT SIN LENG HIKE
The Pat Sin Leng Ridge Trail is one of the most epic hikes in Hong Kong. The trail climbs hundreds of stairs before you traverse the safe but scenic ridge-line throughout the rest of the route. The hike often feels like Hawaii but is less than an hour away from Hong Kong city-center. The Pat Sin Leng hike isn’t an easy journey with 856m of incline over the 10-km route.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: PAT SIN LENG HIKE: AN EPIC RIDGE TRAIL
17. SHARP PEAK IN SAI KUNG
Sharp Peak Hike in Sai Kung is one of the most scenic hikes in Hong Kong. The stunning coastline of Sai Kung wraps around the dramatic ridges below you as you stand atop one of the highest points in the region. The turquoise water and white sand of the beaches will blow away your perceptions of Hong Kong as a city destination.
The hike takes you through the forest, along the beach and then all the way up to the top of Sharp Peak. This is one of the more grueling hikes in Hong Kong (depending on your approach) because you go straight up from the beach for hundreds of meters in a row without a break in the incline. Luckily the coastal views throughout the hike make up for the pain and suffering. This hike is best done on a sunny day!
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: SHARP PEAK HIKE IN SAI KUNG
18. NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL HIKE
The Ng Tung Chai Waterfall hike is an epic adventure that guides you through the jungle, visits multiple waterfalls and can lead to the highest peak in Hong Kong (if you venture that far). Out in the New Territories, this is a wild hike.
In fact, this hike was probably the most wild I saw the jungle in my entire time in Hong Kong. Huge leaves draped over the trail, which was often comprised of giant boulders. It was up there as one of the most adventurous hikes in Hong Kong although quite short unless you continue up to Tai Mo Shan, which is the highest peak in Hong Kong.
There were 4-5 waterfalls and then a few watering holes along the trail but the lower falls were by far my favorite. We climbed up to the second tier and enjoyed the mini slot canyon to ourselves. Few others were on this trail and it was definitely an incredible jungle getaway.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL HIKE
19. MA ON SHAN HIKE
The Ma On Shan is one of the most epics but challenging hikes in Hong Kong with 866m of the incline leading you all the way from Ma On Shan to Sai Kung. The trail climbs hundreds of stairs and rocky paths before you make it to the Ma On Shan summit. The hike then winds along the ridge, all the way to Sai Kung. This is hands down one of the best places to hike in Hong Kong.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: MA ON SHAN HIKE
20. CASTLE PEAK HIKE
The Castle Peak Hike in Hong Kong is a very steep 600-meter ascent to a radio tower that sits along the beautiful ridge overlooking the Tuen Mun region. There is a route that takes just 6-kilometers out and back from Tuen Mun MTR station or a longer 10-kilometer route that also includes a hike to Yuen Tau Shan. Watching the sunset from the radio tower atop the ridge was a pretty epic way to spend the evening and one of my favorite hiking trails in Hong Kong.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: THE CASTLE PEAK HIKE
21. HIGH JUNK PEAK IN SAI KUNG
The High Junk Peak hike, also known as the Country Trail, is in the Sai Kung region of Hong Kong. Hundreds of steps lead you up and down the ominous, but relatively safe peaks, which overlook the stunning blue water of Clear Water Bay. This is another great trail for a sunny day as you should be surrounded on all sides with turquoise water and lovely beaches.
It’s quite a journey out from Kowloon or Hong Kong Central and I would suggest this hike only if you are looking for something a bit different or have multiple days to spend in Hong Kong. I enjoyed it a lot but definitely not one of the best hikes in Hong Kong compared to some of the others.
Check out the full blog post for details and all the photos: THE HIGH JUNK PEAK HIKE IN SAI KUNG
SUPER TIP: If you aren’t sure about the weather for the hike you want to explore, click here to visit this free Hong Kong Observatory website that has live-stream webcams from all over Hong Kong. I always check the region to see if it is cloudy, raining or prime weather for a hike.
BEST TIME FOR HIKING IN HONG KONG
The ‘best’ time to visit Hong Kong will depend on a few factors. The biggest factor will, of course, be the weather. All of these hikes I did were in my month-long stay during December 2019. The weather was quite chilly as it was winter but the sun was still out on at least 60% of the hikes. In the day it was warm most of the time but I always had a jacket for at the summit. The suggest months for hiking in Hong Kong are:
- Winter: December to February – Mild weather and pretty comfortable for hiking. Minimal rainfall and still lots of sun during 2/3 of the days. I would suggest the winter after having experienced it myself.
- Spring: March to May – Unpredictable weather with some sun and some clouds, Humidity is now rising quite high. Rainfall can happen regularly during the spring.
- Summer: June to August – This is not an ideal time to hike in Hong Kong. The humidity is at it’s highest, temperatures can reach 30 degrees daily and rainstorms can be frequent. There are beaches in Hong Kong, more than you would imagine but they aren’t all necessarily close to where you will be based in Hong Kong Central or Kowloon.
- Autumn/Fall: September to November – This is rated as the best time to visit Hong Kong. You have nice sunny weather but humidity is at it’s lowest for the year. Rainfall is also low during these months.
5 BEST HIKES IN HONG KONG
I wrote a massive guide about the 21 Best Hikes in Hong Kong, but if you are only in Hong Kong for a week or less here are the five most epic routes.
IS IT SAFE TO HIKE IN HONG KONG?
Yes, it is generally safe to hike in Hong Kong. The government maintains the trails well and provides clear signs and instructions for hikers. However, like any outdoor activity, there are risks and precautions to consider. Here are a few safety tips:
- Weather: Hong Kong can be subject to extreme weather conditions such as typhoons and heavy rain. Always check the weather forecast before setting out on a hike.
- Preparation: Ensure you are in good health before embarking on a hike, and choose a trail that is suitable for your physical fitness and hiking experience. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and bring essentials like water, snacks, a map, a mobile phone, and a first-aid kit.
- Stay on the Path: Hong Kong’s hiking trails are well-marked. Staying on the path not only helps to protect the environment, but it can also prevent you from getting lost or encountering potentially dangerous terrain or wildlife.
- Inform Others: Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. This way, if anything were to happen, someone would know to look for you.
- Wildlife: While encounters with dangerous wildlife are rare, there can be snakes and wild boars in some areas. It’s important to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
- Group Hiking: Whenever possible, it’s safer to hike in groups. There are many hiking groups in Hong Kong that welcome both locals and visitors.
HONG KONG HIKING DIFFICULTY GRADING SYSTEM
In Hong Kong, hiking trails are typically classified using a grading system to denote difficulty, providing hikers with a clear idea of what to expect before they set foot on the trail. This system consists of three grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3.
- Grade 1 trails are considered the easiest and are generally suitable for beginners, families, and individuals seeking leisurely, low-impact hikes. These trails typically feature gentle slopes, well-paved paths, and fewer challenging sections.
- Grade 2 trails present a moderate challenge, with steeper slopes and possibly rougher terrains. They may require a bit more physical fitness and hiking experience.
- Grade 3 trails are the most challenging and are aimed at experienced and physically fit hikers. These trails often feature steep ascents and descents, rugged terrain, and potentially dangerous sections. It is important for hikers to be aware of these grades and assess their own fitness and experience levels before attempting a trail, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hiking experience in Hong Kong’s great outdoors.
BEST HIKING BASE: WHERE I STAYED IN HONG KONG
I suggest staying in the Kowloon region or Tsim Sha Tsui. I stayed in the Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district and it was perfect because you are in the middle of all the hikes. You are connected by train to Sai Kung and the New Territories above, have all the hikes in Kowloon on your doorstep and can shoot across via ferry or train to the hikes on Hong Kong Island. I also liked having Kowloon Park to workout and take a break from the skyscrapers.
I did also stay for two weeks in Hong Kong Central (Hong Kong Island) and that was good too. However, as you saw above only a handful of big hikes are on Hong Kong Central. Nothing is too far when you have an efficient train system of Hong Kong. If you are staying for a longer period of time you could split your time to stay on both sides. It’s nice to experience something different. I tried both sides but I was there for 30-days so that’s a pretty damn long visit.
The reality is that because the public transport is quite well connected, you can base anywhere in the city and can get to most hikes easily.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN HONG KONG
- Best Value Hotel: Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay – 4-star hotel for less than $100
- Best Value Luxury Hotel: Hotel ICON – $150 for a 5-star hotel with an epic pool
- Best Hiking/Adventure Base: Hotel Stage – Located in Kowloon and right next to lots of epic hikes.
Check out my full guide here: BEST AREAS TO STAY HONG KONG
WILDLIFE YOU MAY ENCOUNTER ON HONG KONG HIKING TRAILS
Hong Kong, though known for its skyscrapers and bustling city life, is home to an impressive array of wildlife that you can encounter while hiking its numerous trails. Here’s a brief overview:
- Birds: With over 530 species of birds recorded in Hong Kong, it’s a bird watcher’s paradise. Common species include the Black Kite, Egrets, and the Chinese Bulbul. In the wetlands and mangroves, you can spot birds like the Black-faced Spoonbill and Saunders’s Gull.
- Mammals: There are several species of mammals in Hong Kong’s country parks, the most notable being the Rhesus Macaque and Long-tailed Macaque monkeys. Sightings of Leopard Cats, Masked Palm Civets, and Chinese Ferret Badgers are less common but possible. Wild boars have been spotted more frequently in recent years, too.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Hong Kong is home to a variety of snakes, some of which are venomous, like the Many-banded Krait and the Chinese Cobra. There are also several species of turtles and frogs, such as the Romer’s Tree Frog, which is endemic to Hong Kong.
- Insects: Butterflies are a common sight on Hong Kong’s trails, with over 260 species found here. Dragonflies and damselflies are also plentiful near freshwater sources.
- Marine Life: Coastal trails, such as those on Lamma Island, can provide glimpses of Hong Kong’s rich marine life. Dolphins, such as the Chinese White Dolphin, can sometimes be seen from shore.
While encountering wildlife can be an exciting part of the hiking experience, it’s important to respect these creatures by maintaining a safe distance, not feeding them, and leaving their habitats undisturbed. Remember, you’re a guest in their home.
DO YOU NEED A VISA TO GET INTO HONG KONG?
For me as an Aussie, I was able to stay for three months without applying for a visa. Most European countries and US citizens also receive 3-months free-stay in Hong Kong. However, the duration and requirements do change country to country so you can head to this page on the government website to check the requirements and allowances for your nationality.
HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER HONG KONG ARTICLES?
- A complete guide to the best things to do: 27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG
- My favorite hikes in Hong Kong: 21 AWESOME HIKES IN HONG KONG
- How to plan your Hong Kong trip: 3-DAY HONG KONG ITINERARY FOR ADVENTURE-LOVERS
- The biggest ever guide for where to stay in Hong Kong: WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG: BEST AREAS & HOTELS
- My favorite EASY hikes: 10 EASY HIKING TRAILS IN HONG KONG
- The most luxurious places to stay: THE TOP 10 LUXURY HOTELS IN HONG KONG (5-STAR LIST)
- The ultimate adventure: EPIC HONG KONG HELICOPTER TOUR FROM THE PENINSULA HOTEL
- The toughest overall hike: WEST DOG’S TEETH HIKE ‘HARDEST HIKE IN HONG KONG’
- Best waterfall hike: TAI MO SHAN HIKE: THE HIGHEST PEAK IN HONG KONG
Hayley
Wednesday 30th of December 2020
It's great to hear about hiking trails from a visitors perspective. I have lived in Hong Kong with my husband for 5 years now and I find that when you have a busy lifestyle, the scenery around you can be taken for granted. Over this past year being unable to travel, it has really given me the chance to explore more of what is on my doorstep and reading your blog has really given me ideas and inspiration, so thank you!
Nina Angelica Calacal
Sunday 23rd of February 2020
I admire people who have enthusiasm, all the determination to do something they love. I love the passion and awesome photos. Great angle, spot and the spirit in you? Most of your photos i've been there too. Amazing life right! Keep exploring and always pray too. Goodluck to your next destinations! ?
Jackson
Wednesday 26th of February 2020
Thanks so much! I appreciate it
Victoria@international expat
Friday 14th of February 2020
Great blog format! Your photos are amazing, I have not seen anything like it. Thank, you inspired me. Hong Kong is definitely on my bucket list.
Jackson
Saturday 15th of February 2020
Thanks so much. I appreciate the compliment as a lot of time went into all of these Hong Kong hikes but also writing this Hiking guide for Hong Kong :) Hope it serves you well
Laura
Sunday 19th of January 2020
Awesome post and beautiful photos! My sister lives in Hong Kong so I'm making a note of this article for when I got to visit her. Had no idea HK has so many amazing hikes. Cheers!
Jackson
Sunday 2nd of February 2020
Yea sweet. So much to explore. Enjoy!