Hiking And The Outdoors In Hong Kong

Part of our Hong Kong guide.

Hong Kong has more hikes than any visitor expects. This guide covers 13 of the best trails, from waterfall chases to ridge-line epics. Start with the essentials in Hong Kong if you are new, then pick a route by difficulty and location.

Braemar Hill Hike In Hong Kong: The Hiker's Guide

Braemar Hill sits on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island, a short walk from Causeway Bay. The main trail climbs from Braemar Hill Road, gaining about 200 meters over roughly 2.5 kilometers to the summit. You will see Victoria Harbour, the surrounding islands, and the Hong Kong skyline from the top. The path passes through secondary forest where you may spot butterflies, birds, and small lizards. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, and bring water because there is no tap on the route.

Hike From DB To Mui Wo

This hike crosses Lantau Island from Discovery Bay on the east coast to Mui Wo on the west, covering about 10 kilometers. You start near the Discovery Bay ferry pier and climb through the Mui Wo catchment area, passing the old village of Nim Shue Wan and then ascending through grassland and scattered woodland. The trail takes 3 to 4 hours at a steady pace, with a few steep sections near the midpoint. You finish at Mui Wo's waterfront, where ferries return to Central or Discovery Bay. The path is well marked, but parts are exposed, so carry sun protection and more water than you think you need.

Devil's Peak Hike In Hong Kong: The Hiker's Guide

Devil's Peak rises 222 meters (728 feet) on the eastern side of the Kowloon Peninsula. It is part of the Southern Hill range and is located within a country park area. The standard route starts at the Devil's Peak car park off Fei Ngo Shan Road, following a paved path to the old military ruins and then a dirt trail to the summit. You get wide views of Victoria Harbor, the Lei Yue Mun channel, and the distant skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island. Round trip is about 2 kilometers and takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

Ma On Shan Hike, Hong Kong: The Hiker's Guide

Ma On Shan, meaning "Saddle Peak" in Cantonese, sits in the eastern New Territories and is named for its horse-saddle profile. The most direct route starts at Ma On Shan Tsuo village, climbing steeply through scrub and boulder fields for about 2.5 kilometers to the 702-meter summit. From the top, you see Tolo Harbour, the Pat Sin Leng range, and on clear days as far as Shenzhen. The hike takes 3 to 4 hours round trip, and the trail is rocky, so wear grippy shoes. There is no shade, so start early in summer.

Hikes: The Twins

The Twins, also called Twin South and Twin North, are two adjacent peaks in the New Territories near Shek O. The hike connects them via a ridge that climbs about 400 meters over 3 kilometers, with several steep stone steps. You get panoramic views of the Shek O peninsula, the outlying islands, and the distant city skyline. The full loop takes 3 to 4 hours, and the trail is exposed, so carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person. The start is at the car park near Shek O Road, and the path is well trodden but requires care on the rocky sections.

Hiking The Rhino Rock Trail In Stanley, Hong Kong

The Rhino Rock Trail in Stanley is a short walk on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. The trail starts at the Stanley Ma Hang Park entrance, climbs gently through woodland for about 1.5 kilometers, and arrives at a large rock formation that resembles a rhino. You continue to a viewpoint over Stanley Bay and the surrounding islands, then return the same way or loop back via the coastal path. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours total, and the path is shaded for most of the way.

21 Hikes In Hong Kong: Top Hiking Trails To Explore

This roundup lists 21 of the best hiking trails across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, from easy walks to full-day epics. Each entry gives the trailhead, distance, time, and difficulty, so you can match a route to your fitness and experience. Highlights include the Dragon's Back, the MacLehose Trail sections, and the coastal paths of Sai Kung. For a complete list with maps and transport details, see our top 20 things to do in Hong Kong, which includes the easiest access points.

Sharp Peak Hike In Sai Kung, Hong Kong: The Hiker's Guide

Sharp Peak, at 468 meters, is the highest point on the Sai Kung Peninsula and one of Hong Kong's toughest day hikes. The standard route starts at the Sai Wan Pavilion, follows the coast past Tai Long Wan beach, then climbs steeply over boulders and loose scree for about 2 hours to the summit. The view takes in the four bays of Tai Long Wan, the islands of the eastern waters, and the rugged ridges of the peninsula. Allow 5 to 6 hours round trip, and carry at least 2 liters of water per person because there is no reliable source on the mountain. The trail is not for beginners, and the final 200 meters require using hands on the rock.

Ng Tung Chai Waterfall Hike In Hong Kong: Hiker's Guide

Ng Tung Chai, meaning "Five Fingers of the Old Tree," is a series of waterfalls in the New Territories' Tai Mo Shan area. The hike starts at the Ng Tung Chai village car park, following a clear path along the stream for about 3 kilometers. You pass the Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls, with the highest drop at around 35 meters. The trail climbs about 400 meters in elevation, taking 2 to 3 hours one way. The pools are popular for a swim, but the rocks are slippery, so take care. The area is closed after heavy rain, so check conditions before setting out.

Pat Sin Leng Hike: Epic Ridge Trail In Hong Kong

Pat Sin Leng, or "The Eight Immortals Ridge," is a 8-kilometer ridge in the northeastern New Territories that runs parallel to the coast. The trail starts at the Bride's Pool car park, climbs steadily for about 1 hour, then follows the ridge over eight named peaks, the highest of which is 585 meters. You look down on the Tolo Channel, the island of Tap Mun, and the mainland hills. The full traverse takes 4 to 5 hours, ending at the Tai Mei Tuk bus stop. The ridge is exposed and windy, so bring a windbreaker and sun protection.

Lantau Peak Hike In Hong Kong: The Hiker's Guide

Lantau Peak, also known as Fung Wong Shan, is the second highest peak in Hong Kong at 934 meters (3,064 feet). The most common route starts at the Ngong Ping village, following the paved trail up past the Big Buddha for about 2.5 kilometers. The climb is steep but steady, taking 1.5 to 2 hours to the summit, where you see the South China Sea, the airport, and on clear days, the mountains of the mainland. Many hikers start before dawn to catch the sunrise, and the trail is lit by the glow of the airport. Allow 3 to 4 hours round trip, and carry warm layers because the summit is often windy and cool.

Tai To Yan Hike: An Epic Ridge Trail In Hong Kong

Tai To Yan, or "Big Knife Ridge," is a 500-meter peak in the central New Territories. The hike starts at the Kam Shek Road car park, climbing through grassland and scattered trees for about 3 kilometers to the summit. The ridge walk continues for another 2 kilometers, with steep drops on both sides and wide views over the Kam Tin plains and the Tsuen Wan skyline. The full route takes 3 to 4 hours, and the path is narrow in places, so it is best for hikers comfortable with exposure. There is no shade, so carry plenty of water.

West Dog's Teeth Hike: The 'Hardest' Hike In Hong Kong

West Dog's Teeth, part of the Sai Kung range, is widely considered the hardest hike in Hong Kong due to its continuous steep scrambles and exposed ridges. The route is not a single trail but a series of rock climbs and descents over several peaks, with the highest point at 604 meters. Most hikers start from the Sai Wan Pavilion, following the coast for 1 hour, then attacking the ridge directly up a near-vertical slope that requires using hands and feet for about 300 meters. The full traverse takes 6 to 8 hours, and there is no water or shade anywhere on the mountain. Only attempt this hike with prior experience, proper footwear, and at least 3 liters of water per person. Many sections are not marked, so a GPS or map is essential.