The One Hike to Do in Hong Kong: A Visitor's Guide
If you only have time for one hike in Hong Kong, the answer depends on what kind of experience you're after. Here are the top contenders, each offering something different, followed by our ultimate recommendation.
The Contenders
Dragon's Back
Why it's famous: Consistently rated one of the best urban hikes in Asia, Dragon's Back offers stunning coastal views, a dramatic ridgeline walk, and ends at Big Wave Bay Beach.
The experience: The trail follows an undulating ridge on Hong Kong Island's southeastern coast, with panoramic views of Shek O, Tai Long Wan, and the South China Sea on one side, and Stanley and Tai Tam Harbour on the other. The dragon's spine formation of the ridge is spectacular.
Difficulty: Moderate. About 8.5km, taking 3-4 hours. Some steep sections but manageable for most fitness levels.
Access: Easy to reach by bus or taxi to Shek O Road. Exit at To Tei Wan or take bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR.
Best for: Those wanting coastal scenery, achievable challenge, and a beach reward at the end.
Lion Rock
Why it's iconic: Lion Rock is the spiritual symbol of Hong Kong, representing the city's resilience and can-do spirit. The view from the top encompasses the entire urban landscape.
The experience: A steep climb up to the lion's "head" at 495 meters, offering 360-degree views of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories. You'll feel like you're standing above the entire city.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. About 5-6km round trip, 2-3 hours. Steep climbing and some scrambling near the summit.
Access: Start from Wong Tai Sin MTR or Choi Hung MTR. Well-connected and right in the city.
Best for: Those wanting to experience Hong Kong's iconic symbol and see the urban sprawl from above.
Lantau Peak (Sunset Peak)
Why it's breathtaking: Hong Kong's second-highest peak at 869 meters offers sunrise and sunset views that are simply unmatched, with clouds often rolling below you.
The experience: A substantial mountain hike with alpine-like scenery (unusual for Hong Kong). On clear days, you can see across the entire territory and into mainland China.
Difficulty: Challenging. About 6-8km, 3-4 hours. Steep ascents and high altitude.
Access: Requires travel to Lantau Island. Start from Pak Kung Au (take bus 3M from Tung Chung MTR).
Best for: Serious hikers wanting a mountain experience and willing to wake early or stay late.
Victoria Peak via Peak Circle Walk or Hong Kong Trail Section 1
Why it's accessible: The most tourist-friendly option, offering excellent views with minimal effort, or you can extend it into a proper hike.
The experience: The Peak Circle Walk is an easy 3.5km loop taking about an hour. For something more substantial, take the Hong Kong Trail Section 1 from the Peak to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir through lush forest.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on route chosen.
Access: Peak Tram from Central (iconic experience) or buses/taxis to the Peak.
Best for: Those with limited time or fitness, families, or anyone wanting easy views.
Our Recommendation: Dragon's Back
For most visitors with time for just one hike, Dragon's Back is the perfect choice. Here's why:
It hits the sweet spot for difficulty. It's challenging enough to feel like a real hike but accessible enough that you don't need to be an experienced hiker. You'll work up a sweat, but you won't be gasping for air.
The scenery is spectacularly diverse. You get mountains, coastline, beaches, islands, and ocean views all in one hike. It captures Hong Kong's unique geography—where mountains meet the sea—better than any other trail.
It's convenient. You can do it in a half-day, leaving time for other activities. The access is straightforward, and you end at Big Wave Bay Beach where you can swim, have a beer, or grab food.
It feels like an adventure without being intimidating. The exposed ridgeline gives you that exhilarating feeling of being high up on a mountain spine, but there's no dangerous scrambling or technical sections.
It photographs beautifully. Every turn offers Instagram-worthy views, and the late afternoon light is particularly stunning.
How to Do Dragon's Back
Start: Take MTR to Shau Kei Wan station, then bus 9 toward Shek O. Get off at To Tei Wan (around 20 minutes). Look for the trail sign.
Route: Follow Hong Kong Trail Section 8. The path is well-marked and well-maintained. The trail climbs to the ridge, follows the dragon's spine, then descends to Big Wave Bay.
Timing: Start early morning (8-9am) or mid-afternoon (2-3pm) to avoid the midday heat. The hike takes 3-4 hours depending on your pace and photo stops.
What to bring:
1.5-2 liters of water per person (there's nowhere to refill)
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)—much of the trail is exposed
Snacks or lunch
Proper footwear (trail runners or hiking shoes)
Swimwear if you want to swim at Big Wave Bay
Light rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
Exit: From Big Wave Bay, catch bus 9 back to Shau Kei Wan MTR, or walk 20 minutes to Shek O village for seafood restaurants before taking the bus.
Best seasons: October to April offers cooler, clearer weather. Avoid summer (June-August) when it's hot, humid, and hazy. Check the weather forecast and air quality before going.
If Dragon's Back Doesn't Suit You
Choose Lion Rock instead if: You want something more culturally significant, prefer urban views over coastal scenery, or are staying in Kowloon and want something nearby.
Choose Victoria Peak if: You have very limited time, questionable weather (it's still worthwhile even if misty), or are traveling with young children or elderly family members.
Choose Lantau Peak if: You're an experienced hiker, want a serious mountain challenge, and are willing to commit to a very early start or late afternoon climb for the best light.
The Bottom Line
Hong Kong's hiking is world-class, and you're spoiled for choice. But if I could only send a visitor on one trail, it would be Dragon's Back every time. It perfectly encapsulates what makes Hong Kong special—dramatic natural beauty thriving alongside one of the world's most dense cities, all accessible within an hour of downtown. You'll finish feeling like you've truly experienced Hong Kong beyond the skyscrapers and dim sum restaurants.
