The Finest Hikes In Hong Kong For Nature Amongst The skyscrapers…

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In case you’re planning a visit to Hong Kong, you’re in all probability considering of dim sum, skyscrapers, and flashing neon lights. Positive, you possibly can see all that, however do you know that 75% of Hong Kong is open countryside, which means you possibly can get pleasure from an abundance of nature.

Mountaineering in Hong Kong is likely one of the most unforgettable actions, and is likely one of the hottest past-times for the native folks right here. You’ll be able to hike to see gorgeous Victoria Peak views, to pristine seashores, round distant islands, up rocky mountain-sides to misty mountain peaks – the various number of nature settings means you could at all times expertise one thing completely different and distinctive on each hike.

Hong Kong’s hikes are additionally vastly completely different by way of issue and size – you could find brief, family-friendly hikes, or lengthy multi-day hikes.

However if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of town, and also you’re undecided which hikes in Hong Kong are best for you, then right here we’ve listed our favorites!

The Finest Hikes in Hong Kong

The next hikes are organised from simple to most difficult.

Dragons’ Again, Hong Kong Island

• Distance: Four.7 km
• Elevation: 170 meters
• Time to finish: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Issue: simple
• Path head location: get a taxi or minibus to this location.

For hikers in search of one thing simple and family-friendly, then the Dragon’s Again Path is the one most locals will suggest to you.

Time journal as soon as named the Dragon’s Again mountain climbing path as Asia’s finest city hike.

It’s simple to see why!

The path has scenic views of the southern aspect of Hong Kong Island all through, and has a straightforward terrain.

The primary part of the hike is usually uphill, and from the highest it has a mild up and down elevation. It will get its identify as a result of the path resembles the rocky again of a dragon.

You’ll be able to end your hike from both Shek O seashore of Large Wave Bay, the place you possibly can cool off with a swim, or get a minibus again to Causeway Bay.

Victoria Peak Loop, Hong Kong Island

• Distance: Three.7 km (2.2 miles)
• Elevation: 133 metres
• Time to finish: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Issue: simple
• Path head location: from this path close to The Peak

In case you’re in Hong Kong for a brief layover, or haven’t bought a number of time for a hike, then the Victoria Peak loop is the very best one to do.

Not solely do you get wonderful views throughout Victoria Harbour and of the Kowloon peninsula, however you may as well admire views of the South China Sea to the south of the island.

The round path wraps across the base of Victoria Peak, the very best peak on Hong Kong Island, and affords coastal views all through.

It’s a straightforward hike with little elevation and a paved floor, and we’ve even seen folks pushing strollers alongside it.

10,000 Buddha Monastery (Man Fats Sze), New Territories

• Distance: 1.8km (1.1 miles)
• Elevation: roughly 217 meters
• Time to finish: 15 minute stroll, enable an hour to discover the monastery and do the hike
• Issue: simple
• Path head location: discover the trail from right here behind the Immigration Division constructing in Sha Tin.

The 10,000 Buddha Monastery is a pleasant discovery nested within the Po Fook Hill mountains in Sha Tin.

It’s composed of 1 essential temple corridor, a nine-story pagoda and several other shrines, halls and pavilions unfold over two essential ranges on the aspect of the mountain.

The expertise begins with a steep climb up 420 steps lined with golden Buddhas in a wide range of poses with a wide range of expressions.

As we walked up, we took our time, pausing to catch our breath and admire the main points on the statues. We had by no means seen so many Buddhas earlier than. The overhanging timber supplied welcome shade and reduction from the warmth.

We additionally held our luggage shut as Macaque monkeys stealthily adopted us alongside the leafy switchbacks of the hill, and they’re identified to be artful and take issues out of your bag pockets!

On the prime, there’s a lavishly embellished temple. Inside are 1000’s of miniature Buddha states masking the partitions.

Outdoors within the grounds, there are two terraced ranges with colourful pavilions, shrines, temples and rock gardens.

Most putting was the 9 story Pagoda, which is difficult to overlook. We spent a very long time exploring the grounds and absorbing the serenity and having a tea from the restaurant.

It’s a good looking house and extra quieter and extra peaceable than different temples in Hong Kong or the Large Buddha on Lantau Island.

It was a type of journey experiences that I’ll at all times keep in mind as one thing so sudden and surprisingly good.

It’s a straightforward hike and not too removed from town – only a 40-minute practice experience from Central after which a 10 min stroll from the station.

Mini Nice Wall Hike, Cheung Chau

• Distance: 7.49 km (Four.6 miles)
• Elevation: 160 metres
• Time to finish: 2.5 hours
• Issue: simple
• Path head location: the beginning of the Mini Nice Wall part begins from right here, however we suggest ranging from Tung Wan Seaside

We needed so as to add slightly extra leisure to our couple’s getaway, so we jumped on a ferry to Cheung Chau, an outlying island solely 40 minutes boat experience from Central in Hong Kong.

It’s solely a small island, however with seashores, temples, and a loop hike across the complete island, there’s lots to do for the day.

Getting round is by foot or bicycles as motorized automobiles are usually not allowed!

We walked straight over to the other aspect of the island to Tun Wan Seaside earlier than setting out on a path alongside the Southern aspect of the island.

The path, generally known as the Mini Nice Wall, snakes the hilly aspect of the coast, and takes you around the southern tip and again to the village.

There are lookout pavilions and gorgeous views of the ocean and outer islands.

We barely noticed one other particular person on the path. It was unbelievable to have come from rubbing shoulders with 1000’s in Hong Kong to all this house and serenity to ourselves. Even within the harbour we noticed few vacationers.

We didn’t make it to the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, which is a well-liked spot tucked into the southwest nook of the island and has a historical past of pirates and hidden treasures.

We turned again on the finish of the Little Nice Wall with views of the wild southeast coast. Persevering with will take you to by bamboo forests and beautiful seashores and rocky headlands.

I needed we stored going, however we needed to get again to the harbour to feast on scrumptious seafood at one of many eating places alongside the waterfront promenade earlier than heading again to central Hong Kong.

Of all of the thrilling and enjoyable issues we did in Hong Kong, our day journey to Cheung Chau is what we discuss probably the most.

It was quiet and fairly and an sudden treasure of Hong Kong and made us wish to return to find extra hidden treasures amongst its pure magnificence.

Tai O to Kau Ling Chung, Lantau Path Part 7

Tai O, a village on the island of Lantau, retains a wealth of eco-cultural treasures, together with stilt homes, salt subject relics and Chinese language Pink Dolphins, which dwell within the waters surrounding the realm.

On this Hong Kong hike you may as well expertise farming on the close by village of Yi O, the place terraced rice paddies can nonetheless be discovered, earlier than persevering with alongside a path that hugs the coast till it reaches the western aspect of the island.

This path is known as the Lantau Path part 7. The Lantau Path is a big, 70 kilometres hike that wraps round the entire island. Because it’s not doable to do that a lot mountain climbing in a single journey, we suggest doing one part of it.

We selected part 7 as a result of it incorporates Hong Kong’s rural villages, dense forests, distant seashores, and unspoiled pure magnificence.

Wu Kau Tang to Lai Chi Wo, New Territories

• Distance: 11.6 km
• Elevation: 332 meters
• Time to finish: Three hours
• Issue: reasonable
• Path head location: the distant village of Wu Kau Tang

400 years in the past, Lai Chi Wo was as soon as among the many most prosperous villages within the Northeastern New Territories. The homes and the woods behind the village stay nicely preserved.

The village can also be extremely distant, and solely accessible by a 5 km path that’s solely massive sufficient to hike – you possibly can’t even drive there!

The path passes by a densely forested space, earlier than reaching the spectacular reddish shoreline to the most important mattress of Coastal Heritiera (Heritiera littoralis) in Hong Kong.

Look out for the White-flower Derris, which kinds a ‘pure swing’ alongside the mangroves.

Sharp Island, Sai Kung

• Distance: Four.eight km
• Elevation: 219 meters
• Time to finish: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Issue: reasonable
• Path head location: get the ferry from Sai Kung Pier

In Sai Kung, there’s a caldera, which is the results of a volcanic eruption.

This space is filled with tiny, distant islands and rocky formations, which you’ll be able to see not removed from Sai Kung City.

Take a brief ferry over to Sharp Island, the place you possibly can hike over this distant, uninhabited island and admire the attention-grabbing geological formations.

Don’t skip the seashore originally and search for aged rocks specimens, minerals, fossils and proof of tidal influences.

Stroll over a naturally occurring 250-metre-long tombolo from Sharp Island to succeed in Kiu Tau, earlier than heading again to Sai Kung Pier.

Tung Lung Chau

• Distance: eight.2 km
• Elevation: 452 meters
• Time to finish: Three hours
• Issue: reasonable
• Path head location: from the pier on Tung Lung Chau, head in a westerly path

Most individuals suppose probably the most distant and delightful a part of Hong Kong is the Sai Kung shoreline, however these folks haven’t been to Tung Lung Chau.

This distant, uninhabited island sits on the far west of Hong Kong and is simply accessible by a small, native boat, referred to as a kaito ferry, leaving from Sam Ka Tsuen in Kowloon, and one other from Sai Wan Ho on Hong Kong Island.

Each routes function solely at weekends and on public holidays.

This hilly island is thought for its open, bush wacking path with unbelievable coastal views from all sides.

Head to the army/broadcast station to see probably the most windswept and thrilling views. There’s additionally a novel rock carving on the east aspect of the island, not removed from the ferry pier, value trying out.

Ap Lei Chau

• Distance: Three.7 km
• Elevation: 315 metres
• Time to finish: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Issue: reasonable
• Path head location: the trailhead is situated right here behind the Lei Tung Property

The Ap Lei Chau hike is just not a very lengthy, nor excessive, hike, and so many individuals suppose it’s simple.

It’s to not be underestimated. This hike takes you up the Ap Lei Chau mountain peak, generally known as Mount Johnson, earlier than descending the opposite aspect to a spit, connecting it to its smaller island, Ap Lei Pai.

This descent is the difficult bit. It’s steep, rocky, and sandy, and may be treacherous for those who’re not cautious.

Luckily there’s a rope to carry on to for those who’re not assured in your toes. We’ve additionally seen some folks sliding down on their bum!

It’s value it although, because the distant, windswept Ap Lei Pai is attractive, and for those who make it to the decrease west aspect of the island, you’ll discover a pure swimming gap to chill off in.

It is a level to level path, so it is advisable to return the best way you got here.

The MacLehose Path (Part 2)

The MacLehose Path is a demanding 100-kilometre route throughout the New Territories, ranging from Sai Kung within the East and lengthening throughout all the nation, and ending on Lantau Island within the West.

It was chosen as one of many world’s 20 “dream trails” by Nationwide Geographic, and it’s simple to see why.

It encompasses the very best of Hong Kong, and actually reveals how a lot and the way various the nation’s nature actually is.

Whereas most individuals don’t have time to hike all the 100km, those that wish to hike a brief part of it may well achieve this because it’s conveniently break up up into 16 sections.

Essentially the most stunning sections, which most individuals will agree, is part 2, which passes alongside the shoreline in Sai Kung. Part 1 is principally up a highway and boring, so we suggest skipping it and getting a taxi to part 2 on the UESCO World Geopark.

This part hugs the coast all the manner earlier than reducing into the forest and passes by the distant village of Sai Wan, earlier than traversing onto the pristine seashores of Lengthy Ke Wan and Ham Tin.

The official path cuts into the mountains right here, however for those who needed extra seashores, you might stroll on from Ham Tin to Tai Wan Seaside, a couple of 15-20 minute stroll from right here, whic his our favourite seashore in Hong Kong.

It’s so wild and distant, and untouched, you’ll neglect that Hong Kong even has skyscrapers. You’ll be able to add extra problem to your hike by mountain climbing up the close by Sharp Peak, or save that one for one more day.

Lion’s Rock

• Distance: 7.2 km
• Elevation: 552 metres
• Time to finish: Three hours
• Issue: reasonably difficult
• Path head location: the trailhead is on the finish of the highway behind the Tsz Wan Kok Temple

Anybody who has already been mountain climbing in Hong Kong was in all probability questioning after they began studying this information when Lion’s Rock Nation Park would come up.

It’s arguably probably the most well-known hike in Hong Kong, identified for its views over Kowloon, Victoria Harbour, and Victoria Peak within the distance, in addition to the limestone rock formation which from the bottom degree wanting up, resembles a lion’s head.

The Lion Rock hike isn’t the prettiest hike to start with. A lot of the path follows a highway which winds up the steep mountain aspect for many of the manner, earlier than the path cuts into the dense, untamed brush.

You can also make this hike simpler by taking a taxi up this highway, however the place’s the enjoyable in that?

If you get off the highway the path turns into free underfoot, steep, and has some rocky sections. There are areas that require scrambling, and for those who’re not cautious, you might take a mistaken flip and find yourself on the fringe of a steep cliff.

The views from the highest are definitely worth the effort although. It’s significantly good at sundown, simply convey a torch that will help you in your manner down and stick with the trail.

Ng Tung Chai to Tai Mo Shan

• Distance: 9.5 km
• Elevation: 849 metres
• Time to finish: Four hours (although for those who’re swimming within the waterfalls, enable not less than 6 hours)
• Issue: reasonably difficult
• Path head location: begin from the village of Ng Tung Chai right here

Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak, and it actually interprets to Large Misty Mountain – the rationale for that turns into clear whenever you attain the highest, as I’ve hardly ever seen it on a transparent day!

The path to the highest of Tai Mo Shan is steep and difficult, and requires a great deal of bodily exercise to do it.

The principle path principally follows a highway, so we suggest taking the Ng Tung Chai path which passes three stunning waterfalls that you simply swim in on the best way up.

Though you’re unlikely to get unbelievable views from the highest, having the ability to say you reached the very best level in Hong Kong is nothing to be modest about.

That is one path the place the journey is best than the vacation spot.

Twin Peaks / Wilson Path Part 1

• Distance:
• Elevation:
• Time to finish:
• Issue: reasonably difficult
• Path head location: begin from this highway and head south (backwards on the Wilson Path)

Whereas the MacLehose path goes from East to West, the Wilson Path goes from South to North.

The entire path extends for 81 km (50 miles) and passes by Hong Kong’s countryside and concrete landscapes.

The primary part is on Hong Kong island, and is typically known as Twin Peaks. It’s because the path requires you to hike up two excessive peaks, earlier than descending the opposite aspect.

I’d additionally suggest doing this hike backwards, from the north heading south. That is so that there’s much less of an upward climb to do (thank me later).

You can even lengthen this hike to incorporate Violet Hill.

Though this hike isn’t probably the most difficult of the hikes, there’s a part that requires you to hike up round 1,200 stairs – and belief me, your thighs will really feel it the subsequent day!

West Canine’s Tooth Hike

• Distance: eight.5 km
• Elevation: 930 meters
• Time to finish: Three-Four hours
• Issue: difficult
• Path head location: begin from right here, and observe the Shek Pik Nation Path till you see an indication for West Canines Tooth in your proper. It can appear to be a steep boulder…sure, that’s the best way up!

That is probably the most difficult hike I’ve completed in Hong Kong, and there have been moments the place I genuinely was scared to proceed.

Different folks will disagree although, and say it’s not that unhealthy. Nonetheless, that is my opinion, and I don’t suppose you must deal with this one until you’re an skilled hiker.

The path requires a number of scrambling over rocks and boulders, and it’s steep many of the manner. It will get its identify from the path resembling sharp, pointy canines tooth…you get the concept then!

It is a very rugged, unmaintained path as much as Lantau Peak, and also can incorporate Sundown Peak too if you wish to lengthen it.

The views are unbelievable, undoubtedly among the finest I’ve ever seen. And for those who do make it to the height at Sundown – you’ll perceive why there’s a mountain referred to as Sundown Peak whenever you see it.

Remaining Ideas

So there you might have it, these are among the finest hikes in Hong Kong. As you possibly can see, there are stunning seashores, marshes, wetlands teeming with life, and loads of outside adventures available in Hong Kong’s nature spots.

We couldn’t function the entire hikes in Hong Kong, there are over 520 of them, however we really feel these hikes are the very best in Hong Kong’s 1,108 sq. kilometers of countryside.

Mountaineering is one thing I had by no means thought of about Hong Kong till our expat good friend informed us that was the place the sweetness lay.

Hong Kong is not only town, however a area comprised of over 200 offshore islands and greater than 330 hills!! That opens up an entire world of mountain climbing experiences for you.

We don’t need you visiting Hong Kong considering it’s only a metropolis stuffed with skyscrapers like we did.

As nature lovers, and outside adventurers, we made a plan and left the skyscrapers behind. Do you suppose we made the suitable alternative? Tell us what you suppose within the feedback.

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