Hong Kong is best known for its massive skyscrapers and astonishing urban cityscapes. However, it’s worth venturing into its lush greenery, hilly terrain and surrounding water. Whether you want to spend time with friends and family or de-stress from a busy week, walking in nature is always a good option.
To find the best hikes across the city, we spoke to Cathy Hilborn Feng, the health and wellness editor at South China Morning Post. She has hiked more than 250 peaks in Hong Kong – multiple times. Check out her top five recommendations for easy yet picturesque climbs that are perfect for beginners.
Tip: Use a physical activity app like Strava to stay organised. It can keep you connected with other hikers and guide you through the trails. It is also a great way to reflect on completed hikes.
1. Lamma Island Family Walk Trail
This hike is the perfect introduction to Lamma Island’s extraordinary greenery and beautiful views. Located between the island’s two main regions, Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan, this 5km track only takes about an hour and a half, making it ideal for beginners.
As you walk, you will begin exploring the inner areas of Lamma. For example, Mount Stenhouse – the tallest peak on the island – has a path that takes you to the magnificent Sham Wan Beach, where you might be able to find Hong Kong’s endangered green turtles.
“You’d be amazed how many people live in Hong Kong and never get to the islands,” Hilborn Feng said.
How to get there: Catch a ferry from Central or Aberdeen to Yung Shue Wan Village on Lamma Island. The Lamma Island Family Walk Trail concludes at Sok Kwu Wan, where you can take a ferry back to Central Pier 4.
2. Dragon’s Back
Part of the famous Hong Kong Trail, Dragon’s Back is one of the most well-known urban hikes in Hong Kong. Scaling this mountain ridge will give you access to panoramic views of beaches and other gorgeous sights.
The journey is around 8.5km long and takes two to three hours. The trail ends at one of the city’s most well-known beaches, Big Wave Bay. Here, you will find showers, changing rooms, barbecue pits and a food kiosk – everything you need to cool off and celebrate finishing the hike.
How to get there: From the Shau Kei Wan MTR station, take Exit A2 and walk to the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. Take bus 9 to To Tei Wan and get off at the Dragon’s Back stop on Shek O Road. When you’re done with the hike, follow the small trail from Big Wave Bay Beach to the bus stop. There, you can catch a bus heading back to the Shau Kei Wan MTR station.
3. Shing Mun War Relics Trail
Located in the New Territories, the Shing Mun War Relics Trail is the shortest stage of the 100km MacLehose Trail. Unlike other hikes, this one includes a historical wartime relic.
Lying on the Gin Drinkers Line, a British defensive fort designed to repel Japanese forces in World War II, the trail allows you to explore the remaining tunnels, artilleries and bunkers. As you venture further, you will even find tunnels built by the Japanese.
Scenic and relatively easy to walk, this is a perfect way to connect with nature and the city’s history. Hilborn Feng noted that much of it is shaded, making it suitable for hotter days, and “it’s not too far away from civilisation”. Be careful of monkeys along the trail!
How to get there: Take green minibus 82 from Tsuen Wan MTR station to Pineapple Dam, section 6 of the MacLehose trail. The trail ends at Shing Mun Reservoir, a short walk from a nearby bus stop.
4. Little Hawaii
Named for its tropical vibe, Little Hawaii is an easy trail that transports you to another world.
Only about 5km long, this two-hour open-air walk’s scenic beauty includes waterfalls, rivers and greenery. Its surface is partially paved, making it suitable for younger hikers.
You can expect crowds if you visit on the weekend, so try to go on a weekday. Don’t forget to bring your mosquito spray!
How to get there: This hike is located in Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O. If you prefer to travel by bus, take KMB bus 92 from Diamond Hill to Tseng Lan Shue. If you’re taking the MTR, get off at Po Lam MTR station and take Exit C, heading towards Tseung Kwan O Village Public Toilet. From there, it’s a short walk to the trail. The trail finishes at Tai Long Wan, where you can find a bus stop nearby.
5. Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve
Last but not least is the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, which consists of nine easy trails that are worth visiting at least once during your time in Hong Kong.
Although we don’t recommend hiking during very hot weather, the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve has several streams that are perfect for cooling down.
These trails are known to be the best places to see forest birds and other wildlife. Foreign tree species like paperbark trees and the Taiwan acacia were planted following the second world war, revitalising the area with flora and fauna.
The various trails are colour-coded for convenience: yellow and brown trails cover 10km and have a higher altitude, while the blue and red trails are shorter and will keep you close to the forest and streams.
Hilborn Feng said you may see animals like boars, snakes and even porcupines.
How to get there: Take bus 72 to Tai Po Mei from Tai Po Market MTR station.
