The Perfect Hikes In Hong Kong For Nature Amongst The Skyscrapers

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In case you’re making plans a go back and forth to Hong Kong, you’re most definitely considering of dim sum, skyscrapers, and flashing neon lighting. Positive, you’ll be able to see all that, however do you know that 75% of Hong Kong is open geographical region, which means you’ll be able to experience an abundance of nature.

Mountaineering in Hong Kong is without doubt one of the maximum unforgettable actions, and is without doubt one of the most well liked past-times for the area people right here. You’ll be able to hike to peer shocking Victoria Height perspectives, to pristine seashores, round far flung islands, up rocky mountain-sides to misty mountain peaks – the various number of nature settings signifies that you’ll be able to at all times enjoy one thing other and distinctive on each hike.

Hong Kong’s hikes also are hugely other on the subject of problem and duration – you’ll be able to in finding brief, family-friendly hikes, or lengthy multi-day hikes.

However if you wish to get away the hustle and bustle of town, and also you’re now not positive which hikes in Hong Kong are best for you, then right here we’ve indexed our favorites!

The Perfect Hikes in Hong Kong

The next hikes are organised from simple to maximum difficult.

Dragons’ Again, Hong Kong Island

• Distance: 4.7 km
• Elevation: 170 meters
• Time to finish: 1 hour half-hour
• 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 only maximum locals will counsel to you.

Time mag as soon as named the Dragon’s Again mountain climbing path as Asia’s absolute best city hike.

It’s simple to peer why!

The path has scenic perspectives of the southern facet of Hong Kong Island right through, and has a very easy terrain.

The primary phase of the hike is most commonly uphill, and from the highest it has a steady up and down elevation. It will get its identify for the reason that path resembles the rocky again of a dragon.

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

Victoria Height Loop, Hong Kong Island

• Distance: 3.7 km (2.2 miles)
• Elevation: 133 metres
• Time to finish: 1 hour 10 mins
• Issue: simple
• Path head location: from this path near The Peak

In case you’re in Hong Kong for a brief layover, or haven’t were given a large number of time for a hike, then the Victoria Height loop is the most efficient one to do.

No longer handiest do you get superb perspectives throughout Victoria Harbour and of the Kowloon peninsula, however you’ll be able to additionally appreciate perspectives of the South China Sea to the south of the island.

The round path wraps across the base of Victoria Height, the best possible top on Hong Kong Island, and gives coastal perspectives right through.

It’s a very easy hike with little elevation and a paved floor, and we’ve even observed other folks pushing strollers alongside it.

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

• Distance: 1.8km (1.1 miles)
• Elevation: roughly 217 meters
• Time to finish: 15 minute stroll, permit an hour to discover the monastery and do the hike
• Issue: simple
• Path head location: find the path from here in the back of the Immigration Division construction in Sha Tin.

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

It’s composed of 1 major temple corridor, a nine-story pagoda and a number of other shrines, halls and pavilions unfold over two major ranges at the facet of the mountain.

The enjoy starts with a steep climb up 420 steps coated with golden Buddhas in a number of poses with a number of expressions.

As we walked up, we took our time, pausing to catch our breath and appreciate the main points at the statues. We had by no means observed such a lot of Buddhas sooner than. The overhanging bushes equipped welcome coloration and reduction from the warmth.

We additionally held our baggage shut as Macaque monkeys stealthily adopted us alongside the leafy switchbacks of the hill, and they’re identified to be cunning and take issues from your bag wallet!

On the most sensible, there’s a lavishly embellished temple. Inside of are 1000’s of miniature Buddha states protecting the partitions.

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

Maximum putting was once the 9 tale Pagoda, which is difficult to leave out. We spent a very long time exploring the grounds and absorbing the serenity and having a tea from the eating place.

It’s a stupendous house and extra quieter and extra non violent than different temples in Hong Kong or the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island.

It was once a type of commute reports that I’ll at all times have in mind as one thing so sudden and strangely just right.

It’s a very easy hike and now not too a ways from town – only a 40-minute teach experience from Central after which a ten min stroll from the station.

Mini Nice Wall Hike, Cheung Chau

• Distance: 7.49 km (4.6 miles)
• Elevation: 160 metres
• Time to finish: 2.5 hours
• Issue: simple
• Path head location: the beginning of the Mini Nice Wall phase begins from here, however we advise ranging from Tung Wan Seaside

We would have liked so as to add a bit extra rest to our couple’s getaway, so we jumped on a ferry to Cheung Chau, an outlying island handiest 40 mins boat experience from Central in Hong Kong.

It’s just a small island, however with seashores, temples, and a loop hike round all of the island, there may be lots to do for the day.

Getting round is by way of foot or bicycles as motorized automobiles don’t seem to be allowed!

We walked immediately over to the other facet of the island to Tun Wan Seaside sooner than atmosphere out on a path alongside the Southern facet of the island.

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

There are lookout pavilions and shocking perspectives of the ocean and outer islands.

We slightly noticed someone else at the path. It was once 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 grew to become again on the finish of the Little Nice Wall with perspectives of the wild southeast coast. Proceeding will take you to thru bamboo forests and lovely seashores and rocky headlands.

I needed we stored going, however we would have liked to get again to the harbour to banquet on scrumptious seafood at one of the vital eating places alongside the waterfront prom sooner than heading again to central Hong Kong.

Of all of the thrilling and amusing issues we did in Hong Kong, our day go back and forth to Cheung Chau is what we speak about essentially the most.

It was once quiet and lovely and an sudden treasure of Hong Kong and made us wish to go back to find extra hidden treasures among its herbal good looks.

Tai O to Kau Ling Chung, Lantau Path Segment 7

Tai O, a village at the island of Lantau, keeps a wealth of eco-cultural treasures, together with stilt properties, salt box relics and Chinese language Purple Dolphins, which reside within the waters surrounding the world.

In this Hong Kong hike you’ll be able to additionally enjoy farming on the within sight village of Yi O, the place terraced rice paddies can nonetheless be discovered, sooner than proceeding alongside a path that hugs the coast till it reaches the western facet of the island.

This path is named the Lantau Path phase 7. The Lantau Path is a large, 70 kilometres hike that wraps round the entire island. Because it’s now not conceivable to do that a lot mountain climbing in a single go back and forth, we advise doing one phase of it.

We selected phase 7 as it contains Hong Kong’s rural villages, dense forests, far flung seashores, and unspoiled herbal good looks.

Wu Kau Tang to Lai Chi Wo, New Territories

• Distance: 11.6 km
• Elevation: 332 meters
• Time to finish: 3 hours
• Issue: reasonable
• Path head location: the far flung village of Wu Kau Tang

400 years in the past, Lai Chi Wo was once as soon as some of the maximum prosperous villages within the Northeastern New Territories. The homes and the woods in the back of the village stay smartly preserved.

The village may be extremely far flung, and handiest obtainable by way of a 5 km trail that’s handiest sufficiently big to hike – you’ll be able to’t even pressure there!

The path passes thru a densely forested space, sooner than achieving the spectacular reddish beach to the biggest mattress of Coastal Heritiera (Heritiera littoralis) in Hong Kong.

Glance out for the White-flower Derris, which bureaucracy a ‘herbal swing’ alongside the mangroves.

Sharp Island, Sai Kung

• Distance: 4.8 km
• Elevation: 219 meters
• Time to finish: 1 hour 45 mins
• 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, far flung islands and rocky formations, which you’ll be able to see now not a ways from Sai Kung The city.

Take a brief ferry over to Sharp Island, the place you’ll be able to hike over this far flung, uninhabited island and appreciate the fascinating geological formations.

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

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

Tung Lung Chau

• Distance: 8.2 km
• Elevation: 452 meters
• Time to finish: 3 hours
• Issue: reasonable
• Path head location: from the pier on Tung Lung Chau, head in a westerly route

The general public assume essentially the most far flung and wonderful a part of Hong Kong is the Sai Kung beach, however the ones other folks haven’t been to Tung Lung Chau.

This far flung, uninhabited island sits at the a ways west of Hong Kong and is handiest obtainable by way of a small, native boat, known as a kaito ferry, leaving from Sam Ka Tsuen in Kowloon, and any other from Sai Wan Ho on Hong Kong Island.

Each routes perform handiest at weekends and on public vacations.

This hilly island is understood for its open, bush wacking path with unbelievable coastal perspectives from either side.

Head to the army/broadcast station to peer essentially the most windswept and thrilling perspectives. There may be a singular rock carving at the east facet of the island, now not a ways from the ferry pier, price trying out.

Ap Lei Chau

• Distance: 3.7 km
• Elevation: 315 metres
• Time to finish: 1 hour 45 mins
• Issue: reasonable
• Path head location: the trailhead is located here in the back of the Lei Tung Property

The Ap Lei Chau hike isn’t a in particular lengthy, nor prime, hike, and such a lot of other folks assume it’s simple.

It’s to not be underestimated. This hike takes you up the Ap Lei Chau mountain top, referred to as Mount Johnson, sooner than descending the opposite facet 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 can also be treacherous for those who’re now not cautious.

Thankfully there’s a rope to carry directly to for those who’re now not assured in your ft. We’ve additionally observed some other folks sliding down on their bum!

It’s price it even though, because the far flung, windswept Ap Lei Pai is lovely, and if you’re making it to the decrease west facet of the island, you’ll discover a herbal swimming hollow to chill off in.

This can be a level to indicate path, so you wish to have to return the best way you got here.

The MacLehose Path (Segment 2)

The MacLehose Path is a not easy 100-kilometre course around the New Territories, ranging from Sai Kung within the East and lengthening throughout all of the nation, and completing on Lantau Island within the West.

It was once decided on as one of the vital international’s 20 “dream trails” by way of Nationwide Geographic, and it’s simple to peer why.

It encompasses the most efficient of Hong Kong, and actually presentations how a lot and the way various the rustic’s nature actually is.

Whilst most of the people don’t have time to hike all of the 100km, those that wish to hike a brief phase of it could actually achieve this because it’s with ease break up up into 16 sections.

Probably the most gorgeous sections, which most of the people will agree, is phase 2, which passes alongside the beach in Sai Kung. Segment 1 is mainly up a street and uninteresting, so we advise skipping it and getting a taxi to phase 2 on the UESCO International Geopark.

This phase hugs the coast all of the method sooner than reducing into the wooded area and passes during the far flung village of Sai Wan, sooner than traversing onto the pristine seashores of Lengthy Ke Wan and Ham Tin.

The authentic path cuts into the mountains right here, however for those who sought after extra seashores, it’s worthwhile to stroll on from Ham Tin to Tai Wan Seaside, a few 15-20 minute stroll from right here, whic his our favourite seashore in Hong Kong.

It’s so wild and far flung, and untouched, you’re going to put out of your mind that Hong Kong even has skyscrapers. You’ll be able to upload extra problem for your hike by way of mountain climbing up the within sight Sharp Height, or save that one for any other day.

Lion’s Rock

• Distance: 7.2 km
• Elevation: 552 metres
• Time to finish: 3 hours
• Issue: somewhat difficult
• Path head location: the trailhead is at the end of the road in the back of the Tsz Wan Kok Temple

Any individual who has already been mountain climbing in Hong Kong was once most definitely questioning after they began studying this information when Lion’s Rock Nation Park would arise.

It’s arguably essentially the most well-known hike in Hong Kong, identified for its perspectives over Kowloon, Victoria Harbour, and Victoria Height within the distance, in addition to the limestone rock formation which from the bottom stage taking a look up, resembles a lion’s head.

The Lion Rock hike isn’t the prettiest hike first of all. Lots of the path follows a street which finally ends up the steep mountain facet for lots of the method, sooner than the path cuts into the dense, untamed brush.

You’ll be able to make this hike more uncomplicated by way of taking a taxi up this street, however the place’s the joys in that?

Whilst you get off the street the path turns into unfastened underfoot, steep, and has some rocky sections. There are spaces that require scrambling, and for those who’re now not cautious, it’s worthwhile to take a improper flip and finally end up on the fringe of a steep cliff.

The perspectives from the highest are well worth the effort even though. It’s in particular great at sundown, simply deliver a torch that will help you in your method down and stick with the trail.

Ng Tung Chai to Tai Mo Shan

• Distance: 9.5 km
• Elevation: 849 metres
• Time to finish: 4 hours (even though for those who’re swimming within the waterfalls, permit a minimum of 6 hours)
• Issue: somewhat difficult
• Path head location: start from the village of Ng Tung Chai here

Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s best possible top, and it actually interprets to Giant Misty Mountain – the cause of that turns into transparent while you succeed in the highest, as I’ve hardly observed it on a transparent day!

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

The principle path mainly follows a street, so we advise taking the Ng Tung Chai trail which passes 3 gorgeous waterfalls that you simply swim in at the method up.

Even supposing you’re not going to get unbelievable perspectives from the highest, having the ability to say you reached the best possible level in Hong Kong is not anything to be modest about.

That is one path the place the adventure is healthier than the vacation spot.

Dual Peaks / Wilson Path Segment 1

• Distance:
• Elevation:
• Time to finish:
• Issue: somewhat difficult
• Path head location: start from this road and head south (backwards at the Wilson Path)

Whilst the MacLehose path is going from East to West, the Wilson Path is going from South to North.

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

The primary phase is on Hong Kong island, and is every now and then known as Dual Peaks. It is because the path calls for you to hike up two prime peaks, sooner than descending the opposite facet.

I’d additionally counsel 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’ll be able to additionally prolong this hike to incorporate Violet Hill.

Even supposing this hike isn’t essentially the most difficult of the hikes, there’s a phase that calls for you to hike up round 1,200 stairs – and agree with me, your thighs will really feel it the next day to come!

West Canine’s Tooth Hike

• Distance: 8.5 km
• Elevation: 930 meters
• Time to finish: 3-4 hours
• Issue: difficult
• Path head location: start from here, and practice the Shek Pik Nation Path till you notice an indication for West Canine Tooth in your proper. It is going to appear to be a steep boulder…sure, that’s the best way up!

That is essentially the most difficult hike I’ve performed in Hong Kong, and there have been moments the place I if truth be told was once scared to proceed.

Other folks will disagree even though, and say it’s now not that unhealthy. Then again, that is my opinion, and I don’t assume you must take on this one except you’re an skilled hiker.

The path calls for a large number of scrambling over rocks and boulders, and it’s steep lots of the method. It will get its identify from the path equivalent to sharp, pointy canines enamel…you get the theory then!

This can be a very rugged, unmaintained trail as much as Lantau Height, and too can incorporate Sundown Height too if you wish to prolong it.

The perspectives are unbelievable, without a doubt one of the vital absolute best I’ve ever observed. And for those who do make it to the height at Sundown – you’re going to perceive why there’s a mountain known as Sundown Height while you see it.

Ultimate Ideas

So there you’ve it, the ones are one of the vital absolute best hikes in Hong Kong. As you’ll be able to see, there are gorgeous seashores, marshes, wetlands teeming with existence, and many of out of doors 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 those hikes are the most efficient in Hong Kong’s 1,108 sq. kilometers of geographical region.

Mountaineering is one thing I had by no means thought to be about Hong Kong till our expat pal informed us that was once the place the wonder lay.

Hong Kong is not only town, however a area made out of over 200 offshore islands and greater than 330 hills!! That opens up a complete international of mountain climbing reports for you.

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

As nature enthusiasts, and outside adventurers, we made a plan and left the skyscrapers in the back of. Do you assume we made the best selection? Tell us what you assume within the feedback.

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