Just started hiking or perhaps looking for the next challenging trail? Regardless of whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or sure-footed trekker, Hong Kong is rife with hiking trails that suit all levels.
Leave the crowds at Dragon’s Back, Victoria Peak and Lion’s Rock — here are four hiking trails in Hong Kong to put on your radar. 1. Mui Wo to Discovery Bay: Best for an urban escape
Great for weekend warriors looking to escape the city, head to quaint Mui Wo where things move at a slower pace. The trail begins near Silvermine Waterfall and Silvermine Cave, remnants of the town’s mining past.
This well-paved route then opens up to views of Silvermine Bay and rolling green hills. For an easier trek, continue past Our Lady of Joy Abbey, formerly Trappist Haven Monastery and birthplace of Trappist Dairy.
For a tougher trek, take the Lo Fu Tau Country Trail up to Tiger’s Head, the highest point in Discovery Bay, for sweeping 360-degree views of the airport, Castle Peak and surrounding islands. The descent has loose gravel underfoot, so go slowly. Start early as the trail can be busy on weekends and is mostly unshaded.
The trail ends at Discovery Bay, an expat hub known for its waterfront restaurants and cafes, great for a post-hike meal with family or friends.
Location: Lantau
Distance: 6.6km (~1.5 - 2 hours) via the Trappist Monastery route
Where to eat at Discovery Bay: Uncle Russ Coffee, Café bord de Mer & Lounge, DBrasserie
2. Peel Rise to Wong Nai Chung Gap: Best for easy access
A convenient hike beginning in Peel Rise in Aberdeen, this route covers Hong Kong Trail Sections 3 and 4.
The well-signposted trail heads from Peel Rise to Wan Chai Gap through wooded paths, with plenty of tree cover. Section 4 continues towards Wong Nai Chung Gap, with a steady mix of climbs and stairs. Along the way, you’ll pass small streams and waterfalls before reaching Middle Gap, where panoramic views stretch towards Violet Hill, South Bay and Ocean Park.
It’s generally quieter than Hong Kong’s popular hiking routes, making it a good training ground if you’re getting into hiking but aren’t quite ready to tackle the big boys yet.
If you’re short on time, another alternative is to start at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir and head towards The Peak via Peel Rise. This easy, paved route offers views over Aberdeen. You can then hop on the Peak Tram back to Central easily.
Location: Hong Kong Island
Distance: 14km (~3 - 4 hours)
Suitable for: Beginner to Intermediate
How to get there: Bus 7 to Aberdeen Reservoir Road or 91 to Aberdeen Main Road
Where to eat at Wan Chai: Head into Wan Chai for more dining options, e.g. The Coffee Academics, Café Landmark and Kam Fai Dim Sum Restaurant.
3. Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve: Best for families (and shade)
Take the family out for some forest bathing at Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, one of Hong Kong’s most biologically diverse. It’s home to numerous tree, bird and butterfly species, along with mammals and reptiles.
Pick from four trails — Red Walk (3km), Blue Walk (4km), Brown Walk (7.5km) and Yellow Walk (10km). For younger children, the 1km Nature Trail has educational signs explaining the plants along the way.
The paths are well-paved, with gentle inclines and steps. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, birdsong and the occasional small waterfall. The Brown and Yellow Walks have steeper climbs but tend to be less crowded.
Don’t expect sweeping mountain views though. The appeal lies in enjoying the tranquillity of the forest, with tree canopies providing plenty of shade — suitable for all ages and seasons.
Location: New Territories
Distance: 3 - 10km (1.15 - 4.5 hours, depending on the route)
How to get there: Bus 72, 74A from Tai Wo Bus Terminus or 73A from Tai Wo Station to Tai Po Mei
Where to eat at Tai Po: Tai Po Hui Market and Cooked Food Centre, N&L Restaurant, Pico Cafe
4. Pat Sin Leng (Eight Immortals) Hike: Best for those who like a challenge
Time to work for those views on this gruelling hike with steep climbs and descents across rugged terrain as you crest the eight peaks named after the legendary immortals.
While not technically difficult, the sustained ups and downs, exposed sections, and lack of shade require much effort. The reward? Beautiful vistas across the northeastern New Territories, including Plover Cove Reservoir, Double Haven and Tolo Harbour.
Get an early start to beat the heat and come prepared —mobile reception can be patchy in some parts, and there are no water points or exit points once you’re on the trail.
Location: New Territories
Distance: 12km (~4 - 5 hours)
Suitable for: High Intermediate - Advanced
How to get there: MTR to Fanling Station, bus 52B to Hok Tau Wai Pavilion. End at Tai Mei Tuk
Where to eat at Tai Mei Tuk: Mayse Artisan Bakery, Relax B&M, Brian Cafe
Closing From easy forest walks to leg-burning mountain climbs, these four trails offer a different way to experience Hong Kong beyond the usual tourist spots. So lace up the hiking shoes, pack some water and pick a trail that matches your level.
Just started hiking or perhaps looking for the next challenging trail? Regardless of whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or sure-footed trekker, Hong Kong is rife with hiking trails that suit all levels.
Leave the crowds at Dragon’s Back, Victoria Peak and Lion’s Rock — here are four hiking trails in Hong Kong to put on your radar. 1. Mui Wo to Discovery Bay: Best for an urban escape
Great for weekend warriors looking to escape the city, head to quaint Mui Wo where things move at a slower pace. The trail begins near Silvermine Waterfall and Silvermine Cave, remnants of the town’s mining past.
This well-paved route then opens up to views of Silvermine Bay and rolling green hills. For an easier trek, continue past Our Lady of Joy Abbey, formerly Trappist Haven Monastery and birthplace of Trappist Dairy.
For a tougher trek, take the Lo Fu Tau Country Trail up to Tiger’s Head, the highest point in Discovery Bay, for sweeping 360-degree views of the airport, Castle Peak and surrounding islands. The descent has loose gravel underfoot, so go slowly. Start early as the trail can be busy on weekends and is mostly unshaded.
The trail ends at Discovery Bay, an expat hub known for its waterfront restaurants and cafes, great for a post-hike meal with family or friends.
Location: Lantau
Distance: 6.6km (~1.5 - 2 hours) via the Trappist Monastery route
Where to eat at Discovery Bay: Uncle Russ Coffee, Café bord de Mer & Lounge, DBrasserie
2. Peel Rise to Wong Nai Chung Gap: Best for easy access
A convenient hike beginning in Peel Rise in Aberdeen, this route covers Hong Kong Trail Sections 3 and 4.
The well-signposted trail heads from Peel Rise to Wan Chai Gap through wooded paths, with plenty of tree cover. Section 4 continues towards Wong Nai Chung Gap, with a steady mix of climbs and stairs. Along the way, you’ll pass small streams and waterfalls before reaching Middle Gap, where panoramic views stretch towards Violet Hill, South Bay and Ocean Park.
It’s generally quieter than Hong Kong’s popular hiking routes, making it a good training ground if you’re getting into hiking but aren’t quite ready to tackle the big boys yet.
If you’re short on time, another alternative is to start at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir and head towards The Peak via Peel Rise. This easy, paved route offers views over Aberdeen. You can then hop on the Peak Tram back to Central easily.
Location: Hong Kong Island
Distance: 14km (~3 - 4 hours)
Suitable for: Beginner to Intermediate
How to get there: Bus 7 to Aberdeen Reservoir Road or 91 to Aberdeen Main Road
Where to eat at Wan Chai: Head into Wan Chai for more dining options, e.g. The Coffee Academics, Café Landmark and Kam Fai Dim Sum Restaurant.
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3. Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve: Best for families (and shade)
Take the family out for some forest bathing at Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, one of Hong Kong’s most biologically diverse. It’s home to numerous tree, bird and butterfly species, along with mammals and reptiles.
Pick from four trails — Red Walk (3km), Blue Walk (4km), Brown Walk (7.5km) and Yellow Walk (10km). For younger children, the 1km Nature Trail has educational signs explaining the plants along the way.
The paths are well-paved, with gentle inclines and steps. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, birdsong and the occasional small waterfall. The Brown and Yellow Walks have steeper climbs but tend to be less crowded.
Don’t expect sweeping mountain views though. The appeal lies in enjoying the tranquillity of the forest, with tree canopies providing plenty of shade — suitable for all ages and seasons.
Location: New Territories
Distance: 3 - 10km (1.15 - 4.5 hours, depending on the route)
How to get there: Bus 72, 74A from Tai Wo Bus Terminus or 73A from Tai Wo Station to Tai Po Mei
Where to eat at Tai Po: Tai Po Hui Market and Cooked Food Centre, N&L Restaurant, Pico Cafe
4. Pat Sin Leng (Eight Immortals) Hike: Best for those who like a challenge
Time to work for those views on this gruelling hike with steep climbs and descents across rugged terrain as you crest the eight peaks named after the legendary immortals.
While not technically difficult, the sustained ups and downs, exposed sections, and lack of shade require much effort. The reward? Beautiful vistas across the northeastern New Territories, including Plover Cove Reservoir, Double Haven and Tolo Harbour.
Get an early start to beat the heat and come prepared —mobile reception can be patchy in some parts, and there are no water points or exit points once you’re on the trail.
Location: New Territories
Distance: 12km (~4 - 5 hours)
Suitable for: High Intermediate - Advanced
How to get there: MTR to Fanling Station, bus 52B to Hok Tau Wai Pavilion. End at Tai Mei Tuk
Where to eat at Tai Mei Tuk: Mayse Artisan Bakery, Relax B&M, Brian Cafe
Closing From easy forest walks to leg-burning mountain climbs, these four trails offer a different way to experience Hong Kong beyond the usual tourist spots. So lace up the hiking shoes, pack some water and pick a trail that matches your level.
