When many people think of Hong Kong, they picture neon-lit streets, gleaming skyscrapers, and bustling markets. 

But beyond the urban energy lies another world: a hiker’s paradise of mountain trails, coastal paths, and verdant country parks. 

From challenging summit climbs to gentle family walks, these eight trails reveal Hong Kong’s surprising natural splendour and offer a perfect escape from the city’s lively pace. 

1. Dragon’s Back 

The Dragon’s Back trail offers hikers breathtaking 360-degree views of the South China Sea

The sinuous ridge of Dragon’s Back is perhaps Hong Kong’s most celebrated urban hike, and for good reason. This moderately challenging trail offers hikers breathtaking 360-degree views of the South China Sea, distant islands, and densely forested valleys. 

The trail culminates at Big Wave Bay, where tired hikers can cool off with a swim

The trail’s signature feature is its undulating path that genuinely resembles a dragon’s spine, with several lookout points offering prime photo opportunities. 

For the best experience, start early in the morning before the heat builds up, and allow 4-5 hours for the full 5 mile route. The trail culminates at Big Wave Bay, where tired hikers can cool off with a swim or, for the adventurous, rent a surfboard and catch some waves. 

2. Sunset Peak Adventure 

The trail leads hikers through a landscape that transforms dramatically with the seasons

As Hong Kong’s third-highest mountain, Sunset Peak lives up to its poetic name. 

The trail leads hikers through a landscape that transforms dramatically with the seasons, most notably when silvergrass blankets the slopes in autumn, creating a shimmering sea of silver. 

Views of Lantau Island’s coastline and neighbouring peaks are simply spectacular, made even more striking by the mysterious 1920s stone cottages that dot the mountainside – remnants of a former missionary retreat that provide perfect scale to the vast landscape. 

The exposed ridge can be significantly cooler and windier than ground level, so this is one to pack layers for. The route leads to Mui Wo, a lively town that stretches from Silver Mine Bay Beach to the ferry pier and is known for its picturesque Silvermine Waterfalls – a much-loved picnic spot.

3. Sweet Gum Woods and Thousand Island Lake 

Tai Lam Country Park offers one of Hong Kong’s most photogenic hiking experiences

Tai Lam Country Park offers one of Hong Kong’s most photogenic hiking experiences, especially during winter when the sweet gum trees burst into brilliant reds and yellows. 

The trail, split into family-friendly sections with well-maintained paths and rest areas, leads to the social media-famous Thousand Island Lake (actually Tai Lam Chung Reservoir), where dozens of small islands create a mesmerising vista. 

The social media famous Thousand Island Lake (actually Tai Lam Chung Reservoir), where dozens of small islands create a mesmerising vista

The hike concludes at Golden Beach, perfectly positioned for sunset viewing. After completing your hike, consider visiting the nearby Sam Shing Estate and its seafood market, where the restaurants let you pick your own fresh seafood before they prepare it to your liking. 

4. High Island Geo Trail 

The High Island Reservoir

The magnificent Po Pin Chau sea stack

Geology enthusiasts and photographers alike will be captivated by this unique trail in the UNESCO Global Geopark. 

The star attractions are the hexagonal rock columns formed by volcanic activity 140 million years ago, creating patterns that seem almost too perfect to be natural. The trail follows a well-maintained path along the East Dam of High Island Reservoir, with several educational panels explaining the volcanic processes that shaped the landscape. 

After your hike, you can head to Sai Kung town centre, known for its waterfront seafood restaurants and cool cafes

Don’t miss the magnificent Po Pin Chau sea stack – a towering island of volcanic columns that separated from the mainland through years of erosion. The entire circuit takes about 3 hours at a leisurely pace. After your hike, you can head to Sai Kung town centre, known for its waterfront seafood restaurants and cool cafes. 

5. High Junk Peak Challenge 

High Junk Peak trail’s initial ascent is steep but the views are worth it

For those seeking a more demanding hike, High Junk Peak delivers both a physical challenge and remarkable views of Clearwater Bay. 

The trail’s initial ascent is steep but short, requiring some scrambling, so consider bringing hiking poles. After that, the variety is impressive – from dense bamboo forests to exposed ridges, each turn reveals new perspectives of Hong Kong’s eastern coastline. 

The charming fishing village of Po Toi O

The peak’s Chinese name, Tiu Yue Yung, refers to its distinctive shape resembling a fisherman wearing a cape. The route passes by a historic Tin Hau temple and concludes in the fishing village of Po Toi O, where seafood restaurants offer the perfect post-hike reward. 

6. The Peak Circuit 

The Lugard Road section provides classic postcard views of Hong Kong’s skyline

Perhaps Hong Kong’s most accessible hike, this circuit around Victoria Peak combines urban views with natural beauty. 

The entire route is around four miles and takes about an hour and a half to complete. Starting in Pok Fu Lam, it passes the historic first reservoir of Hong Kong before climbing to offer the city’s most iconic vistas. 

The Lugard Road section provides classic postcard views of Hong Kong’s skyline, while a detour to High West rewards hikers with spectacular sunset panoramas over the outlying islands. Tackle this one in the morning for the clearest views before the afternoon haze sets in. 

7. Mirror Lake Nature Hike 

The ‘mirror of the sky’

The path to Lau Shui Heung Reservoir, known locally as the ‘mirror of the sky’, guides hikers through some of Hong Kong’s most diverse ecosystems. 

Beginning at the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, where over 200 species of butterflies dance through the air, the trail winds through dense woodland before revealing the reservoir’s stunning reflective waters. 

The Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, where over 200 species of butterflies dance through the air

True to its nickname, the reservoir’s still surface creates perfect reflections of the surrounding forest and sky, making it one of Hong Kong’s most captivating destinations for nature photographers. 

The hike also traverses extensive freshwater wetlands that support a remarkable variety of wildlife, including 72 species of dragonfly – among them the endemic Spangled Shadow-emerald with its distinctive yellow spots. 

8. Tai Mo Shan

Sunrise at Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak

Standing at 957 meters, Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak. 

The ascent offers a completely different perspective on Hong Kong, with hikers often finding themselves above the clouds. On clear days, the views extend across the entire territory, while the upper slopes host unique mountain flora and occasional frost in winter – a rare sight in subtropical Hong Kong. 

Catch spectacular sunrises above what locals call ‘yún hǎi’ (sea of clouds)

The early morning hike is particularly popular for catching spectacular sunrises above what locals call ‘yún hǎi’ (sea of clouds) – a mesmerising phenomenon where the peaks pierce through a blanket of rolling clouds stretching out like a white ocean beneath. 

Despite its height, the main access path is surprisingly manageable, though the final stretch can be a challenge in strong winds.

To find out more visit discoverhongkong.com