My Recent Adventure in Hong Kong
I have just returned from an amazing journey through Asia, during which Hong Kong was one of my destinations. I was aboard Holland America’s “Around the World” Asia Pacific Voyage. During my time onboard, I had a routine of walking the deck daily. But the true delight was when I disembarked off the vessel, shed Hong Kong’s concrete jungle, and embarked on a calorie-burning hike—with sheer stunning views! You would not believe it, but Hong Kong has more than enough beautiful hiking trails close to city center. And there is something for every kind of fitness level, so you can choose one that is best for you.
Hong Kong Hikes
Cool hikes nearby, Hong Kong hiking
Hong Kong is renowned for its business, banking, and shopping, so I was astonished to learn that it’s also one of the world’s greatest destinations for day hikes. What’s the magic? The vistas from those woodland peaks! Imagine this: verdant foliage surrounding the silhouette of towering skyscrapers—breathtaking. Hong Kong exceeded my hopes; it blew them away altogether.
I Used to Be Scared of Hiking—But Not Any More!
I dreaded hiking, fearing I’d fall behind the pack. The idea of exhausting myself physically or being a sweaty mess held me back from even lacing up my boots. And yes, really challenging hikes may still give me the willies, but now, with diet and lifestyle modifications, I’m confident to take on easy to moderate trails. I like to take my time, though—my shorter legs would see me lagging behind quickly if I didn’t keep pace.
Hong Kong hiking, hike in Hong Kong
I learned about a lot of Hong Kong’s hiking trails in order to get away from the city noise and compiled an accessible bucket list for upcoming trips. This spring, Hong Kong Tourism is marketing five special hikes: the Lantau South Heritage Hike, Geopark Boat Tour, Lai Chi Wo Hiking Tour, Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, and Geopark Hiking Tour, all specifically to introduce visitors and locals to nature. I’ve also posted my own favorite Hong Kong hikes so that you can see which of them get your adrenaline pumping.
Special Hikes in Hong Kong
I Used to Be Scared of Hiking—But Not Any More!
I dreaded hiking, fearing I’d fall behind the pack. The idea of exhausting myself physically or being a sweaty mess held me back from even lacing up my boots. And yes, really challenging hikes may still give me the willies, but now, with diet and lifestyle modifications, I’m confident to take on easy to moderate trails. I like to take my time, though—my shorter legs would see me lagging behind quickly if I didn’t keep pace.
Hong Kong hiking, hike in Hong Kong
I learned about a lot of Hong Kong’s hiking trails in order to get away from the city noise and compiled an accessible bucket list for upcoming trips. This spring, Hong Kong Tourism is marketing five special hikes: the Lantau South Heritage Hike, Geopark Boat Tour, Lai Chi Wo Hiking Tour, Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, and Geopark Hiking Tour, all specifically to introduce visitors and locals to nature. I’ve also posted my own favorite Hong Kong hikes so that you can see which of them get your adrenaline pumping.
Special Hikes in Hong Kong
I Used to Be Scared of Hiking—But Not Any More!
I dreaded hiking, fearing I’d fall behind the pack. The idea of exhausting myself physically or being a sweaty mess held me back from even lacing up my boots. And yes, really challenging hikes may still give me the willies, but now, with diet and lifestyle modifications, I’m confident to take on easy to moderate trails. I like to take my time, though—my shorter legs would see me lagging behind quickly if I didn’t keep pace.
Hong Kong hiking, hike in Hong Kong
I learned about a lot of Hong Kong’s hiking trails in order to get away from the city noise and compiled an accessible bucket list for upcoming trips. This spring, Hong Kong Tourism is marketing five special hikes: the Lantau South Heritage Hike, Geopark Boat Tour, Lai Chi Wo Hiking Tour, Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, and Geopark Hiking Tour, all specifically to introduce visitors and locals to nature. I’ve also posted my own favorite Hong Kong hikes so that you can see which of them get your adrenaline pumping.
Special Hikes in Hong Kong
I Used to Be Scared of Hiking—But Not Any More!
I dreaded hiking, fearing I’d fall behind the pack. The idea of exhausting myself physically or being a sweaty mess held me back from even lacing up my boots. And yes, really challenging hikes may still give me the willies, but now, with diet and lifestyle modifications, I’m confident to take on easy to moderate trails. I like to take my time, though—my shorter legs would see me lagging behind quickly if I didn’t keep pace.
Hong Kong hiking, hike in Hong Kong
I learned about a lot of Hong Kong’s hiking trails in order to get away from the city noise and compiled an accessible bucket list for upcoming trips. This spring, Hong Kong Tourism is marketing five special hikes: the Lantau South Heritage Hike, Geopark Boat Tour, Lai Chi Wo Hiking Tour, Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, and Geopark Hiking Tour, all specifically to introduce visitors and locals to nature. I’ve also posted my own favorite Hong Kong hikes so that you can see which of them get your adrenaline pumping.
Special Hikes in Hong Kong
I Used to Be Scared of Hiking—But Not Any More!
I dreaded hiking, fearing I’d fall behind the pack. The idea of exhausting myself physically or being a sweaty mess held me back from even lacing up my boots. And yes, really challenging hikes may still give me the willies, but now, with diet and lifestyle modifications, I’m confident to take on easy to moderate trails. I like to take my time, though—my shorter legs would see me lagging behind quickly if I didn’t keep pace.
Hong Kong hiking, hike in Hong Kong
I learned about a lot of Hong Kong’s hiking trails in order to get away from the city noise and compiled an accessible bucket list for upcoming trips. This spring, Hong Kong Tourism is marketing five special hikes: the Lantau South Heritage Hike, Geopark Boat Tour, Lai Chi Wo Hiking Tour, Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, and Geopark Hiking Tour, all specifically to introduce visitors and locals to nature. I’ve also posted my own favorite Hong Kong hikes so that you can see which of them get your adrenaline pumping.
Special Hikes in Hong Kong
I Used to Be Scared of Hiking—But Not Any More!
I dreaded hiking, fearing I’d fall behind the pack. The idea of exhausting myself physically or being a sweaty mess held me back from even lacing up my boots. And yes, really challenging hikes may still give me the willies, but now, with diet and lifestyle modifications, I’m confident to take on easy to moderate trails. I like to take my time, though—my shorter legs would see me lagging behind quickly if I didn’t keep pace.
Hong Kong hiking, hike in Hong Kong
I learned about a lot of Hong Kong’s hiking trails in order to get away from the city noise and compiled an accessible bucket list for upcoming trips. This spring, Hong Kong Tourism is marketing five special hikes: the Lantau South Heritage Hike, Geopark Boat Tour, Lai Chi Wo Hiking Tour, Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, and Geopark Hiking Tour, all specifically to introduce visitors and locals to nature. I’ve also posted my own favorite Hong Kong hikes so that you can see which of them get your adrenaline pumping.
Special Hikes in Hong Kong
#1 Dragon’s Back Hike
This city break for half a day meanders through mountains and woods before taking you down to the white beaches of Big Wave Bay (Tai Long Wan). Should time permit, dip into the South China Sea or simply lounge and observe the surfers. The paths vary from easy to moderately demanding, and the sweeping vistas of Hong Kong’s islands make each bead of perspiration worthwhile.
Hiking tip: Pack a swimsuit or a second shirt—you may need to take a dip or be splashed with ocean water and sweat.
Planning to hike somewhere else? See this Day Hike in Sicily
#2 Geopark Hiking Tour (Guided)
This tour features amazing rock formations sculpted by volcanic activity some 140 million years ago, followed by further refinement through weathering and waves. The icing on the cake? A titanic wall of hexagonal volcanic columns, the largest in the world. You’ll also go by cool-shaped formations before walking Reservoir Road into Sai Kung Country Park. The scenery is out of this world. The trail finishes up at the Sheng Yiu Hakka Village Museum, where you can read about the history of the region. The whole trail is 4 km (2.5 miles)—ideal for a day trip.
Hiking tip: Spray bugs to keep away from mosquito bites and sunscreen even when it is cloudy.
#3 Geopark Boat Tour: Sai Kung Islands
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Geopark Boat Tour. You’ll hop around Hong Kong’s Sai Kung Peninsula, discovering geological wonders like hexagonal columns, sea caves, and sea stacks. Book in advance for this small-group tour, which includes stops at Kau Sai Chau, High Island, Bell-Shaped Arch, Elephant Trunk Cave, and a land visit to Sharp Island.
#4 Lai Chi Wo Hiking Tour (Guided)
This walk leads you along mangrove forests and into one of Hong Kong’s most undeveloped regions, inhabited by wild boar, deer, birds, and butterflies. You start at Wu Kau Tang and walk past derelict rice paddies, along a stream to Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, on to the villages of Sam A Tsuen and Siu Tan before arriving in Lai Chi Wo, one of Hong Kong’s oldest fung shui forests. The views are intoxicating.
Hiking tip: Don’t hurry—breathe deeply and appreciate the experience.
#5 Lantau South Hike
Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest, is located at the mouth of the Pearl River, and this hike traverses the south side, crossing Sunset Peak and Nam Shan Peak. One part of it gazes out over Cheng Sha Beach—ideal for a photo shoot!
Hiking tip: Pack plenty of water, salty snacks, and a camera.
Why I Love Hiking in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is the ideal location to begin fitness objectives. Last year, I’ve made significant changes—changed my diet, lost 40+ lbs, and been regular with exercises for the first time in five years. Now that I’m traveling, I look for active hikes so that my fitness and travel objectives coincide.
More Hong Kong Hikes
Here are five more of mine, with information on how to get there, trail distance, and what to see.
#1 Victoria Peak Circle Walk
Hong Kong’s simplest (and most populated) hike, this 3 km (1.8-mile) circuit has incredible city vistas. It’s so easy you can take kids, seniors, or even the dog! If you crave scenery with little backbreaking effort, this is your hike.
#2 Rhino Rock (Che Pau Teng) in Stanley
This short hike (just over 0.5 miles each way) leads to a rock formation that looks exactly like a rhinoceros! Pair it with the Twin Peaks and Violet Hill hike (below) since both are in Stanley.
#3 Twin Peaks and Violet Hill Hike
A challenging trail due to its endless stairs (nicknamed the “terrible twins”), but the views of the peninsula are worth it. Weekends get crowded, so plan accordingly.
#4 Braemar Hill (Hung Heung Lo Fung) Hike
Just 5 minutes from a bus stop, this short hike leads to one of Hong Kong’s best sunset viewpoints. Photographers flock here at dusk!
#5 Lion Rock Hike
The lion-shaped summit provides sweeping vistas from Kowloon to Hong Kong Central. A must-try for sunset enthusiasts!
#6 Devil’s Peak Hike
A straightforward hike with wonderful city light perspectives, although it begins close to a cemetery and old fort remains. Odd, but the Victoria Harbour view compensates.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—10 legendary Hong Kong hikes for all travelers. No matter if you’re scaling stairs, trekking through ruins, or basking in skyline vistas, these trails offer unforgettable experiences. Happy hiking!