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Hong Kong is one of Asia's great hiking cities, with 70% of its territory protected as country parks and the 100km MacLehose Trail traversing the New Territories from Sai Kung to Tuen Mun, the Dragon's Back ridge trail above Stanley providing coastal panoramas, and the Wilson Trail ascending from the Southern District across the Hong Kong Island spine for urban-to-wilderness transition.
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Updated 15 min ago
Hong Kong is one of the most surprising hiking cities in the world, with 70 percent of its territory designated as country parks and protected natural areas despite being one of the world's most densely populated urban environments. The combination of the MacLehose Trail (100km), the Wilson Trail (78km), the Lantau Trail (70km), and the Hong Kong Trail (50km) creates over 300km of interconnected long-distance hiking through dramatic coastal and mountain terrain all accessible by public transport from the urban centre. Here are the best hiking trails near Hong Kong for 2026.
The Dragon's Back Trail on the Shek O Peninsula in the southeastern corner of Hong Kong Island is consistently rated one of Asia's finest urban hiking experiences, with a 8.5km ridge trail that traverses the sinuous spine of the peninsula above the South China Sea, providing extraordinary views of the island coastline, Shek O village, and the outer islands. The trail is accessible by bus from Shau Kei Wan MTR and descends to Shek O beach for a post-hike swim and seafood lunch. The full circuit from Shau Kei Wan through the ridge to Big Wave Bay adds variety and requires approximately 4-5 hours.
The MacLehose Trail Stage 2 through the Sai Kung Country Park in the New Territories is widely considered the finest single-day trail section in Hong Kong, traversing the rugged Maclehose coastal ridgeline above the extraordinarily clear waters of the Sai Kung Marine Park and the High Island Reservoir. The 13km stage from Pak Tam Au to Kei Ling Ha Lo Wan takes approximately 5-6 hours and provides constant coastal views, dramatic granite rock formations, and optional descent to swimming coves along the route. Sai Kung waterfront, accessible by minibus from Choi Hung MTR, provides excellent seafood restaurants for the post-hike celebration.
Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan, 934m) on Lantau Island is Hong Kong's second highest peak and the most rewarding summit hike in the territory, accessible via the Lantau Trail from the Tung Chung MTR or the Ngong Ping cable car mid-station. The 7km ascent from Tung Chung via the S-shaped Lantau Trail takes approximately 3-4 hours return to the summit, from which the Pearl River Delta, Macau, and the Hong Kong International Airport are visible on clear days. The trail passes the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha for cultural contrast.
All major Hong Kong trails are accessible by MTR and bus without a car. The Hong Kong Tourism Board publishes free trail maps at the Airport, at the HKTB Visitor Centres, and on its website. Trail difficulty ratings on Hong Kong country park signage use a 1-5 scale and are generally accurate. June-September monsoon season brings heavy rain and trail flooding; October-December is Hong Kong's finest hiking season with clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures. An Octopus card covers all bus and MTR transport to trailheads.
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.
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