Tackling The Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour in Hong Kong City: A Detailed Guide
Exploring the Hong Kong skyline and admiring the gorgeous city views from an incredible height is an awe-inspiring experience that travelers should definitely consider when visiting one of the most vibrant cities of the world.
The Dragon’s Back, located in the Shek O Country Park on the south coast of Hong Kong Island, is one of the city’s most famous hikes, renowned for its stunning views that can be seen along the way. This Guide will explain some detailedInformation about the Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour in Hong Kong City and provide useful tips, especially to first-timers, so they can prepare themselves for the experience.
What Is The Dragon’s Back Hiking Trail?
The Dragon’s Back is a 5 km long trail located in Shek O Country Park, about 40 minutes away from Central Hong Kong. It is one of the most popular sections of the Hong Kong Trail, which is divided into 3 parts (sections) and is about 50 km long. It is a grade 1-3 hike, meaning that it is relatively easy to complete and does not require specialized hiking gear. As the trail wind its way to the top of Shek O Peak, hikers will be met with spectacular views of Hong Kong’s south side coastline, hundreds of small islands and deep blue waters.
What To Prepare Before You Go?
Before starting your hike, you should make sure that you are prepared with all the necessary items you will need. Remember, it is a short hike but can still easily take around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on how often you pause to enjoy the views.
- The first item you must bring with you is water. Dehydration symptoms such as dizziness or headaches can occur if you are not properly hydrated during the hike.
- The second essential item for this hike is something to snack on as it might take a bit longer than expected.
- Hiking boots or tennis shoes. Even though this is an easy hike, it’s better to have proper footwear than walking without them.
- A little bit of sunscreen should be applied before the hike begins.
- Bring your phone with you but keep in mind that your internet connection might be unreliable.
Detailed Information About The Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour
- Difficulty: The Dragon’s Back trail is graded 1-3, which means it is not very strenuous. This also means that it is suitable for hikers of any age as long as they make sure they properly hydrate and rest along the way.
- Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on how often you pause to enjoy the views (of course, this also depends on your fitness level).
- Distance: The section of Hong Kong Trail known as “Dragon’s Back” is 5 km long.
- Altitude: 322m above sea level.
- Attractions: breathtaking views of South Hong Kong coastline; hundreds of islands; deep blue waters; lush green forests; and wildlife (many birds and some wildlife such monkeys around).
Where Does The Dragon’s Back Hike Begin?
The starting point of this hike is “To Tei Wan” village, located on the south side of Shek O Peak. You can easily reach this point by taking public transport from Central Hong Kong such as bus number 9 from Sheung Wan Station to To Tei Wan village. If you are taking a taxi or private car, then you will find a car park just outside the village. From this point, you can take the hiking trail up and to the top of Shek O Peak.
Stages Of The Trek
The Dragon’s back trek consists of three main stages:
- Stage 1: Starts at To Tei Wan village and takes hikers up a steep incline until they reach “The Big Cage”. This section should take around 20 minutes if you keep a steady pace.
- Stage 2: The section known as “The Big Cage”, which winds around a hill before descending back to sea level. This part should take around 40 minutes.
- Stage 3: Finally, after descending back to sea level at Shek O Beach, the trail continues North in front of spectacular views until it ends at Shek O Peak.
At the end of your hike, make sure to take some pictures at Shek O Peak and take some time to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views!
Conclusion – Is It Worth Visiting The Dragon’s Back?
The Dragon’s Back hike is definitely worth visiting if you have a chance to explore Hong Kong City. With its stunning views and easy access from downtown, it is an amazing and unique experience that offers travelers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s natural beauty. So go ahead and book that tour here. We guarantee you won’t regret it!
Tackling The Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour in Hong Kong City: A Detailed Guide
Hong Kong is not just about skyscrapers and bright lights. It’s also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience nature and adventure. Among the different hiking trails in Hong Kong, the Dragon’s Back hiking trail tops the list. This is a hike that is not to be missed by anyone visiting Hong Kong. The hike offers stunning views of the city skyline, beaches, and mountains. However, before you embark on this hike, you might have some questions in mind. In this blog post, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about tackling the Dragon’s Back hiking tour in Hong Kong.
1. What is the Dragon’s Back Hiking Trail?
The Dragon’s Back hiking trail is a popular hike in Hong Kong that has been rated as one of the best urban hikes in Asia by Time magazine. The trail gets its name from the shape of the mountain, which resembles a dragon’s backbone. The trail offers a mix of forest trails, uphill climbs, and stunning coastal views. The hike starts from the Tai Long Wan village and goes up to the Shek O peak. The total distance of the hike is around 8.5 kilometers and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
2. What is the best time to hike the Dragon’s Back Hiking Trail?
The best time to hike the Dragon’s Back hiking trail is from October to May. The weather during these months is cool, and there is less humidity. The views from the top are clearer during this time, and the trail is less crowded than in the summer months. The summer months, from June to September, can be hot and humid, which can make the hike challenging.
3. What should I bring for the hike?
As this is a long hike, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some essential items to bring:
- Water: Bring at least 1-2 liters of water per person
- Food: It’s a long hike, so bring snacks or a light meal
- Sunscreen: To protect your skin from the sun
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other bugs can be quite annoying on the hike
- Hiking shoes: Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots as the trail can be uneven and slippery
- Raincoat: In case of rain, be sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella
- First Aid Kit: Carry a few band-aids, painkillers, and any other medication you may need
4. Is the hike suitable for all fitness levels?
The Dragon’s Back hiking trail is considered a moderate hike, and it’s suitable for most people. However, it does involve some steep climbs, and the path can be uneven and slippery at some places. If you have any medical conditions, it’s best to consult your doctor before beginning the hike. It’s also advisable to start early in the morning to avoid the mid-day heat and to take frequent breaks during the climb.
5. How do I get to the Dragon’s Back Hiking Trail?
The easiest way to get to the Dragon’s Back hiking trail is to take the MTR (subway) to Shau Kei Wan station. From there, take exit A3, and then take bus number 9 to the Shek O Road bus stop. The hike starts from the end of the road, and it’s a short walk from the bus stop. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the MTR station directly to the Tai Long Wan village, which is the start of the hike.
6. Are there any facilities along the hike?
There are no toilet facilities or restaurants along the hiking trail, so it’s important to be prepared. There are some small shops near the starting point where you can buy snacks and water, but they are generally expensive. There are also several rest stops along the way with benches where you can take a break and enjoy the views.
7. What are the highlights of the Dragon’s Back hiking trail?
The Dragon’s Back hiking trail offers stunning views of the city skyline, beaches, and mountains. Some of the highlights of the trail include:
- Start of the trail: The hike starts in the quaint Tai Long Wan village, which is one of the oldest villages in Hong Kong. Here, you can see traditional houses and taste some local food.
- Dragon’s Back: The ridge of the mountain offers breathtaking views of the Shek O beach and the South China Sea.
- Big Wave Bay: After reaching the peak, you can descend to the Big Wave Bay. This beach is known for surfing and swimming. There are several restaurants and shops near the beach where you can have a meal or buy souvenirs.
8. Any tips for hiking the Dragon’s Back trail?
Here are some useful tips to make your hike more enjoyable:
- Carry a fully charged phone: In case of an emergency, you can call for help
- Don’t litter: Respect nature and pick up after yourself. Carry all trash with you until you reach the end of the trail.
- Leave early: It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the mid-day heat and to have more time to explore.
- Download a hiking app: There are several hiking apps available that can help you track your progress and provide useful information about the trail.
Conclusion
The Dragon’s Back hiking trail is a must-do for anyone visiting Hong Kong. With stunning views, a moderate level of difficulty, and a mix of forest trails and coastal paths, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular hike. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this post, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. Remember to bring enough water and snacks, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and be respectful of the environment. Have fun hiking!
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