The Ultimate Guide to the Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour in Hong Kong
Have you ever experienced the incredible beauty of Hong Kong? With its streets and winding alleys, scenic beaches and verdant mountains, Hong Kong has something to offer everyone. But one of the most rewarding activities is the Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour – a 8.5-mile trek that offers stunning views of Hong Kong’s spectacular landscape.
The Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour is ideal for hikers of all levels – from beginners who are looking for a gentle introduction to hiking, to more seasoned hikers. This panoramic route takes wanderers on a picturesque journey from south to north, traversing cliff side paths, past the highest peak in the city and down back into the city.
The trail is so named because it snakes through the ridges of Shek O Peak, which resembles the spine of a dragon. Those who undertake the hike will be rewarded with spectacular views of the South China Sea as well as sweeping vistas of Shek O Village, Big Wave Bay and other picturesque villages and beaches appealing to nature lovers.
This guide provides essential information about the hike, including tips on how to get there, what to bring and other helpful details. So if you’re looking for an invigorating yet rewarding experience in amazing surroundings, read on to learn more about the Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour in Hong Kong.
Getting to the Trailhead
The Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour starts in Shek O Village and ends in Chi Ma Wan Village in Hong Kong’s Sai Kung District. The trailhead is accessible via bus, MTR (the city’s light rail system) and taxi.
By Bus
The easiest way to get to the trailhead is by bus. From Hong Kong Island, take the Number 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR Station. The bus terminates at the end of Shek O Road in Shek O Village.
From Kowloon and New Territories, take bus numbers 21, 23, 321 or 73 from Shau Kei Wan MTR Station (not from Sai Kung town).
By MTR
The MTR can also be used to get to the trailhead. Take the Island Line from Hong Kong Central Station and alight at Shau Kei Wan Station, then transfer to one of the bus services mentioned above.
By Taxi
Taxis are another viable option for getting to the trailhead. A taxi ride should take roughly 25 minutes and cost approximately HK$150-180 ($19-23 USD).
What to Bring on the Hike
Most importantly, make sure you bring plenty of water – especially if it’s a hot day – and maybe a light snack. And no matter which time of year you are going, bring something waterproof in case the unexpected rain-shower passes by – Hong Kong has seen some unpredictable weather in recent years. Apart from that, there aren’t any other essentials.
However, if you plan on having a picnic along the way or want to take advantage of the locals bars and restaurants, don’t forget to bring some extra cash. We recommend you wear lightweight and comfortable clothing – layers are great too – and comfortable walking shoes.
What to Expect Along the Way
The Dragon’s Back hike features several steep inclines between Shek O Beach and To Tei Wan Beach, winding up through grassy hills to the summit of Shek O Peak. The majority of the hike takes place along well-marked paths with staircases leading up the hillside.1 During your hike, take time to admire the impressive views of lush mountain ridges, tranquil beaches and small farming villages dotting the landscape.
Near the end of your trail lies “Dragon’s Tail,” a staircase leading down from Shek O Peak with an elevated view over Chai Wan’s industrial centers and vast greenery. You’ll eventually get to To Tei Wan Bay with its crystal clear waters – perfect for cooling off after your hike! The entire hike should take between four and five hours.2
Safety Considerations
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings while on the trail to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The path is mostly well-marked so you won’t get lost, but you should always be alert for any danger signs or sudden changes in conditions that could prove hazardous.
Watch out for slippery stones during wet weather, especially near stream crossings. There’s some tree-cover along part of the trail that can offer shelter from rain but guarantee your equipment is weatherproofed just in case.
Other Activities and Places to Explore around the Trail
If you don’t have time for a full day trip to Chi Ma Wan Village but still want to explore, fear not – there’s plenty more close by! Big Wave Bay Beach is just a 30-minute walk away, or if you’re really keen there are a handful of other trails in the area.
There are numerous eateries lining Shek O Village where you can sample some local Hakka style dumplings or fish balls – perfect nourishment after a challenging hike! Additionally, several golf courses, amusement parks, mountain biking spots and coastal villages are dotted nearby.
Booking Your Adventure
GetYourGuide is a reliable website offering flights, tours and activities for travelers venturing throughout Hong Kong. Here you can find all sorts of packages for your visit, from helicopter tour packages and Junk Boat excursions to mountain biking trips – for all budgets!
Simply visit their website and find yourself booked in for an unforgettable tour of one of nature’s most impressive hiking trails – the Dragon’s Back Hiking Tour in Hong Kong!
References:
- DiscoverHongKong, 2016.
- DiscoverHongKong, 2017.
So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like now to tick Dragon’s Back Hike off your bucket list – book your adventure today with GetYourGuide!
Table of Contents
