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Mark Agnew

Hiking in Hong Kong is spectacular, and that is no more true than up the region’s highest peak. But the highest peak and the highest point you can reach are different. Tai Mo Shan stands at 957m, but has an observatory on the top. So you can hike to about 920m. Lantau Peak is 934m, and you can stand right on its summit.
Both are excellent hikes with a range of routes up for different fitness levels and experiences. Here are the two conventional paths up both.
Tai Mo Shan
The typical route up Tai Mo Shan is via a long and winding path, by doing section eight of the MacLehose Trail backwards.

It starts at Route Twisk in the New Territories. Arrive at the Rotary Club Campsite. There is a small kiosk if you want supplies. The MacLehose actually starts a little further along the road, but start here for ease of transport.
A short walk up the hill, along the steep concrete road and you will see the Visitors Centre on your left. Turn into the visitor centre area, and behind it you will find the MacLehose Trail. Turn up the hill for a steep hike through the woods.
A guide to hiking the MacLehose Trail from sections 7 to 10
Eventually you will come out of the trees, and see Tai Mo Shan high above you. The MacLehose wiggles on and off the main road but generally follows it either side. You can just walk up the concrete if you want.
Eventually, you will reach a flat bit of road as it follows the contour around the summit, just below the Observatory.
Enjoy the views and turn back the way you came. Alternatively, you can continue on and follow the MacLehose section eight until you reach Lead Mine Pass, you can then turn right along the Wilson Trail section event back to Shing Mun Reservoir where you can grab a taxi or public transport back to town.

There are so many options to explore Tai Mo Shan by different routes. Make sure you know which one you have picked, you have a charged phone with maps or a hiking app loaded.
Lantau Peak
Giving up just 30 metres to Tai Mo Shan, Lantau Peak might be Hong Kong’s most impressive mountain even if it isn’t the highest. It towers over the sparsely populated island, with sharp edges and vivid colours.

Start from Pak Kung Au on Tung Chung Road. It is accessible from Tung Chung via taxi or bus, or from the Mui Wo ferry by the same.
The climb starts immediately. There are a couple of left turns you should ignore early on, while still in the trees. But soon, you will rise above the tree line and be able to see the mountain towering above you. It’s hard to miss.
It is steep, with lots of steps. So make sure you have enough supplies and the correct footwear.
A guide to hiking the MacLehose Trail from sections 4 to 6
When you finally reach the top it is awe inspiring. You can look all around at Hong Kong, Lantau, the New Territories and Mainland China.
You can come back the way you came, or continue off the other side. There is a well marked path all the way down to Ngong Ping, where there are cafes and transport back to town. However, be warned that the steps down this way are even bigger than the other side, so it can be tricky on tired legs.
Like Tai Mo Shan, there are countless routes up Lantau Peak. Make sure you have your phone, maps and apps ready. If you accidentally end up going down the Dogs Teeth ridge, for example, you will find yourself in trouble.


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Sport

Hong Kong

Outdoor

Hiking

How to Guides


Hong Kong’s highest mountain, and the highest point you can reach, are not the same thing, but both are excellent hikes with stunning views
Hike Tai Mo Shan in the New Territories or Lantau Peak for tough but rewarding walks



Hong Kong’s highest mountain, and the highest point you can reach, are not the same thing, but both are excellent hikes with stunning views.


Trail running and hiking

Is Tai Mo Shan or Lantau Peak Hong Kong’s tallest mountain? How do I hike to city’s highest point?

Hong Kong’s highest mountain, and the highest point you can reach, are not the same thing, but both are excellent hikes with stunning views Hike Tai Mo Shan in the New Territories or Lantau Peak for tough but rewarding walks

Hong Kong’s highest mountain, and the highest point you can reach, are not the same thing, but both are excellent hikes with stunning views

Hike Tai Mo Shan in the New Territories or Lantau Peak for tough but rewarding walks