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Mark Agnew

Dragon’s Back the introduction to hiking for many a Hongkonger, but whether this is your first or last hike it is rewarding and appropriate for all levels of fitness.
Getting there
The start is well connected to the city by public transport. Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station on the Island line. Head out of exit A1 into the bus and taxi park. Get on the 9 Bus.
At weekends and public holidays there can be a long queue for the bus, so get their early or be prepared to be patient. You can also get a taxi – it is around a 12-15 minute drive.

Even the drive or bus offers some nice views. When you reach Shek O Road, you look across Tai Tam Bay to Stanley.
Get off the bus or taxi at Dragon’s Back Public Toilet, about three quarters of the way along Shek O Road.
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The Route
The hike starts at Dragon’s Back Public Toilet, with a climb. The path is obvious, going straight up the hill.
After a few hundred metres, there is a right turn. It is marked with a wooden arrow that says “Dragon’s Back” and has a picture of a small dragon.
Head up the hill and soon you will be at the start of the “back”.

To your right there are stunning views of white sandy beaches. First, there is Shek O and then Big Wave Bay. If you look out to sea, you will see Tung Lung Island and the coast heading towards Clear Water Bay. On a clear day you can see the Nine Pins islands too.
The path undulates over a few small peaks, making you earn your rest at the end.
It then descends down, back into the trees and off the famous Dragon’s Back. There is a left turn down the stairs and back onto a trail.
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If you want to continue onto the beach turn right. If you want to head back to the Dragon’s Back Public Toilet and get a bus from Shek O road, turn left (though note, that bus fills up from Shek O Village, so it might be packed and not picking people up by the time it reaches Shek O road).
If you turn right, walk along a wooded trail, over a couple of streams (which might be dry), until you reach a concrete road. Again, you can exit to Shek O road here by turning left this time.
Or turn right and head on to Big Wave Bay. The concrete road wiggles through the trees, and after a small opening, it sharply turns down to the right.
This is the final descent, over a uneven trail so be careful not to twist an ankle. At the bottom, you enter Big Wave Bay. There are shops and stalls for you to replenish and a beautiful beach for you to dip and cool off in the sea.

Getting Back
From Big Wave Bay you can take a 20 minute taxi back to Shau Kei Wan Station, or you can take a minibus. As minibuses have limited seats, the queue can be long on a busy day.
You can also continue your walk, along the side of the road, to Shek O. The village has some more amenities, like Thai restaurants. It’s a half an hour walk. There is also a stunning beach there, and the number 9 bus will take you back to the MTR. It’s a bigger bus, so the queue empties quicker but it’s a more popular beach so the queue can be longer.
In short, on a busy day, be prepared to wait for transport or bring cash for a taxi. There is no cash machine or 711 for cash back in either Big Wave Bay or Shek O village.
Despite the wait, it is worth it to enjoy one of Hong Kong’s most famous hikes. It is always gratifying to leave the concrete jungle and see just how close you are to world class views and beaches.


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Extreme fitness

How to hike Dragon’s Back, a guide to Hong Kong Island’s iconic ridge walk

Dragon’s Back is one of Hong Kong Island’s most iconic hikes. Photo: Shutterstock

A couple hike on the Dragon’s Back with stunning views on Shek O below. Photo: Dickson Lee

Dragon’s Back can be busy. There is plenty of hiking to go around, but it can mean there are queues for the buses. Photo: Dickson Lee

Finish your rewarding hike at Big Wave Bay, or walk along to Shek O instead. Photo: Winson Wong

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

Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak, but it is not the highest place you can hike to. Photo: Dickson Lee

See great views of the city and nature from near the summit of Tai Mo Shan. Photo: Dickson Lee

Tai Mo Shan is on section eight of the MacLehose Trail. Photo: Dickson Lee

The view from Lantau Peak, looking across the Sunset Peak. Photo: Martin Williams

Two men collapse, die on Hong Kong hiking trails in separate incidents

A view from Ling Wui Shan in southern Lantau, where a hiker collapsed and died on Saturday. Photo: Facebook

Danger lurks as Hong Kong’s hiking hordes discover city’s green country trails, stunning mountain views

Sam Ng’s favourite hike is the Castle Peak Hinterland, which has been described as similar to the United States Grand Canyon. Photo: Handout

Sam Ng says that being able to hike helps him with his mental health. Photo: Handout

Annalyn Limit is part of a group of domestic helpers who spend their day off each week hiking and picking up litter. Photo: Handout

Annalyn Limit is part of a group of domestic helpers who spend their day off each week hiking and picking up litter.

Michael Maddess, director at Action Asia Events. Photo: Paul Yeung

Paul Zimmerman, at the Pok Fu Lam Conduit. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Hong Kong hiking: lesser known trails to explore since you’re stuck in city, as Covid-19 travel restrictions continue

Robin’s Nest offers views of Mainland China and the New Territories and the trail is less busy than some more popular routes. Photo: Shutterstock

Robin’s Nest straddles the border between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Lantau’s two famous peaks loom over Miu Tsai Tun and look spectacular. Photo: Martin Williams

Surfers look out from Tai Long Sai Wan towards the end of the Cheung Tsui Chau peninsular. Photo: Anthony Dickson

Sport

Outdoor

Hiking

How to Guides


Hiking Dragon’s Back is a popular weekend pass time for Hongkongers, as it offers stunning beaches views and finishes near bars and restaurants
The hike is easy to start, and rewarding for all levels of hikers or trail runners



Hiking Dragon’s Back is a popular weekend pass time for Hongkongers, as it offers stunning beaches views, is accessible and finishes near bars and restaurants.


Trail running and hiking

Hong Kong hiking

How to hike Dragon’s Back, a guide to Hong Kong Island’s iconic ridge walk

Hiking Dragon’s Back is a popular weekend pass time for Hongkongers, as it offers stunning beaches views and finishes near bars and restaurants The hike is easy to start, and rewarding for all levels of hikers or trail runners

Hiking Dragon’s Back is a popular weekend pass time for Hongkongers, as it offers stunning beaches views and finishes near bars and restaurants

The hike is easy to start, and rewarding for all levels of hikers or trail runners