Joanna James
When you think of the best hiking destinations in the world, Hong Kong might not immediately spring to your mind. Indeed, the destination has always been seen of more as a cultural or shopping attraction. However, there's plenty of amazing hiking spots to be found here – including these five.
The Po Toi is one of the most popular hiking trails in Hong Kong and offers a fantastic view of the mountains and rock formations off in the distance. Interestingly, almost the entire hiking trail here is made up of granite rock. This makes the whole trek quite a comfortable one; it can easily be recommended to even amateur hikers without worry. Along the trail, you'll also find vendors selling a delectable seaweed soup – it's a great way to recharge after a long day's hike. Near the end of the hiking trail, you'll come upon fascinating rock carvings and inscription, some which are over 3000 years old. What's more, Po Toi is easily accessible if you're staying in one of the prominent Mongok hotels – for example, the Dorsett Mongkok – with the trail's start being only around 30 minutes away!
With a name like that, how could you not at least be curious about this fantastic hiking spot? The Dragon's Back is a 5-kilometre-long walk that culminates with a magnificent view of the Hong Kong cityscape. While the terrain is certainly more challenging than the Po Toi, it is by no means impossible to traverse and amateurs and enthusiasts alike are sure to have a good time here. The trail tends to experience frequent showers, so be sure to pack a jacket or rain-coat just in case. The Dragon's Back is also quite the popular trail, so you might want to come here on a week-day if you prefer a bit of solitude.
For Hong Kong's hiking enthusiasts, few spots can beat the exciting 3-kilometre trail that is the Wan Chai. Here the side of the trail is covered in dense brush, and verdant greenery can be seen around every corner. As you progress along the trail, you'll come across an array of bars and cafes, as well as cultural buildings that tell the history and traditions of the region. As such, it's a great location to visit if you want to immerse yourself in Hong Kong's local culture.
Lantau is Hong Kong's second-highest peak and trekking up towards it can be quite the exhilarating experience. On the way up, you'll encounter the Big Buddha – a magnificent statue that looks out over the mountainside. Be sure to watch your step along this trail, though it is by no means dangerous, it can be somewhat tricky to navigate, especially when descending.
If you want to hike continuously while being treated to a variety of fantastic landscapes, Lamma Island is the destination for you. The trails here can be arduous and some can take up to 4 hours to complete. Still, it offers some of the best bits of scenery you'll find in all of Hong Kong.
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