Hike Hong Kong’s Kowloon hills for stunning views north and south, and options for getting back to civilisation
- Kowloon Peak and nearby summits afford grandstand views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and, on clear days, Stonecutters Bridge, with Sai Kung to the east
- To drop down from the heights, opt for an easy stroll or some strenuous hikes in wild places that are rare so close to an urban centre
A natural barrier to the north of urban Hong Kong, the Kowloon hills make for fine hiking with excellent views – although getting to them on foot may seem daunting. Happily, a road up to and along the eastern ridge enables easy access to the heights, with their challenging hikes and easy strolls.
The narrow, winding Fei Ngo Shan Road climbs the hillside from Clear Water Bay Road and reaches the crest of the hills to the north of Kowloon Peak. Passengers alight from their vehicle here to expansive vistas from the Kowloon Peak Viewing Point.
The slope drops away from here to the fringes of urban Kowloon, beyond which lie Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. If the air is clear, the twin supports of Stonecutters Bridge can be seen prominently to the west of Kowloon. Standing here, you’re high enough to look down on Lion Rock, which has an angular profile and does not look much like any kind of animal.
A short flight of stone steps leads to a flat grassy area – another Kowloon Peak Viewing Point, this one facing eastward across Marina Cove to the Sai Kung Peninsula and the islands beyond. Here, at 544 metres (1,785ft) above sea level, you’re just eight metres lower than Hong Kong Island’s highest point, the summit of Victoria Peak, with options for climbing a little higher.
