Top 10: Where is the best place to hike in Hong Kong?
- Our readers share their top treks and country parks, from Dragon’s Back to the one that inspired the city’s famous ‘Lion Rock spirit’
- This week’s question: What is your favourite hidden spot in Hong Kong?
Where’s your favourite hiking spot in Hong Kong? Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: What is your favourite hidden spot in Hong Kong?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on March 15. Tell us your name, age and school.
As part of the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign, the Hong Kong Tourism Board invites you to share your favourite experiences in the city through their event, “My Best Picks - Most-liked Hong Kong Experiences”. Join by March 31 on their website, and pick your favourites to create a list of the city’s best spots for visitors!
Here are our readers’ top Hong Kong hikes ...
Suri Chan Tin-wing, 16, Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College: Lam Tin Park in Kwun Tong district. In contrast to other popular hiking spots, this place is located in an inconspicuous area in the city. As a girl who grew up in Lam Tin, I have visited the park with my family many times. Senior citizens and retirees who live in the district love to gather there to go for a long walk. Besides, there are a lot of old buildings in the area which take you back to the city’s good old days.
Janice Cheung Hei-ching, 12, St Paul’s Co-educational College: Pineapple Mountain, also known as the “mini-Grand Canyon”, in Tuen Mun. It offers breathtaking scenery; you can see panoramic views of the New Territories, including villages in Tuen Mun, and even have a glimpse of the skyscrapers in Shenzhen. Pineapple Mountain is also a perfect place for hikers seeking a challenge because some parts of the “canyon” can be slippery and the trail is completely exposed to the sun. It stands out as one of the best places to hike.
Venus Ho Yue-wing, 13, St Mary’s Canossian College: Garden Hill, in Sham Shui Po. It is a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of a densely packed neighbourhood. This short hike also affords great views of the district and some people are known to climb the 90-metre hill during their lunch break. It is also one of the best locations where you can watch the sunset and enjoy the city’s landscape.
Kaden Chan Chi-lok, 16, St Joan of Arc Secondary School: Braemar Hill. It is close to my school and I can see many hikers through my classroom window every day. The journey to the top can be quite challenging because you have to climb a lot of stairs. Along the way, you might even come across wild boars which could pose problems. But the impressive view at the top of the mountain will make you feel like you are the king of the world.
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Ryan Wang Yiyao, 13, Pui Kiu College: Sunset Peak on Lantau Island, the third-highest mountain in Hong Kong. The amazing view from the top will make the tough climb worth it. It is a great place to watch the seas of golden silvergrass in autumn and winter. It takes about four hours to finish the 7km hike.
Violet Chan Tsz-yan, 12, Pooi To Middle School: We have heard since childhood that Hong Kong people have the “Lion Rock spirit”. As long as you choose the right route, the Lion Rock hike is not difficult. Starting from Lok Fu Station, you can climb to the top in less than two hours, and enjoy the epic view over Kowloon all the way to Central on Hong Kong Island.
Hugo Choi Wai-chun, 14, NLSI Lui Kwok Pat Fong College: Devil’s Peak, which is located between Lei Yue Mun and Sai Kung. Although the name may sound scary, it’s a family-friendly hike and the views are spectacular. Before becoming one of the city’s most popular recreational spots, Devil’s Peak was home to ferocious pirates during the Ming dynasty (1368-1643) and a British military base in the 20th century. Hikers enjoy the short, steep climb to the top of the mountain, which is around 220 metres tall. At the summit of Devil’s Peak, you can see both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Che Zihao, 13, Ho Yu College and Primary School (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen): Dragon’s Back in Shek O. It is a great place to hike for beginners, offering lush trees, sandy beaches, and the sea. The hike ends at Big Wave Bay, where you can have a relaxing meal at one of the many beachfront restaurants.
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Hebe Ng Suet-man, 15, Buddhist Tai Hung College: Tai Mo Shan, the tallest mountain in Hong Kong. I have been to Tai Mo Shan Country Park twice. The first time I went there, I had a barbecue with my family. It was very quiet and we had a pleasant experience there. Then I went hiking – for the first time ever. There are many ways of hiking Tai Mo Shan. The trail we took wasn’t too difficult and the view was breathtaking. We could see the entire city from the top of the mountain.
Ng Wing-chi, 15, Pok Oi Hospital 80th Anniversary Tang Ying Hei College: The Peak – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong. It is the tallest hill on Hong Kong Island, and offers a 360-degree view across Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and outlying islands. In about three hours, we went from a crowded urban area to a stunning mountaintop trail. Hong Kong is a city like no other in the world.