Brick Hill, or Nam Long Shan, is a hill situated near Wong Chuk Hang and Aberdeen in the southern district of Hong Kong. The hike is pretty straightforward and is very suitable for beginners. Although this hiking trail is not as popular as Dragon’s Back, the view up there is still worth the climb.
Brick Hill Hike Summary
Before the actual hike, there is an 8-10 minute walk from the MTR station or bus terminus. The hike to Brick Hill has an estimated elevation of 282 meters and a distance of approximately 5 kilometers round trip. The path is mostly made of concrete stairs with some rocky paths on the way to the summit. There are two rest areas along the way. The hike is easy and can be completed within 1 to 2 hours.
Although it is suitable for beginners, most part of the hike consists of stairs and rocky paths. It is not recommended to bring strollers if you plan to bring kids along. There is only one way to the top of the hill, so you will take the same way when you come down.
Things to bring
There is little to no shade on this trail, so better be prepared and stay hydrated! Avoid this trail during summer as summer in Hong Kong is extremely hot and humid.
- Cap
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Snacks
- Trekking Pole
How to get here
Option 1: By MTR
- You can take the South Island Line to Wong Chuk Hang station
- Find Exit B and go to Nam Long Shan Cooked Food Market
- Walk to the Wong Chuk Hang Bus Terminus
- Head towards Singapore International School which is just behind the bus terminus
Option 2: By bus
- You can take any buses that stop at Wong Chuk Hang Bus Terminus (Bus 4, 71, 78)
- Head towards Singapore International School which is just behind the bus terminus
Head uphill towards the direction of Singapore International School. The road starts to get a little steep. You’ll pass by South Wave Court, followed by Jockey Club establishments, Mary Cove School, and finally Canadian International School.
After Canadian International School, there are no landmarks, just continue walking and you will see the Aberdeen Channel come into view on your right.
Be cautious of vehicles while walking, as you may need to walk in the middle of the road during this part of the hike.
Starting Point
Unlike other hiking trails in Hong Kong, the starting point of Brick Hill does not have an official sign. This is the first rest area. The real hike starts at Nam Long Shan Road Rest Garden. Go up these stairs and take a short break if you need to. Because you will be tackling the most difficult part of this hike next – the stairs.
The hike may seem like a never-ending staircase for some. But believe me, this staircase is a lot shorter and better than the ones I tried in Twins Peak. You can read about it here.
That said, it can still be difficult as most of the trail is exposed to the sun, so bring a cap, put on some sunscreen, and bring enough water to stay hydrated!
A special part about this hike is that instead of hearing the sound of nature (i.e. birds chirping, bees buzzing, and other insect sounds), you’ll hear people screaming at the top of their lungs. This is because Brick Hill is just behind Ocean Park.
Brick Hill Pavilion
Once you get to see a good view of Ocean Park, it is a sign that it is just a few meters away from the Brick Hill Pavilion, the second rest area. Take a short break here and admire the view before you continue. There are benches overlooking the view if you don’t mind the sun.
The next path uphill is mostly rocky, but there was ongoing construction when I went there. It seems they were installing handrails and converting some parts of the trail into stairs.
Continue your way up and you’ll find a helipad where you will be treated to a panoramic view of Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay. Take your time at the summit and when you’re ready to go back, just go back the way you went up.
