If you’re seeking an easy nature trail to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then this hike is perfect for you! Despite Hong Kong being a small city, it offers over a hundred hiking trails, many easily accessible from the city center. The Wanchai Gap Park to Aberdeen hike is one of them. The starting point is right in the heart of Wan Chai, making it perfect for a short, enjoyable hike early in the morning.
What to Expect on the Trail
The hike took us about one and a half hours from start to finish. We began at Wan Chai Gap Park and ended at Aberdeen Centre, covering a distance of approximately 5 kilometers. The trail is mostly flat, featuring a paved road, rocky surfaces, some stairs, and ample shade.
We noticed that many hikers start their journey from Aberdeen, which is the reverse of our route. Feel free to take that route, but I prefer ending in Aberdeen, and this post will focus on this direction.
Getting There
To get to the starting point, take the MTR to Admiralty Station and then transfer to Bus #15, which goes to The Peak. Alight at the “Wan Chai Gap Road” stop. Note that although the park is in Wan Chai, it is not close to the Wan Chai MTR station. If you choose to take the MTR, be prepared for a steep uphill walk to reach the park.
We boarded Bus #15 at Exchange Square in Central and got off at the Wanchai Gap Road stop. It can be a bit confusing when you get off the bus as it’s a busy intersection. After getting off the bus, make sure to walk in the opposite direction and proceed towards Wan Chai Gap Park (Refer to image above). Once you reach the park, continue on Mount Cameron Road. Shortly after, you’ll come across the sign for Aberdeen Country Park. Take a right turn at the entrance of the park.
Starting Point
So, the hike starts at this spot. The trail is mostly shaded by trees, so you won’t have to deal with the sun beating down on you. After a short walk, you’ll hit a small fork in the road—go left for Lady Clementi’s Ride, or right for Aberdeen Reservoir Road. We went left, onto Lady Clementi’s Ride, which later connects to Hong Kong Trail Section 4. Just a few minutes on this path, you’ll spot the first post-war pillbox remnants.
There aren’t many intersections on this path, so just follow the route and enjoy being surrounded by trees and birds. Before long, you’ll hear the soothing sounds of water from the beautiful waterfalls. It had rained the night before our hike, so the waterfall was really gushing. In the dry season, it might look completely different. Oh, and by the way, the path can get pretty slippery after rain with all the fallen leaves and small rocks, so it’s a good idea to bring a hiking pole and keep an eye on the kids if they’re with you on the hike.
Soon, you’ll reach a point where you’ll see signs for Upper Aberdeen Reservoir and Lower Aberdeen Reservoir. Just follow the signs that point to Upper Aberdeen Reservoir to keep going in the right direction.
Upper Aberdeen Reservoir
The Aberdeen Reservoir was built to supply water to the western side of Hong Kong Island. Originally owned by the Tai Shing Paper Factory, the government later bought it and built another reservoir above it, creating the Aberdeen Reservoir. It’s the last group of reservoirs built on Hong Kong Island.
Once you pass through the Upper Reservoir, at the end of the bridge, you’ll see a path leading to the Lower Aberdeen Reservoir, also known as the Aberdeen Fitness Trail. Follow this trail, and you’ll reach the end of the hike, arriving in Aberdeen.
Lower Aberdeen Reservoir
Right before you reach the end of the trail, you’ll spot the Lower Aberdeen Reservoir. Take a second to appreciate the awesome view. If you keep going, you’ll hit the Aberdeen Nature Trail, which links the upper and lower dams. It’s another way to get to the reservoir. We stuck to the Aberdeen Fitness Trail and didn’t check out the Nature Trail, but you should explore all the different trails around here if you have the time. Just make sure to look at the map so you know how far everything is.
Aberdeen
After taking in the view at the Lower Aberdeen Reservoir, just keep following the Aberdeen Fitness Trail until you reach the barrier. Then it’s a steep downhill to Aberdeen Centre.
Aberdeen is a unique blend of traditional fishing village charm and modern urban development. You will still find a lot of sampans and traditional wooden fishing boats.
Some highlights when you visit Aberdeen include the Tin Hau Temple, Aberdeen Center, and the promenade. The area hosts various local festivals, such as the Fire Dragon Dance and Dragon Boat Festival showcasing its vibrant cultural heritage.
Tin Hau Temple
As you make your way down, you will come across Tin Hau Temple, a place of worship with deep historical roots. This temple holds special significance as it was established by the indigenous fishermen of the area. Given that Aberdeen was historically a bustling fishing hub, the temple served as a spiritual sanctuary for the local fishermen. As a result, they would frequently visit the Tin Hau Temple to seek blessings and protection for safe voyages and bountiful catches.
Aberdeen Centre
Aberdeen Centre stands as the primary shopping destination in the area. It offers an array of retail outlets and dining establishments to serve the local community.
If you visit during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, be sure to check the schedule of Fire Dragon Dance. The streets of Aberdeen come alive with the vibrant and captivating Fire Dragon Dance, adding to the festive atmosphere and drawing in crowds of spectators.
Aberdeen Promenade
The Aberdeen Promenade offers a peaceful setting for leisurely walks. It’s also a convenient departure point for Kaito ferries heading to Ap Lei Chau. If you happen to be here during the annual Dragon Boat Festival, be sure to watch the Dragon Boat races. You will fall in love with the vibrant atmosphere of Aberdeen.
Lamma Island
Lamma Island is also located in the southern part of Hong Kong. You can take a ferry from Aberdeen to Lamma Island’s Sok Kwu Wan pier. There is a family-friendly trail on the island where you can go through its highlights. If you find this interesting, you can read about it here.
How to Leave Aberdeen
There is no MTR in Aberdeen, but you can take a bus to the nearest Wong Chuk Hang MTR station. Buses are also available to the city, including routes to Causeway Bay and Central.
Tips
Even though this trail is pretty easy, it’s a good idea to wear sturdy shoes because some parts can get slippery with loose rocks. Most of the trail is shady, but you’ll be out in the sun near the reservoirs, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water. There are spots to chill out and have a break along the way, so feel free to bring some snacks. We also packed spare clothes and changed when we got to Aberdeen, which helped us feel fresh and ready to check out the area.
Other Hiking Trails
If you’re interested in a nearby hike, you should consider checking out Nam Long Shan, also known as Brick Hill. The trail at Brick Hill offers a panoramic view of the mountains and ocean. But, the trail has more stairs and less shade. For more information, you can read about it here. If you prefer reservoir hiking, Tai Tam Reservoir is another option to consider.
Best Time for Hiking
The ideal period for going on a hike in Hong Kong is from October onwards. During this time, the weather is more pleasant as it becomes cooler, and the risk of typhoons has significantly reduced, making it safer to enjoy outdoor activities.
Conclusion
We hope this guide inspires you to explore the Wanchai Gap Park to Aberdeen hike. There is more than one way to hike this trail, you can check out another route here if you want more options. If you’ve hiked this trail or have any questions, please share your experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!