Dragon’s Back is one of the most popular urban hikes among locals and tourists. Located within the Shek O Country Park, it is one of the most accessible hiking trails in Hong Kong. In addition, Dragon’s Back is part of stage 8 of the Hong Kong Trail. The hike is considered a moderate one since it does not have too much incline. Hence, it is suitable for beginners and is one of the most scenic and rewarding hiking trails. In fact, it was selected by CNN as one of the world’s best 23 hiking trails in 2019.
Dragon’s Back Hike Summary
The hike has an estimated distance of 8.5 kilometers. However, it might be a few kilometers more, depending on where you finish your hike. The summit of Shek O Peak has a total elevation of 284 meters, with an average hiking time of about 4 hours. You have an option to finish the hike and relax at Big Wave Beach before heading back home.
Best Time To Visit
Hong Kong has a scorching and humid summer, so it’s best to avoid hiking during this season. Moreover, July to October are typhoon seasons. Furthermore, hiking during rainy seasons or after rainy seasons can be dangerous as there may be risks of landslides.
So, the best time to hike in Hong Kong is from October to June. As Dragon’s Back is a really popular hiking trail, it is recommended to go on weekdays to avoid the crowd. Also, try to hike in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the sun.
Things to Bring
- Cap to protect you from the sun
- Sunscreen because most of the path is exposed to the sun
- Water to stay hydrated
- Snacks to keep you going
- Trekking Pole to support you when ascending and descending the ridge
- Phone and camera because the view up there is amazing!
- Wear appropriate shoes. (This might be obvious, but we saw some people wearing inappropriate shoes)
How to get here
- Take the Island Line to Shau Kei Wan station.
- Go to Shau Kei Wan bus terminus (Exit A3), then take Bus #9
- Get off at 土地灣 To Tei Wan stop
The Hike
As one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong, there is a lot of signage along the way. Furthermore, the trail is well marked with the English and Chinese names of the path, and the estimated distance and time to complete the path. Typically, these signage can be found near forked paths. You don’t have to worry about getting lost because there are clear signs.
Dragon’s Back mostly consists of concrete and rocky paths. Because of the ups and downs in the hike, you will feel like you are walking on a dragon’s back. The ascending part of the hike involves some slopes or stairs. The ascend is not considered very steep, however, some paths may have tiny rocks that can be slippery. So be careful, especially when descending down the ridge. Also, most parts of the hike are exposed to the sun. So, remember to wear appropriate shoes and bring sunscreen and a trekking pole if you have one.
The View
For many people, Hong Kong is known for its skyscrapers and beautiful skyline. Who would have thought a place like this would exist, just about an hour away from the city center? Indeed, hiking in Hong Kong lets you discover the hidden beauty of the city.
Along the way, you will get to see a different side of Hong Kong. Some views include the Redhill Peninsula, the Shek O village, and the Big Wave Beach.
This hike is so popular, that I bumped into an acquaintance near the summit, can you imagine that?
When you reach the peak of the summit, you will have a 360-degree view of the Shek O country park.
On our way up, I saw some people carrying big backpacks and I later found out that they hiked all the way up for paragliding. We stood there, watching them set up everything, and just run off the cliff which made me extremely nervous. However, I imagined the view up there must be stunning!
If you are interested in paragliding, do not attempt it on your own, and be sure to find an authorized and licensed company because there have been a number of paragliding accidents in Hong Kong before. In addition, some paragliders landed on some farms and destroyed the farmers’ crops, which received complaints from locals.
Big Wave Bay
When you begin your descent, one of the options is to finish your hike in Big Wave Bay. There is a small park where you can rest before continuing to the beach.
The beach is a bit secluded but it is one of the popular surfing spots in Hong Kong. It has basic facilities such as toilets and changing rooms. There are some BBQ sites and cafes, so you can have a bite before heading home.
Going Back
At some point in the hike, you have to choose where you want to end your hike. Either way, you can take Bus #9 or a minibus back to Shau Kei Wan MTR Station.
Other Hiking Trails
If you would like to read more about hiking in Hong Kong, you can check out my other posts here.