Dragon's Back — the best urban hike in Asia
The Dragon's Back Trail on the southeast side of Hong Kong Island was awarded by CNN as the best urban hike in Asia — and rightly so. The 8.5 km trail leads over a mountain ridge with panoramic views of the open sea, the Shek O Peninsula, Big Wave Bay, and the mountains of the New Territories.
Trail Details
- Length: 8.5 km (Shek O Road → Big Wave Bay).
- Duration: 3–4 hours.
- Difficulty: Medium — steep ascents, but well-developed steps and paths. No climbing required.
- Getting there: Bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR to the To Tei Wan stop (starting point).
- Highlight: The ridge itself — the view on both sides is breathtaking. At the end: Big Wave Bay Beach to cool off and Shek O Village for seafood.
💡 Tipp
Start early in the morning (before 9 AM) — the trail is very popular on weekends, and the midday heat can be brutal. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water, sunscreen, and a hat. At the destination: Big Wave Bay Beach has a kiosk with drinks and snacks, and the village of Shek O has fantastic Thai and seafood restaurants.