You wouldn’t really know it from your fist sight at its popular glass and steel skyline, but around ¾ of HK is still undeveloped. It is still a wok in progress; a patchwork of windswept ridgelines and full grown valleys that covers the entire length and area of the country.

Several urbanites go to the hills to hike, especially during weekends. They do this to escape from the too crowded city, and four long distance trails with several shorter offshoots leave people spoiled for options.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a good pair of hiking shoes and pack your bags. You’ve got to start taking the tail now if you really want to see it at all. Here are two of the most favorite and must try hikes in HK.

Pat Sin Leng – Stage 9 Wilson Trail

One of the best hikes in Hong Kong can be tried just south of the territory’s border with mainland China.

This hike begins at Cloudy Hill in the north side of Tai Po, Pat Sin Leng (Ridge of the Eight Immortals). This is a series of 500-meter peaks named after the popular characters in Chinese legends.

This stage can either be joined after a grueling climb up Stage 8’s Cloudy Hill, or even farther at the Hok Tau Resevoir. This is best reached by riding a taxi or minibus from the Fanling MTR station. From here, the climb begins towards Emperor’s Ridge, with the mountainside tumbling down spectacularly to the south into the Tolo Harbour and Plover Clove below.

A short detour to the summit of Emperor’s Ridge offers excellent views of both the eastern and western coasts of the New Territories. Beyond this lies the very first and tallest of the 8 immortals, Shun Yeung Fung.

Take some break in between your hikes and be mesmerized with all the views that are presented to you. You are about to cross the next 7 peaks to reach Sin Ku Fung. Beyond this, you can link up with the Pat Sin Leng Nature Trail and make your way down to Tai Mei Tuk for rides back to Tai Po.

The Dragon’s Back – Stage 8 Hong Kong Trail

Ask the locals to name their favorite hike, and most likely, they will say The Dragon’s Back. Though the well-deserved status of this ridgeline hike on Hong Kong Island can make it annoyingly crowded, especially during peak months, the breathtaking views of the south end of the island is more than enough to ignore others.

Stage 8 of the Hong Kong Trail starts at To Tei Wan on Shek O Road, and promptly brings you up to the Dragon’s Back proper and Shek O Peak. The undulating trail then cuts north along the sun-baked ridgeline towards Mount Collinson, giving hikers a great opportunity to witness and capture the panoramic views of Big Wave Bay on the East side and Tai Tam Bay on the West.

After rounding Mount Collinson, the trail goes down passing by the remarkably terraced Cape Collinson cemetery and into Big Wave Bay. This is considered to be Hong Kong’s best surfing spot..

The trail ends here but you have to keep moving to the south along Big Wave Bay Road, passing by the Shek O Golf Course to the beachside village of Shek O, for some delicious cuisines and cold Chang’s at the Shek O Chinese & Thai Seafood restaurant.

These are just 2 of the most wonderful and exciting hikes you should try in HK! There’s a lot more! Happy travel!

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