Dragon's Back Hong Kong
Hike Hong Kong's iconic Dragon's Back for breathtaking coastal views and an accessible adventure ending at a beautiful beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer people
Dragon's Back Hong Kong
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike Hong Kong's iconic Dragon's Back for breathtaking coastal views and an accessible adventure ending at a beautiful beach.
"The best hike you can do in Hong Kong! Absolutely stunning views."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for staying hydrated, especially during warmer months. Don't underestimate the Hong Kong heat!
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be on your feet for a while. Sturdy shoes will make the hike much more enjoyable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ridge Views
Dragon's Back Ridge
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the South China Sea, islands, and coastline. Absolutely unforgettable!
Big Wave Bay Beach Finish
End of the trail
Reward yourself with a refreshing dip or relax on the sand after your hike. Perfect for a summer day.
Shek O Village Charm
Start of the trail
Explore this quaint fishing village before or after your hike, with colorful houses and local eateries.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Getting There Made Easy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for staying hydrated, especially during warmer months. Don't underestimate the Hong Kong heat!
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be on your feet for a while. Sturdy shoes will make the hike much more enjoyable.
🚊 Octopus Card for Transport
Your best friend for Hong Kong's public transport. Get one upon arrival for easy MTR and bus fares.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for staying hydrated, especially during warmer months. Don't underestimate the Hong Kong heat!
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be on your feet for a while. Sturdy shoes will make the hike much more enjoyable.
🚊 Octopus Card for Transport
Your best friend for Hong Kong's public transport. Get one upon arrival for easy MTR and bus fares.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
🏖️ Beach Towel for Big Wave Bay
If you plan to swim, a towel is a great addition to your pack for a post-hike cool-down.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dragon's Back for its breathtaking panoramic views and accessibility, making it a highlight for many Hong Kong trips. While the hike is generally considered easy and rewarding, some find the summer heat challenging and recommend visiting during cooler parts of the day or year. The convenience of reaching the trail via public transport and the option to end at Big Wave Bay Beach are frequently cited positives.
"Beginner-friendly hike with a rewarding view 🌿⛰️
I hiked Dragon’s Back solo in Oct '24 and loved it! well-marked, safe, and popular.
I took the bus from Shek O and started at the official trailhead. If you walk non-stop, it takes around 2 hours to reach the beach. But i stopped often to take photos and rest, so it took me about 4 hours in total.
I started at 8 AM and it gets quite hot after 10 AM. I’d recommend starting around 6:30 AM if you want cooler weather and fewer people.
By noon, the trail gets quite busy with school groups, tour groups, even elderly hikers. So no worries about getting lost, you’ll have plenty of company!
If you’re new to hiking in Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back is a great place to start. Highly recommend!"
Cookie Niyompong
"Really enjoyed this hike. It's very popular, with lots of people around. A pretty easy hike! The trail is easy to follow and well sign-posted. A few short, steep sections but otherwise not difficult.
The views are really great. I started at Tei Wan bus stop (take the number 9 bus there) and ended at Big Wave Bay. It was an 8km hike and took me around 2.5 hours. Plenty of spots to stop and relax / take photos of the views.
Take plenty of water as there's nowhere to buy refreshments on route. There's a cafe and some shops at Big Wave Bay. A nice place to stop for a drink / bite to eat at the end of the hike."
Katie Horsfield
"A great trek...but while it's mentioned as suitable for beginners to hiking, I'd say it's 6 out of 10 difficulty. This is because it's very rocky! You can wear trainers but be prepared to risk twisting your ankles. And if you did fall...you could die if you go over the side as you're very high up...no joke. That's why this really isn't for novice hikers. And make sure you time it so you don't end up there after dark as there is no lighting.
Also beware of a lot of mainland Chinese people hiking along the path especially in big groups and not letting you pass. They just take their damn time and expect you to walk behind them. They have no manners. The HK Chinese will usually be smart enough to notice and let you go ahead. The White expats or tourists will be even better and say 'hi' as they pass you.
Make sure you take water and a hat and sun protection. The hike has some really nice views."
J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is to take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan station (Exit A2) and then catch bus number 9 towards Shek O. Get off at the To Tei Wan stop, where you'll see the Dragon's Back signpost. Google Maps is very helpful for real-time public transport information.
Yes, Dragon's Back is very accessible by public transport. The MTR and bus combination is straightforward and widely used by locals and tourists alike.
Taxis can take you to the general area, but they might not be able to drop you directly at the trailhead. It's often easier and more cost-effective to use public transport.
The bus number 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR station is the most recommended way to reach the trailhead. The stop is clearly marked.
Yes, the entrance is well-marked with a signpost along the road at the To Tei Wan stop. It's a very straightforward starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dragon's Back is a public hiking trail and does not require any entrance tickets. It's free to access and enjoy the stunning views.
As a natural hiking trail, Dragon's Back is open 24/7. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
There is no admission fee for Dragon's Back. It's a public country park accessible to everyone.
While not mandatory, guided tours are available for Dragon's Back if you prefer to hike with a guide. Many independent travelers enjoy the self-guided experience.
There are no specific entry restrictions for Dragon's Back, but it's advisable to check weather conditions before you go, especially during typhoon season.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike itself can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on your fitness level and how much time you spend enjoying the views or at Big Wave Bay Beach.
Dragon's Back is considered a beginner-friendly hike. It's relatively easy and well-maintained, making it suitable for most fitness levels, including older individuals.
The trail is mostly a well-paved path with some gentle inclines and declines. It's not overly technical, making it accessible for beginners.
Restroom facilities are limited on the trail itself. It's best to use facilities at the MTR station or in Shek O village before you start. There are facilities at Big Wave Bay Beach.
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. A hat and sunglasses are highly recommended due to sun exposure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can find food options in Shek O village before or after your hike, and there are also cafes and restaurants at Big Wave Bay Beach.
It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks as there are no vendors along the Dragon's Back trail itself.
Shek O village offers a variety of local eateries, including seafood restaurants and casual cafes.
While there aren't designated picnic areas on the ridge, you can find spots to rest and enjoy a packed lunch with a view. Big Wave Bay Beach is also a great place for a picnic.
Many hikers enjoy a meal in Shek O village before starting or after finishing their hike, or they grab a bite at Big Wave Bay Beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire ridge offers incredible photo opportunities. Look for panoramic shots from the highest points and capture the winding trail.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, provides the most dramatic lighting for photography.
Drone usage may be restricted in country parks. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
The main ridge offers continuous stunning views. The highest points provide the most iconic panoramic shots of the coastline and islands.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for the golden hour – sunrise or sunset – for the most breathtaking light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dragon's Back Trail Experience
+1 It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists looking for an escape from the urban bustle. The trail is well-maintained and generally considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Many visitors choose to end their hike at Big Wave Bay Beach, a beautiful sandy cove perfect for a refreshing swim or relaxation after the trek.
The combination of stunning natural beauty, accessible public transport, and rewarding endpoints makes Dragon's Back a must-do activity for anyone visiting Hong Kong. Navigating Hong Kong's Public Transport
Many travelers find Google Maps to be an invaluable tool for navigating Hong Kong's public transport, providing real-time schedules and route planning.
Best Times for Hiking and Photography
For photographers, the golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset – provides the most magical lighting. The warm, soft light enhances the dramatic coastal landscapes and the winding trail, creating stunning images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit