2022.10.23 SUN 【Hiking • 018】
Lion Rock . Lion Tail Ridge . Beacon Hill
獅子山 . 獅尾脊 . 筆架山

This is a classic cross-country route that seamlessly connects urban hustle with the iconic peaks of Kowloon. Starting from Wong Tai Sin Centre, you pass by Our Lady’s Primary School and the incense-filled Fat Jong Temple before hitting the trails via the Lion Tail Ridge. This ascent is a real test of stamina, taking you past the uniquely shaped Sky Ladder Rock and the Fool Tower, a spot steeped in local hiking folklore. As you gain elevation, the views open up spectacularly, leading you to the ultimate symbol of the Hong Kong spirit—the summit of Lion Rock, where the entire Kowloon Peninsula and Victoria Harbour stretch out beneath you in a breathtaking panorama. The second half of the journey transitions into more tranquil, shaded paths. After a quick breather at the Kowloon Pass Reunion Pavilion, you’ll head west along the MacLehose Trail towards Beacon Hill. Once a vital site for aviation navigation, it now serves as a prime vantage point to see the city skyline interwoven with rolling ridges. The descent is relatively gentle, finally bringing you to the serene Kowloon Reservoir. It’s the perfect spot to wind down by the peaceful waters, wrapping up a rich journey that balances physical challenge, urban vistas, and natural ecology.

Route:

Wong Tai Sin Centre → Our Lady’s Primary School → Fat Jong Temple → Lion Tail Ridge → Sky Ladder Rock → Fool Tower → Lion Rock → Kowloon Pass Reunion Pavilion → Beacon Hill → Kowloon Reservoir

Duration
5.7 hrs
Distance
9 km
Highest Point
504 m
Difficulty
3.5 ⭐️
Explore the Route
daydreamer.hk. .

Route Overview

Wong Tai Sin Centre → Our Lady’s Primary School → Fat Jong Temple → Lion Tail Ridge → Sky Ladder Rock → Fool Tower → Lion Rock → Kowloon Pass Reunion Pavilion → Beacon Hill → Kowloon Reservoir

【Start】 Setting off from Wong Tai Sin Centre, head along , where you will first pass by Our Lady’s Primary School. Continuing further up , you will reach Fat Jong Temple. This historic Buddhist temple offers a serene environment, making it a perfect spot for a short rest.

【Mid-Sectoin】 After leaving the temple, you will begin your ascent via the  Path. This route is famous for its steep gradients and magnificent views, often requiring some hands-on scrambling. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Kowloon Peninsula and Victoria Harbour. You will eventually encounter , a massive rock formation that requires careful climbing.
Keep pushing forward until you reach . Built in 1959, this six-tier stone tower is inscribed with the phrases 『Standing Tall Between Heaven and Earth』 and a poetic couplet describing the surrounding landscape. It is a popular landmark for photos and a well-earned breather.

【Finish】 Leaving the tower behind, continue along the ridge to finally reach the summit of Lion Rock. As one of Hong Kong’s most iconic peaks, the summit offers a breathtaking view overlooking the entire Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. Descending from the peak, you will pass the Kowloon Pass Reunion Pavilion, an important landmark commemorating Hong Kong’s handover.
Next, follow the trail to Beacon Hill known for its unique terrain and grand vistas, making it an excellent vantage point for photography. Finally, descend along the path to reach the Kowloon Reservoir. The reservoir area is beautifully scenic, providing a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding or having a picnic.

Duration
5.7 hrs
Distance
9 km
Highest Point
504 m
Scenery
4.5 ⭐️
Difficulty
3.5 ⭐️
Exposure Index
4 ⭐️
. .

Here are the reference statistics for this journey:

Total Ascent
632 m
Total Descent
488 m
Moving Speed
3 km/h
Average Speed
1.6 km/h
Moving Time
2.9 hrs
Total Journey Time
5.7 hrs

Related Videos

Transport Guide

START

🚩

Temple Mall North

  1. 🚇 MTR Wong Tai Sin Station, Exit E
這張照片拍攝於港鐵-黃大仙站內。站內綠色背景的「出口 EXIT」指示牌詳細列出了 B1、B2、B3 出口可達的景點與設施，包含浸信會天虹小學、龍翔官立中學、馬仔坑遊樂場、黃大仙上邨、黃大仙祠牌樓、東華三院籤品哲理中心、嗇色園黃大仙祠及黃大仙中心北館。左下方附有局部周邊街道地圖，背景為黃大仙站標誌性的黃褐色馬賽克磚牆。
👉🏻

END

🏁

Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, Bus Stop

  1. Take 《Bus 72 or 81》 to return to West Kowloon urban areas.

💡 Tips:

  • Just a small heads-up—the bus route heading back to West Kowloon (like Sham Shui Po or Jordan) is usually 《72 (not 77)》, while 《81》 takes you straight to Mong Kok and Jordan. Both are great options for getting back to the city!
石梨貝水塘 • 巴士站

Route Breakdown
🚩 Start 《Wong Tai Sin Centre → Lion Tail Ridge → Lion Rock》

1. 📍 Temple Mall North

這張照片拍攝於港鐵-黃大仙站內。站內綠色背景的「出口 EXIT」指示牌詳細列出了 B1、B2、B3 出口可達的景點與設施，包含浸信會天虹小學、龍翔官立中學、馬仔坑遊樂場、黃大仙上邨、黃大仙祠牌樓、東華三院籤品哲理中心、嗇色園黃大仙祠及黃大仙中心北館。左下方附有局部周邊街道地圖，背景為黃大仙站標誌性的黃褐色馬賽克磚牆。

MTR Wong Tai Sin Station

Start: Exit from MTR Wong Tai Sin Station, Exit B3, then follow the signs towards .
Temple Mall North 《I》Temple Mall North 《II》

Wong Tai Sin Centre, Temple Mall North

Just outside Exit B3 of MTR Wong Tai Sin Station is , the starting point of today’s journey.

2. 📍 Wong Tai Sin Square

Sik Sik Yuen - Wong Tai Sin Temple, Entrance》Wong Tai Sin Square 《II》Wong Tai Sin Square 《I》Looking Back Temple Mall North 《II》Looking Back Temple Mall North 《I》Sik Sik Yuen - Wong Tai Sin Temple, Flower Plaque

Wong Tai Sin Square

Walking about 150 meters from Temple Mall North, you will reach Wong Tai Sin Square. Looking back at the mall, you can see a panoramic view featuring the Wong Tai Sin Archway and Wong Tai Sin Temple, with Lung On House, Yat Sin House, Yiu Sin House, and Kai Sin House standing tall in the background.

3. 📍 Shatin Pass Road

Shatin Pass Road 《I》Shatin Pass Road 《II》

Shatin Pass

After crossing Wong Tai Sin Square, head uphill along Shatin Pass Road. The estate ahead is Chuk Yuen North Estate. Continue climbing past Lung Fai Court.

4. 📍 Our Lady’s Primary School

Our Lady of Maryknoll School (Primary Section) 《I》Our Lady of Maryknoll School - Primary Section 《II》

Our Lady’s Primary School

After walking about 550 meters from the start at Temple Mall North, you will arrive at Our Lady’s Primary School.

5. 📍 Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital 🏥

Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital 🏥 《II》Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital 🏥 《I》

Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital 🏥

After passing the school, continue uphill along Shatin Pass Road. The hospital ahead is Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital.

6. 📍 TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital

東華三院 • 黃大仙醫院🏥

TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital 🏥

Keep heading up Shatin Pass Road. The next facility you’ll see is the TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital.

7. 📍 Diamond Hill Fresh and Salt Water Pumping Station

鑽石山食水及海水🌊 • 抽水站

Diamond Hill Fresh and Salt Water Pumping Station

After passing Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital 🏥, continue uphill along Shatin Pass Road. Spotting the road sign ahead, we arrived at the Diamond Hill Fresh and Salt Water Pumping Station.

8. 📍 CLP – Tsz Wan Shan Operations Centre

中華電力 • 慈雲山運作中心

CLP – Tsz Wan Shan Operations Centre

Shortly after the pumping station, you will come across the CLP – Operations Centre.

9. 📍 Tsz Wan Shan, Fat Jong Temple

Tsz Wan Shan, Fat Jong Temple 《I》Tsz Wan Shan, Fat Jong Temple 《V》Tsz Wan Shan, Fat Jong Temple 《IV》Tsz Wan Shan, Fat Jong Temple 《III》Tsz Wan Shan, Fat Jong Temple 《II》

Tsz Wan Shan, Fat Jong Temple

After trekking about 1.2 km from the start, you will reach , Fat Jong Temple.

10. 📍 Lion Tail Ridge Path 《I》

Lion Tail Ridge Path 《I.I》Lion Tail Ridge Path 《I.II》

Lion Tail Ridge Path 《I》

At the end of Fat Jong Temple, there is a concrete path on the left. Follow the path past the temple’s backyard to find the entrance to the Path.

11. 📍 Lion Tail Ridge Path 《II》

Lion Tail Ridge Path 《II.I》Lion Tail Ridge Path 《II.IV》Lion Tail Ridge Path 《II.III》Lion Tail Ridge Path 《II.II》

Lion Tail Ridge Path 《II》

Pass the temple and proceed along the mountain trail.

12. 📍 Lion Tail Ridge Path 《III》

獅尾脊徑《3》

Lion Tail Ridge Path 《III》

Continue following the narrow mountain path heading upwards.

13. 📍 Sky Ladder Rock

Sky Ladder Rock, Kowloon Peak View 《I》Lion Tail Ridge - Full View 《III》Ladder Rock, Stepping on the Sky Ladder Rock and Watching the Clouds Roll ByLion Tail Ridge - Full View 《II》Lion Tail Ridge - Full View 《I》Sky Ladder Rock, Directly Below Kowloon Peninsula - PanoramaSky Ladder Rock, Directly Below Chuk Yuen EstateSky Ladder Rock, Attack on Titan RockSky Ladder Rock, Right Behind UsSky Ladder Rock, Within Arm's ReachSky Ladder Rock, Distant Views of Hong Kong Island 《IV》Sky Ladder Rock, Distant Views of Hong Kong Island 《III》Sky Ladder Rock, Distant Views of Hong Kong Island 《II》Sky Ladder Rock, Distant Views of Hong Kong Island 《I》Sky Ladder Rock, Kowloon Peak View 《II》Sky Ladder Rock, Both Sides of Victoria Harbour - Panorama

Sky Ladder Rock

After walking about 300 meters along the trail from Fat Jong Temple, you will finally reach the first landmark of this trip:  (天梯石).

14. 📍 Lion Tail Ridge Path 《IV》

Lion Tail Ridge Path, Melastoma malabathricum / Malabar MelastomeLion Tail Ridge Path, Adenosma glutinosumLion Tail Ridge Path 《IV.2》Lion Tail Ridge Path, Helicopter 《II》Lion Tail Ridge Path, Helicopter 《I》Lion Tail Ridge Path, Distant Views of Hong Kong Island - PanoramaLion Tail Ridge Path 《IV.I》Lion Tail Ridge Path, Sea BuckthornLion Tail Ridge Path, Distant Views of Hong Kong IslandLion Tail Ridge Path, Ixora

Distant View of Hong Kong Island

After trekking about 300 meters uphill from Fat Jong Temple, you will finally reach the first landmark of the journey: Sky Ladder Rock (天梯石).

15. 📍 Lion Tail Ridge Path 《V》

Lion Tail Ridge Path, Bidens pilosa / White-flowered Spanish NeedleLion Tail Ridge Path, The Lonely Tree 《III》Lion Tail Ridge Path, The Lonely Tree 《II》Lion Tail Ridge Path, The Lonely Tree 《I》Lion Tail Ridge Path, The Lonely Tree

The Solitary Boulder

Standing on the Lion Rock Tail Ridge (獅尾脊), you can soak in the sweeping views of the city skylines and mountain peaks on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

16. 📍 Fool Tower

Fool Tower 《I》Fool Tower, Distant Views of Lantau IslandFool Tower 《IV》Fool Tower 《III》Fool Tower 《II》

Fool Tower

Continuing about 500 meters uphill from Sky Ladder Rock (天梯石), you will arrive at the second landmark:  (傻人塔). The site is located on the mid-slope of the Lion’s tail. The original tower was about 15 feet tall, built by five elders who called themselves 『Silly Persons』 — Chan Sap-kan, Lai Shui-pei, Tsang Wai-shu, Chan Po-sing, and Liu Chi-cho—who lugged sand and stones up the mountain themselves. The tower consisted of several tiers with inscribed couplets; the second tier featured the lines: “Two mountains embrace the sea where the carp swims; one tower pierces the sky to wake the sleeping lion.” This perfectly captures the essence of the peaks of Hong Kong and Kowloon (led by and Lion Rock), the harbor, Lei Yue Mun, and the tower itself. In 1964, a typhoon snapped the tower in half, sending the upper portion rolling down the slope. Today, only those who know the way can catch a glimpse of the remains. 

📷 Tips:

17. 📍 Lion Tail Ridge Path 《VI》

Lion Tail Ridge Path, Adenosma glutinosum 《I》Lion Tail Ridge Path 《VI.3》Lion Tail Ridge Path, Adenosma glutinosum 《II》

Lion Tail Ridge Path 《VI》

Stand on the Lion Rock Tail Ridge once more to admire the panoramic views of the Hong Kong and Kowloon urban landscapes and the surrounding ridges across Victoria Harbour.

18. 📍 Lion Tail Ridge Path 《VII》

Lion Tail Ridge Path, Broad-leaved Liriope 《I》Lion Tail Ridge Path, Wild CoffeeLion Tail Ridge Path, Broad-leaved Liriope 《II》

Wild Coffee and Big Blue Lilyturf

Wildflowers along the ridge: Wild Coffee (九節) features fleshy drupes that are nearly spherical, turning red or orange-red when ripe, with vertical ridges appearing when dried. Big Blue Lilyturf (闊葉麥門冬) is a perennial evergreen herb with short, thick rhizomes and roots that often swell into fleshy, cylindrical tubers.

19. 📍 The Tail of 🦁️Lion Rock

Lion Tail Ridge, Breathtaking Views of Sha Tin and Pat Sin LengLion Tail Ridge, Panoramas of the Harbour Cities and Surrounding PeaksLion Tail Ridge, Directly Below - Kowloon Peninsula

The Tail of 🦁️Lion Rock

Starting from Temple Mall North and trekking via Shatin Pass Road and the Lion Rock Tail Ridge Path, you have covered about 2.3 km and climbed 480 meters to finally reach the rear of Lion Rock.

20. 📍 🦁️Lion Rock

Lion Rock SignboardLion Rock

🦁️Lion Rock

After the 2.3 km hike and 480-meter ascent from the starting point at Temple Mall North, you have successfully summited 🦁️Lion Rock (獅子山).

Route Breakdown
🏁 Finish 《Lion Rock → Beacon Hill → Kowloon Reservoir》

21. 📍 Lion Rock Trail 《I》

獅子山徑《1》

Lion Rock Trail 《I》

At the end of Fat Jong Temple, Tsz Wan Shan, there is a concrete path on the left. Follow the path past the temple’s backyard to reach the entrance of the Lion Tail Ridge Path.

22. 📍 Lion Rock Trail 《II》

Lion Rock Trail 《II.1》Lion Rock Trail, Wedelia

Lion Rock Trail 《II》

After passing Fat Jong Temple, continue along the mountain trail.

23. 📍 The Head of 🦁️Lion Rock •

Lion Rock Head, WedeliaLion Rock Head

The Head of 🦁️Lion Rock •

Keep following the narrow mountain path after passing the temple area to reach the 『Lion’s Head』.

24. 📍 Lion Rock Trail 《III》

獅子山徑《3》

Lion Rock Trail 《III》

You’ll spot some oddly shaped rocks here — one wonders if there’s a legendary story behind them.

25. 📍 Rain Shelter

Storm Pavilion 《I》Storm Pavilion 《II》

Rain Shelter

After crossing the Lion’s Head, begin the descent. Walk for about 200 meters to reach the Rain Shelter (風雨亭).

26. 📍 Kowloon Pass Reunion Pavilion

Kowloon Pass, Pavilion for Commemorating ReturnMacLehose Trail - Section 5, Map Information Board 《II》MacLehose Trail - Section 5, Map Information Board 《I》Kowloon Pass Pavilion for Commemorating Return, Stone TabletKowloon Pass, Parrot 《II》Kowloon Pass, Parrot 《I》

Kowloon Pass Reunion Pavilion

This spot is located about 1.2 km from the starting point at Temple Mall North (via the standard route). It’s a key resting point.

27. 📍 MacLehose Trail – Section 5 《I》

MacLehose Trail - Section 5, Distance Post M107MacLehose Trail - Section 5, Adiantum flabellulatum / Fan-leaved Maidenhair Fern

MacLehose Trail – Section 5, Fan-leaved Maidenhair Fern

Plants along Section 5: The Fan-leaved Maidenhair Fern (扇葉鐵線蕨, Adiantum flabellulatum Linn.) has green, smooth, hairless fronds. Its veins are fan-shaped and dichotomously branched. The stipe (stalk) is slender and dark red, resembling thin iron wire.

28. 📍 MacLehose Trail – Section 5 《II》

MacLehose Trail, Rock Inscription SignpostMacLehose Trail - Section 5, Mysterious Cave 《II》MacLehose Trail - Section 5, Mysterious Cave 《I》

MacLehose Trail – Section 5, Mysterious Cave

Explore the hidden spots along Section 5, where you might find interesting ferns and small cave openings among the rocks.

29. 📍 MacLehose Trail – Section 5 《III》

麥理浩徑 • 第5段《毛麝香》

MacLehose Trail – Section 5, Sticky Adenosma

Wildflowers along Section 5: Sticky Adenosma (毛麝香, Adenosma glutinosum) is an erect herb in the Plantaginaceae family. It grows 30–100 cm tall with cylindrical stems and purplish-blue flowers. It blooms and fruits from July to October.

30. 📍 Military Coordinate Stone Base

Military Coordinate Stone Base 《I》Military Coordinate Stone Base 《IV》Military Coordinate Stone Base 《III》Military Coordinate Stone Base 《II》MacLehose Trail - Section 5, Distance Post M108 《I》MacLehose Trail - Section 5, Distance Post M108 《II》

Military Coordinate Stone Base

This is a very special military marker—it is reportedly the largest Military Coordinate (軍事座標) ever discovered in Hong Kong.

31. 📍 MacLehose Trail – Section 5 《IV》

麥理浩徑 • 第5段《4》

MacLehose Trail – Section 5 《IV》

After passing the military marker, continue along  towards Beacon Hill.

32. 📍 Beacon Hill Viewing Platform

Beacon Hill Viewing Point 《I》Beacon Hill Viewing Point 《II》

Beacon Hill Viewing Platform

After leaving Lion Rock and trekking for about 1.8 km, you will arrive at the next summit, Beacon Hill.

33. 📍 Beacon Hill Trig Pillar

筆架山• 標高柱

Beacon Hill Trig Pillar

The Beacon Hill Trigonometrical Station is tucked away in a rather hidden spot.

34. 📍 Lung Yan Road

Lung Yan Road, MacLehose Trail - Rock Inscription SignpostLung Yan Road

Lung Yan Road

This paved road intersects with  . Its main purpose is for maintenance access to the radar station. Seeing the entrance sign for Shatin Pass means we have completed that section of the trail.

35. 📍 Beacon Hill Radar Station

Beacon Hill Radar Station 《I》Beacon Hill Radar Station - RibbonBeacon Hill Radar Station 《II》Beacon Hill Radar Station 《III》Beacon Hill Radar Station, Distance Post M109

Beacon Hill Radar Station

Follow the stone steps up to the Beacon Hill Radar Station. Operated by the Civil Aviation Department, this station assists in airport air traffic control.  provides vehicle access for technicians.

36. 📍 Kowloon Reservoir

Kowloon Reservoir 《IV》Kowloon Reservoir 《III》Kowloon Reservoir, Sphagneticola trilobata / WedeliaKowloon Reservoir, Bidens pilosa / White-flowered Spanish Needle

Kowloon Reservoir

From the starting point at Temple Mall North, via Shatin Pass Road, Lion Tail Ridge, Lion Rock, and MacLehose Trail – Section 5, we have trekked a total of 8.5 km to reach the final attraction: Kowloon Reservoir.

37. 📍 Kam Shan Road

Kam Shan Road - Monkey KingKam Shan Road - Monkeys on Patrol

Kam Shan Road

After leaving the reservoir, follow Kam Shan Road to return to the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, bus stop. As you are in , which is 『Monkey Territory』, stay alert! Keep all food and plastic bags inside your backpack to prevent any 『monkey robberies』.

38. 📍 Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, Bus Stop

石梨貝水塘 • 巴士站

Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, Bus Stop

At the Shek Lei Pui • Reservoir, bus stop, you can take 《Bus 72 or 81》 to return to the West Kowloon urban area.