Hong Kong Trail – Section 8

🚶【Hong Kong Trail • Section 8 (港島徑 • 第8段 – 🐲 Dragon’s Back)】 is the most famous section of the entire Hong Kong Trail. Spanning about 8.5–9.5 km and taking around 3–4 hours to complete, it features an undulating ridge that resembles a dragon’s backbone. Offering wide-open panoramic views, it allows hikers to look down upon , , Big Wave Bay, and Mount Collinson all at once. The breathtaking scenery where mountains meet the sea earned it the title of “Best Urban Hike in Asia” by Time Magazine, and it was also named one of the world’s best hiking trails by CNN.

📌 Key Information

Item Details
📏 Length 7.2–9.5 km (depending on the route taken)
⏱️ Time 2.5–4 hours
🚩 Starting Point To Tei Wan – right off
🏁 Ending Point Big Wave Bay
⛰️ Highest Point Shek O Peak, approx. 284m above sea level
🚌 Transport Start: MTR Shau Kei Wan Station ➝ Bus 9 / Red Minibus ➝ Get off at To Tei Wan
End: Take a bus or minibus from Big Wave Bay back to Shau Kei Wan
🥤 Replenishment Local stores available at Big Wave Bay Village; no supply points along the trail
🔄 Exit Points Walk down from Ma Tong Au to ; or take the intersection back to

— Walking along Dragon’s Back offers an incredibly open vista, surrounded by a picture-perfect blend of blue skies, turquoise seas, and lush green hills. The highest point, Shek O Peak, stands at about 284 meters above sea level and serves as the ultimate vantage point for viewing the Shek O Peninsula and Tung Lung Chau. Finally, you will hit Big Wave Bay, where you can not only chill on the beach to the sound of waves and sea breeze, but also visit ancient rock carvings to experience a perfect mix of nature and culture. This trail is not just a favorite weekend escape for locals, but a must-visit hiking experience for international tourists.—

🏞️ Geographical & Scenic Highlights

1️⃣ To Tei Wan

  • The starting point of Hong Kong Trail Section 8, featuring information boards and stone steps up the hill.
  • The initial section is shaded by trees, making it a perfect warm-up.
  • At around 150 meters above sea level, you can overlook the Shek O Peninsula in no time.
  • Eco-friendly solar toilets are available here.

2️⃣ Shek O Peak (284m)

  • Standing at 284m, this is the highest point along Dragon’s Back.
  • Offers stunning views overlooking (Shek O Village & Beach), Tai Tau Chau, 港 (Tai Tam Bay), and even a distant view of Tung Lung Chau.

3️⃣ Dragon’s Back

  • The core of the trail, stretching about 2 km with an undulating ridge line resembling a dragon’s spine.
  • Features viewing platforms with 360-degree panoramic views, capturing both Shek O Peninsula and Bay simultaneously.
  • The landscape includes: Mount Collinson, the Hong Kong Golf Club, and Red Hill Peninsula.
  • International media have universally acclaimed this section as a world-class hiking route.

4️⃣ Ma Tong Au

  • A trail intersection where you can either continue toward Big Wave Bay or head down to Wan Tsui Estate in .
  • A shaded forest path where the view gradually narrows down.

5️⃣ Big Wave Bay

  • The endpoint of Hong Kong Trail Section 8, which is also the final stop of the entire 50km Hong Kong Trail.
  • Features a natural sandy beach, perfect for surfing and chilling out.
  • Ancient Rock Carvings are located nearby, holding great archaeological value.
  • Equipped with local stores, public toilets, and transport links to get back to town.

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🌟 Special Highlights

  • TIME Magazine (2004): Named it the “Best Urban Hike in Asia”.
  • CNN (2019) : Listed it as one of the “World’s 23 Best Hiking Trails”.
  • Lonely Planet: Praised it as the most beautiful section of the Hong Kong Trail.
  • Geographical Feature: The ridge line of Dragon’s Back undulates like a dragon’s spine, offering vast vistas and a magnificent blend of mountains and seas.
  • Cultural Heritage: The Big Wave Bay Rock Carvings are a declared monument in Hong Kong, showcasing traces of ancient human activity.

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  • Pottinger Peak Country Trail – Information Board Map