📍 【Lantau Trail – Section 2 (鳳凰徑第2段) 】 is located on Lantau Island. Spanning about 6 to 6.5 kilometers, it kicks off at Nam Shan and wraps up at Pak Kung Au. Taking roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours to complete, this section is rated as an intermediate to advanced challenge. Celebrated for its sweeping mountain vistas, endless rolling fields of silvergrass, and a cluster of historic stone cottages, it stands as one of Hong Kong’s absolute favorite hiking routes. Along the way, hikers get to drink in Lantau’s raw natural beauty while stepping back through the footprints of time—making it a perfect blend of intense physical challenge and rich cultural exploration. — The undeniable crown jewel of this trail is ascending Sunset Peak (大東山), Hong Kong’s third-highest mountain. During autumn and winter, the slopes transform into a sea of golden silvergrass waving gently in the wind, creating an incredibly picturesque landscape. The route also guides you right through the “Lantau Mountain Camp (Stone Huts)”, a historic cluster of stone cottages built back in the 1920s as a summer retreat for western missionaries. Looking down from the high ridges, you’ll be treated to immense panoramic views overlooking Lantau’s eastern coastline, the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula, and South Lantau, completely refreshing your mind after the tough climb. Blending rugged physical exertion with top-tier sightseeing, this is a total bucket-list hike. —
📌 Quick Facts
Item Details 🗺️ Location Lantau Island, Islands District 🚩 Starting Point Nam Shan (approx. 130 meters above sea level) 🏁 Ending Point Pak Kung Au (approx. 340 meters above sea level, nestled right between Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak) 📏 Distance Approx. 6–6.5 km ⏱️ Duration Approx. 3.5–4.5 hours 💪 Difficulty Intermediate to Advanced (dominated by long, sustained uphill climbs) 🛖 Amenities Public toilets available at both Nam Shan and Pak Kung Au; pavilions and rest benches dot the trail 🥤 Refills Zero water or food supply points along the trail; you must pack your own rations —
🗺️ Geography & Trail Highlights
1. Nam Shan (Starting Point, Approx. 130m)
- Equipped with pavilions, public toilets, and a bus stop, making it a classic group meetup spot.
- After setting off and passing the helipad, you immediately hit the brutal “Endless Sky Stairs” stone steps.
- The early section offers a decent amount of tree cover, keeping the initial climb reasonably shaded and comfortable.
2. Sheung Tung Au (Approx. 625m)
- Features rest benches where you can catch your breath and look back at beautiful Pui O and the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula.
- A trail junction here opens up options to detour up Lin Fa Shan (766m) or Yi Tung Shan (749m).
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- This saddle officially marks the boundary between Sunset Peak and Yi Tung Shan.
3. Sunset Peak (869m)
- Hong Kong’s third-highest peak, world-famous for its golden blanket of autumn silvergrass.
- Lantau Mountain Camp: A unique village of stone huts built by British missionaries in the 1920s, now serving as an incredibly popular photography hotspot.
- The wide-open summit offers stunning bird’s-eye views stretching over Lantau’s eastern and southern shores.
4. Pak Kung Au (Ending Point, Approx. 340m)
- A mountain pass tucked neatly right between Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak.
- Features a roadside bus stop with direct connections heading to Tung Chung or Mui Wo.
- This pass also serves as the official launching pad for Lantau Trail Section 3.
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🚍 Transport Info
Item Details 🚐 Getting to the Start Take New Lantao Bus routes 1, 2, 3M, or 4 and hop off at the Nam Shan stop. 🚌 Getting from the End Catch New Lantao Bus routes 3M, 11, or 23 at Pak Kung Au to head down to Tung Chung or Mui Wo. —
🌟 Scenic Highlights
- Golden Silvergrass Ocean: In late autumn and winter, the shimmering silvergrass ripples beautifully in the mountain breeze, making it an absolute visual treat.
- The Historic Stone Huts: A fascinating architectural relic that offers a rare glimpse into the early lives of Western missionaries settling on Lantau Island.
- Infinite Horizons: Serves up stunning, clear-day views looking out over the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula, Cheung Chau, and Lantau’s eastern waters.
- Lantau Peak Sunset: As you make your long descent toward the end of the trail, you’ll be treated to gorgeous sunset views framing the majestic silhouette of Lantau Peak right in front of you.
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⚠️ Crucial Warnings
- Heavy Physical Demands: This hike features long, grueling stretches of uphill climbing, so a solid base of cardiovascular endurance is an absolute must.
- Zero Supplies: There are absolutely no shops along the way, so packing plenty of water and energy snacks is non-negotiable.
- Exposed Weather: The ridge lines and summits get incredibly windy; it is highly recommended to pack a windbreaker even on warmer days.
