🚶🏻➡️【Pik Shan Path (碧珊徑)】 is a well-known hiking trail in Western Hong Kong Island, located in the Central and Western District. It connects the University of Hong Kong, Lung Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre, Pok Fu Lam Road, and Queen Mary Hospital. Originally built in the late 19th century as a water conduit linking Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to old filter beds, it has nearly 150 years of history. Later paved with granite, it became today’s hiking path. The name “Pik Shan” comes from the violet Viola philippica, symbolizing freshness and nature.
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📌 Basic Information
Item Details 🏞 Name Pik Shan Path（碧珊徑） 📍 Location Western Hong Kong Island, Central and Western District 🚉 Nearest Transport HKU MTR Station (Exit A1), Sai Ying Pun Station 🛣 Start Kotewall Road or University of Hong Kong 🛤 End Pok Fu Lam Road or Lung Fu Shan Country Park 📏 Length Approx. 3.5km (easy route ~1.6km) 🧭 Trail Type Granite-paved, flat and shaded, beginner-friendly 🕰 History 19th-century water conduit linking Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to filter beds 🌸 Name Origin “Pik Shan” from Viola philippica, symbolizing freshness 🌿 Common Flora Acacia, camphor trees, Gordonia, plus birds like crimson-backed sunbird 🐦 Common Fauna Light-vented bulbul, butterflies, dragonflies 💧 Water Features Streams and Lung Fu Shan waterfall after rain 🏛️ Key Attractions Lung Fu Shan Environmental Centre, Pinewood Battery, Lung Fu Pavilion, Herbal Garden 📸 Photo Spots White cottage, stone bridge with stream, Pinewood Battery ruins 🚌 Start Transport Buses 13, 3, 45A, 970; Minibus 3 to Kotewall Road 🚍 End Transport Buses 4, 4X, 7, 30X, 15; Minibus 22, 22X 🥾 Easy Route HKU → Pik Shan Path → Pok Fu Lam Road (~1.6km, ~1hr) 🧗♀️ Advanced Route Pik Shan Path → Lung Fu Shan Country Park → Pinewood Battery → The Peak (~6km, ~3hrs) ⚠️ Notes Slippery when wet, no supply points, bring water, sunscreen, and garbage bags —
🏛️ History & Naming
- Waterworks History: Built as conduit linking Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to filter beds, later paved with granite.
- Name Origin: “Pik Shan” from Viola philippica, symbolizing freshness.
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📍 Route & Key Attractions
Attraction Features Lung Fu Shan Environmental Centre Historic building, exhibits ecology & heritage, open 10:30–17:30 (closed Mondays) Lung Fu Shan Waterfall Scenic after rain Herbal Garden Medicinal plants, pavilion, fish pond Pinewood Battery Built 1903, WWII relic, must-see for history lovers Lung Fu Pavilion Views of Victoria Harbour & Lamma Island University of Hong Kong Trailhead near entrance —
🥾 Hiking Suggestions
- Easy Route: HKU → Kotewall Road → Pok Fu Lam Road (~1.6km, ~1hr)
- Advanced Route: Pik Shan Path → Lung Fu Shan Country Park → Pinewood Battery → The Peak (~6km, ~3hrs)
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🚶♀️ Route Options
🔹 Easy Route
- Route: HKU → Pik Shan Path → Pok Fu Lam Road
- Distance: ~1.6km
- Duration: ~1hr
- Suitable for: beginners, families, morning walkers
🔹 Advanced Route
- Route: Pik Shan Path → Lung Fu Shan Country Park → Pinewood Battery → The Peak
- Distance: ~6km
- Duration: ~3hrs
- Features: nature, history, panoramic views
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🚌 Transport
- To Start: Walk from Sai Ying Pun or HKU MTR; buses 13, 3, 45A, 970 to Kotewall Road
- From End: Pok Fu Lam Road buses 4, 4X, 7, 30X; from The Peak, bus 15 or X15 to Central
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📸 Photo Spots
- White cottage
- Stone bridge with stream
- Pinewood Battery ruins
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🌿 Ecology & Nature
- Flora: Acacia, camphor trees
- Fauna: butterflies, dragonflies, light-vented bulbuls
- Water Features: streams & waterfalls after rain
- Shaded paths, fresh air
- Other species: crimson-backed sunbird, Gordonia
- Perfect for “forest bathing”
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⚠️ Notes
- No supply points along the trail, bring your own water and food
- Respect the environment, do not leave trash
- Hot in summer, prepare sunscreen and hydration
- Carry garbage bags, take all trash away
- Trail signs are clear, junctions well-marked
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