Why hiking in Hong Kong is a way of life

With a small landmass and a population of seven million, Hong Kong is often defined by its busy streets and modern skyscrapers – yet the reality is that they coexist side by side with its mountains, country parks and hiking trails. This proximity to nature has bred a unique outdoor culture – call it “Hong Kong-style hiking” – in which friends meet up on a sunny weekend morning, spend a few hours hauling themselves across one of the city’s many mountains, and then head back down to the city for a late lunch or afternoon tea.

When I was young, I went hiking with my family on a weekly basis. By the time I was eight, I’d already conquered some of the city’s most famous trails and built a reputation as a sporty child. And my love of hiking continues to this day. Like many of my peers, I see hiking as a way to spend time with friends and family while getting some fresh air and exercise. 

A history of Hong Kong hiking

There’s a history to Hong Kong’s love of hiking. A century ago, a large part of the city’s population lived on the steep hillsides of the city. Popular paths we know today, such as the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail and the Tung Mui Ancient Path, were used to transport goods to market, not for recreation. 

But as an increasing number of Hongkongers moved from rural to urban areas in the 1970s, hiking became one of the city’s favourite outdoor activities. The introduction of long-distance footpaths like the MacLehose, Lantau and Wilson Trails granted residents unlimited and convenient access to nature. 

Hiking is an integral part of cultural celebrations as well, especially around traditional holidays. Heading to the mountains and finding higher ground on these festive days is believed to bring good luck, a tradition believed to be rooted in the Han Dynasty and which continues to this day. 

Where to hike in Hong Kong

Despite its reputation for urban skyscrapers, lush green country parks cover over 40 per cent of Hong Kong’s land area. With hundreds of trails, there’s no shortage of paths along coastline vistas, up rugged mountains and around outlying islands. A great place to start is the official Hong Kong government hiking website , where you’ll find a list of publicly maintained trails classed into a five-star difficulty system – with five being the hardest.

For those travelling to Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back and the Peak Circular Walk are the go-tos. The former, signposted with dragon symbols, takes you over a Shek O mountain ridge for unbeatable views of the shoreline and city in the distance, before spilling out onto Big Wave Bay Beach. The latter is one frequented both day and night for postcard pictures of the skyline. Those seeking a challenge can extend their hike by following the Morning Trail down. 

For experienced hikers, the MacLehose Trail is renowned as the ultimate challenge, comprising 100km across gruelling mountains and split into ten different sections (or stages). Many choose to tackle one stage at a time, with stages Three and Four presenting the greatest difficulty. 

Want more? We’ve put together several guides, including a primer on Hong Kong’s easiest hikes, secret trails and where to see the best skyline views. You can also discover the story behind the city’s country parks read a first-person experience of the sunrise Moontrekker hike and dive into our guide to outdoor activities in Hong Kong.

What to pack for a hike 

One thing I’ve noticed while attending hiking events across Asia and Europe is that overseas climbers are always surprised by how light we pack. Compared to their hiking equipment – which usually includes several days’ worth of clothing, food and other essentials, all stuffed into an oversized rucksack – Hongkongers appear underprepared for the occasion, setting off with just a smartphone, a water bottle and a few light snacks. In fairness, we’re spoiled by the clear signage and easy access to convenience stores across much of the city. 

However, there are a few essentials we’d recommend bringing or wearing: 

• A good pair of walking shoes 

• A large bottle of water, as even during hiking season there can be dramatic hot spells 

• A mobile phone and power bank 

• Insect repellent, particularly on dense forested trails 

• Snacks or a picnic to enjoy at the top 

• A light waterproof layer in case of unexpected showers 

• Sunscreen and a hat 

The popularity of hiking is showing no signs of stopping, especially in the social media age as mountain-style living trends have expanded to encompass everything from outdoor activity to functional clothing to minimalism. These days we’re all sharing images of “mountain life” online, showing off that beautiful contrast between Hong Kong’s concrete jungle and its natural one.