The Hong Kong Dragon’s Back Hike: A Beautiful Coastal Walk
The Hong Kong Dragon’s Back hiking trail to Big Wave Beach offers stunning coastal scenery and a peaceful escape from the city. It’s a relatively easy short walk with sweeping coastal views and a swim at the beach at the end of the trail.
On a corner of Hong Kong Island near Shek O Village, the Dragons Back trail climbs through shrubs and forest in the Shek O Country Park, past several lookout points to Shek O Peak. The path follows the Dragon’s Back Ridge and offers stunning views accross the Shek O Peninsular before descending to the golden sands of Big Wave Beach.
I spent a morning discovering the Dragon’s Back hike in Hong Kong. It was the perfect way to escape the bustle of the city and see some stunning scenery on a more remote part of Hong Kong Island. The trail is well-signposted and easy to find, and the scenery is spectacular.
Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the hike.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links and I may make a small commission on sales from those links. This does not cost you extra and helps keep this website running. I appreciate your support!
About the Dragon’s Back Hike Hong Kong
Duration: 1 – 3 hours
Grade: Medium
The Dragons Back is a relatively easy hike and well sign posted. There are some steps, steep sections and rough patches that are somewhat challenging.
Dragons Back Hike Facilities: There are toilets at Shek O Road at the start of the trail and at Big Wave Beach but no shops until Big Wave Bay at the end of the trail so take everything you need for the hike.
Follow the signs for the Dragons Back Trail and the Hong Kong Trail.
How to get to the Dragon’s Back Starting Point
You can travel to the start of the Dragon’s Back hike from Hong Kong Central by public transport, car or taxi.
I caught a bus from Causeway Bay (where I was staying in Hong Kong) to Shau Kai Wan Bus terminal and changed to bus no. 9 to Shek O Village. It’s also possible to take the MTR Island Line to Shau Kai Wan station and transfer to the Shek O bus no. 9.
The Dragon’s Back starting point is on Shek O Road at the To Tei Wan bus stop before Shek O Village, on the left of the road as you approach by bus. There are toilet facilities at the trailhead and the path is well signposted. I used the Google Maps app to track my bus journey and easily found the start of the trail.
Hong Kong Dragon’s Back map
Options for hiking the Dragon’s Back Hong Kong
Option 1: Shek O Peak (1 hour)
Begin the Dragons Back hike on Shek O Road at the trailhead and follow the path to Shek O Peak at the top of the mountain. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the main viewpoint and you’ll pass other lookout points along the way.
If you just want a short hike with amazing views you can opt out here and go back the way you came. Returning to the road from Shek O Peak takes around15 to 20 minutes. You’ll spend around an hour hiking all up, and see the most scenic part of the trail.
From the opposite side of Shek O Road you can catch a bus to Big Wave Beach or back to the city.
Option 2: Tai Tam Gap (around 1.5 hours)
Hike to Shek O Peak, enjoy the views and continue along the ridge. Around 45 minutes further along the path you can end the hike by taking the turn off to Tai Tam Gap / Shek O Road. Just follow the signs.
If you take the Tai Tam Gap turnoff you’ll spend around 1.5 hour hiking and from the road you can catch a bus to Big Wave Beach or head back to the city.
Option 3: Big Wave Bay (2 – 3 hours)
Hike the Dragons Back trail to Shek O Peak, continue along the Ridge and onwards to Big Wave Bay. End the day with a swim at the beach and enjoy a meal at one of the cafes nearby.
From Big Wave Bay catch a bus back to the city. The bus stop is easy to find and just a short walk along the road from the beach.
When to hike the Dragon’s Back Hong Kong
It’s best to hike the Hong Kong Dragon’s Back early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day. Parts of the trail are quite exposed to the elements and the Shek O viewpoint was very windy when I was there.
It’s also best to hike on a weekday and avoid weekends if possible. The Dragons Back trail is very popular and the lookout points can get crowded at peak times.
When I was hiking there were a few other walkers on the trail but it was not overly busy.
I walked in the morning on an overcast day but I’ve heard that the views from the Dragons Peak viewpoint are spectacular at sunset.
What to Pack for the Hong Kong Dragons Back
Take everything you’ll need for the Dragons Back hike because there are no shops until you reach Big Wave Bay at the end of the trail. You’ll need the following:
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Walking shoes
- Swimmers & towel
- Snacks
Final Thoughts – Hiking the Dragons Back Hong Kong
I hiked the Dragons Back trail alone on a solo trip to Hong Kong. There were a few other walkers on the trail at the time and I felt safe and comfortable hiking alone. The trail is well-marked and easy to access by public transport.
I can recommend the Dragon’s Back hike as a great addition to an itinerary in Hong Kong and the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery on Hong Kong Island.
For another wonderful escape from the city, consider a day trip to see the famous Big Buddha on Lantau Island, the peaceful Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery or catch a ferry to Lamma Island or Cheung Chau and spend the day exploring the islands.
Hong Kong Highlights Video
You might also enjoy
A Fun 5 Day Hong Kong Itinerary
A Guide to Successful Solo Travel in Hong Kong
The Best Area to Stay in Hong Kong for First Timers
The Popular Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula Hong Kong
A Delightful Day Trip to Macau from Hong Kong
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery – A Hidden Gem
The Big Buddha in Hong Kong – A Stunning Day Trip
How to Avoid the Chinese Tea Ceremony Scam
A Stunning Day Trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai
Pin It! & Save this article for later
