More and more people are yearning to spend time in the countryside, resulting in throngs of hikers visiting the popular trails and even not-so-popular trails. It is understandable that we all want to explore Hong Kong’s beautiful nature, but sometimes we also need the quietness of nature to soothe us. In fact, it is not necessary to plan a few weeks ahead to visit outlying islands, or to spend a whole day trekking; after all there are a number of backyard trails that are hidden from the city that are not far from us. This time TrailWatch has picked three short and scenic routes in Kowloon so that you can visit these backyard trails during the crisp autumn days and take a closer look at nature.
Ping Shan
Ping Shan is located between Ngau Tau Kok and Kowloon Bay, with a height of 188m. There is the Jordan Valley Park and a few public housing estates nearby. The western part of Ping Shan was a quarry that was shut down in 1975 to facilitate the infrastructure of MTR. In 2001, as a part of the development project in Jordan Valley and Choi Hung, the western part of Ping Shan was razed, while the remaining part of Ping Shan became hiking trails.
Black Hill
There are many intersecting trails in this area giving you the option to go in different directions, including to visit the adjacent “Mini Pat Sin Leng” mountains – Chiu Keng Wan Shan, Devil's Peak and Mau Wu Shan all at once, then hike to Tseung Kwan O. Black Hill is also known as “Five Ghosts Hill” in Chinese, it was named after a rumor that the hill had been occupied by five pirates in the late Qing Dynasty, which adds mysteriousness to the place. There is a temple at the foot of the hill where many worshipers pray for protection. Black Hill is an exercise resort for the neighborhood since it is close to the Lam Tin residential areas and offers nice views of Tseung Kwan O during the hike.
Red Light Hill
Red Light Hill, located between Ho Man Tin and To Kwa Wan, is also known as “Kau Pui Lung Hill”. The name of Red Light Hill goes back to the era when Kai Tak still served as Hong Kong's airport and there were red aircraft warning lights flashing on the hill. Red Light Hill, about 106 metres high, is the highest point in South Kowloon. The hill offers a rewarding urban landscape of To Kwa Wan and you may even enjoy the stunning scenery of Lion Rock.
More Backyard Trails: https://www.trailwatch.hk/routes/backyard
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Discover Backyards Nearby Your Home (II)