As the Lunar New Year approaches, if you don't have any plans for an overseas vacation during the long holiday, why not go hiking in Hong Kong and breathe in some fresh air? Hong Kong has 24 country parks, each with its own unique landscape and breathtaking views, and very worth visiting! Take advantage of the Lunar New Year holiday and invite your family and friends to stretch their legs in the countryside, bringing good luck for the coming year. TrailWatch has carefully selected three hiking routes to bring in the Year of the Dragon, each with different difficulty levels suitable for hikers of all abilities. Simply click on the links below to save the routes in the TrailWatch mobile app. Remember to plan ahead and pay attention to safety during your hike, and be sure to Leave No Trace in the wilderness. Wishing you all a spirited and powerful Year of the Dragon, full of good health and vitality!
1st Hiking Recommendation: Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail
The first recommended hiking trail for the Year of the Dragon is the relatively long Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail. As winter turns to spring, you can embark on a journey from Tsuen Wan to Yuen Long, enjoying the vibrant autumn foliage and blooming flowers while experiencing the historical route that villagers previously used to travel between the two districts. As you approach Shek Lung Kung near Tsuen Wan, the trail opens up, offering panoramic views of Tsing Yi and a distant glimpse of the Tsing Ma Bridge. The trail offers varied terrain, and several pavilions are stationed along the way for rest breaks. Completing the entire trail in one go can be challenging, so many hikers split it into two sections: 1) Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital to Sham Tseng via Tsing Fai Tong, 2) Sham Tseng to Tai Tong.
Hong Kong Hawthorn is a common plant found in the countryside. When it blooms, it heralds the arrival of spring.
There are pavilions and benches provided for hikers to take rest breaks throughout the entire trail. You can prepare a picnic to enjoy during your hike – remember to practise “Leave No Trace” and “Take Your Litter Home!”
The latter part of the trail will pass through the Tai Lam Forest Track – Tai Tong section, where many people come to admire and take photos of the autumn foliage during the fall and winter seasons.
Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10328420
Route: Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital Bus Stop＞Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail＞Shek Lung Kung＞Kat Hing Bridge＞ Tai Tong Shan Road
Length: Approximately 12km
Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours
Difficulty: A long trail, plan ahead and pay attention to the body condition during the hike
2nd Hiking Recommendation: Hong Kong Trail Section 8 (Dragon’s Back)
Another recommended trail is the well-known Dragon's Back Trail, which is Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail. It is widely recommended as one of the world’s best trails by international travel magazines, attracting hikers from all over the world. The trail has a medium difficulty level and is easily accessible from the city. The beginning and end sections of this route are shaded and relatively easy to hike, while the middle section includes more challenging terrain and less shade. The reward? The most stunning views of Shek O!
Enjoy seeing paragliders and breathtaking sea views from Dragon's Back.
Along the way, you will see signs and markers with a special dragon design, including at the highest point of the trail, Shek O Peak. Don't forget to take a photo with them.
The Dragon's Back is Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, and has distance posts and clear signage along the way.
The internationally-renowned Dragon's Back Trail, with its stunning views of the sea, sky, and city, is perfect for hiking with visiting friends.
Hong Kong Trail Section 8
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10048552
Route: Shek O Road＞Hong Kong Trail Section 8＞Shek O Peak＞Dragon’s Back＞Shek O＞Big Wave Bay
Length: Approximately 7.5km
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: The trail is relatively long, requiring a certain level of physical endurance. Parts of the trail are unshaded don’t forget to check the weather before departure.
Note: Part of Hong Kong Trail Section 8 near Pottinger Gap is temporarily closed for clearance and maintenance until further notice. Please refer to the Enjoy Hiking website.
3rd Hiking Recommendation: Chuen Lung Family Walk
During the Lunar New Year, it's a tradition for many people to visit Tai Mo Shan. Chuen Lung, located in Tai Mo Shan Country Park, is the starting point for various hiking trails. Many hikers make a special trip to Chuen Lung to enjoy yum cha for breakfast before heading to the trails. The Chuen Lung Family Walk is perfect for a family outing, starting at the BBQ sites near the entrance of Chuen Lung Village. The wooden arch at the entrance is a great spot for taking a group photo. The entire trail is shaded and offers views of various ferns and plants along the way. The Chuen Lung Family Walk Viewing Point is the highest point of the trail and offers a panoramic view of Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi, and the surrounding areas. During the Lunar New Year holiday, plan a trip with family and friends to Chuen Lung for a dim sum breakfast, a leisurely walk, or a barbecue to relax and unwind.
The wooden arch at the entrance of the Chuen Lung Family Trail.
The starting and finishing point of Chuen Lung Family Trail is located at the Chuen Lung Barbecue Area.
Use the TrailWatch App to record your route and take photos, adding to the enjoyment of admiring different plants along the way.
Enjoy great views of Tsing Yi from the viewing point.
Chuen Lung Family Walk
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10128970
Route: Chuen Lung BBQ Site＞Chuen Lung Family Walk＞Viewing Point＞Chuen Lung BBQ Site
Length: Approximately 0.5km
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Difficulty: Short route with some stairs, suitable for families and beginners