How to hike Dragon’s Back, a guide to Hong Kong Island’s iconic ridge walk
- Hiking Dragon’s Back is a popular weekend pass time for Hongkongers, as it offers stunning beaches views and finishes near bars and restaurants
- The hike is easy to start, and rewarding for all levels of hikers or trail runners
Dragon’s Back the introduction to hiking for many a Hongkonger, but whether this is your first or last hike it is rewarding and appropriate for all levels of fitness.
Getting there
The start is well connected to the city by public transport. Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station on the Island line. Head out of exit A1 into the bus and taxi park. Get on the 9 Bus.
At weekends and public holidays there can be a long queue for the bus, so get their early or be prepared to be patient. You can also get a taxi – it is around a 12-15 minute drive.
Even the drive or bus offers some nice views. When you reach Shek O Road, you look across Tai Tam Bay to Stanley.
Get off the bus or taxi at Dragon’s Back Public Toilet, about three quarters of the way along Shek O Road.
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The Route
The hike starts at Dragon’s Back Public Toilet, with a climb. The path is obvious, going straight up the hill.
After a few hundred metres, there is a right turn. It is marked with a wooden arrow that says “Dragon’s Back” and has a picture of a small dragon.
Head up the hill and soon you will be at the start of the “back”.
To your right there are stunning views of white sandy beaches. First, there is Shek O and then Big Wave Bay. If you look out to sea, you will see Tung Lung Island and the coast heading towards Clear Water Bay. On a clear day you can see the Nine Pins islands too.
The path undulates over a few small peaks, making you earn your rest at the end.
It then descends down, back into the trees and off the famous Dragon’s Back. There is a left turn down the stairs and back onto a trail.
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If you want to continue onto the beach turn right. If you want to head back to the Dragon’s Back Public Toilet and get a bus from Shek O road, turn left (though note, that bus fills up from Shek O Village, so it might be packed and not picking people up by the time it reaches Shek O road).
If you turn right, walk along a wooded trail, over a couple of streams (which might be dry), until you reach a concrete road. Again, you can exit to Shek O road here by turning left this time.
Or turn right and head on to Big Wave Bay. The concrete road wiggles through the trees, and after a small opening, it sharply turns down to the right.
This is the final descent, over a uneven trail so be careful not to twist an ankle. At the bottom, you enter Big Wave Bay. There are shops and stalls for you to replenish and a beautiful beach for you to dip and cool off in the sea.
Getting Back
From Big Wave Bay you can take a 20 minute taxi back to Shau Kei Wan Station, or you can take a minibus. As minibuses have limited seats, the queue can be long on a busy day.
You can also continue your walk, along the side of the road, to Shek O. The village has some more amenities, like Thai restaurants. It’s a half an hour walk. There is also a stunning beach there, and the number 9 bus will take you back to the MTR. It’s a bigger bus, so the queue empties quicker but it’s a more popular beach so the queue can be longer.
In short, on a busy day, be prepared to wait for transport or bring cash for a taxi. There is no cash machine or 711 for cash back in either Big Wave Bay or Shek O village.
Despite the wait, it is worth it to enjoy one of Hong Kong’s most famous hikes. It is always gratifying to leave the concrete jungle and see just how close you are to world class views and beaches.
