Hiking to Lion Rock

Like the Dragons Back and the Peak, Lion Rock is another must-do hike in Hong Kong. It’s a bit more difficult than the aforementioned hikes, but worth it if for some of the best views of the Kowloon peninsula. Luckily, this hike is one of the easiest to get to via public transportation. Here is the route I took:

• Take the MTR to Diamond Hill, exit B3

• Here, you have two options:
  • Walk the hour uphill on Sha Tin Pass road to the start of the trail (about 1.6 miles)
  • Take a taxi (about a 10-minute ride) to the start of the trail

We decided to be adventurous and walk. And let me know tell you, just when I think I’m used to the steep inclines that Hong Kong has to offer, I am sorely mistaken. So, if you choose to walk, be prepared for an hour that is straight uphill. But hey! You’re stronger because of it.

After about an hour, you’ll pass a decorative Chinese arch on your right, once you see this, you’re just a few feet from the trail. The start of the hike begins at the photo below, from there, follow the signs to Lion Rock.

About a half hour or so in to the hike, you’ll reach an intersection. This is where you can decide to skip the rest of the trek, and head down, or keep going. If you want the views, keep going up!

Twenty minutes later, you’ll reach the first peak. Here is where you will also see Lion Rock in the distance. If you’re interested in cresting to the top, it requires a bit of actual climbing. For those afraid of heights, this might be a little daunting – it was for me, but worth it for the awaiting views.

And that’s it! The trek back down is simple, just follow the signs back to the road, and the MTR.