The Ma On Shan Country Trail Hike is an easy hike between the Ma On Shan Barbecue Site and Tai Shui Tseng in Sai Kung.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic Ma On Shan Iron Mine, a significant relic of Hong Kong’s industrial heritage. And although it may not be as scenic as hiking to Ma On Shan Peak, you’ll still be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Sai Kung from the Ngong Ping Viewing Point.

Views of Pyramid Hill, Ma On Shan from Ngong Ping

This makes Ma On Shan Country Trail a fun and easy hike that’s perfect for hikers of all levels, and even doable in the warmer months.

About the Ma On Shan Country Trail

Ma On Shan Country Trail hike map and elevation profile

The Ma On Shan Country Trail is a 4.6 km trail located in Ma On Shan Country Park (not including the 400-metre detour to the iron mine or the walking around Ngong Ping).

The Ma On Shan Country Trail map

This trail offers a more leisurely alternative to the Ma On Shan Peak Hike, which shares the same starting and ending points. However, it skips the highest hills in the park and (sadly) the breathtaking panoramic views from their peaks.

The Ma On Shan Country Trail is an easy alternative to the Ma On Shan Peak hike

Despite this, the Ma On Shan Country Trail has its own highlights. The historic Ma On Shan Iron Mine and the scenic Ngong Ping plateau make this a fun hike that I’m sure most of you will enjoy.

Starting Point

The starting point for the Ma On Shan Country Trail Hike is the Ma On Shan Country Park Barbecue Site. On Google Maps, the “Ma On Shan Country Trail (Starting Point)” has been conveniently marked.

The Ma On Shan Barbecue Site

There are three options to reach the barbecue site:

1. Taxi – The most convenient and fastest option to reach the starting point is to take a taxi.
2. Bus – The Ma On Shan Residents Bus NR84 operates between Ma On Shan Tsuen and Ma On Shan Station. The bus’s timetable, route, and fare can be found on the Transport Department’s website.
3. Walk – It’s also possible to walk to the Ma On Shan Country Park Barbecue Site from Ma On Shan. Ideally, you’d want to start your walk from Hang Hong Street, where public transport is easily accessible. Budget at least 45 mins for this uphill walk.

Depending on what mode of transport you choose, once you arrive here, it’s time to begin the Ma On Shan Country Trail hike.

The starting point for the Ma On Shan Country Trail

To Ma On Shan Tsuen

Start your hike by continuing to walk ahead on Ma On Shan Tsuen Road.

The paved road maintains a gentle incline as it passes the barbecue site and the Ma On Shan Country Park Management Centre.

Stay to the right

Further ahead, the road crosses the Ma Dai River before moving to a slightly isolated area. Other than an occasional passing vehicle, there’s not much on this section of the road.

The road continues to meander uphill before reaching a pavilion on the side of the road. Just after the pavilion, the road splits in two.

Ma On Shan Tsuen Road turns right and goes up to Ma On Shan Tsuen, but the Ma On Shan Country Trail continues straight. The correct path for your hike is the one that goes straight.

Follow the signs for Ngong Ping

To The Ma On Shan Iron Mine (Quick Detour)

Walk on Ma On Shan Country Trail for approximately 60 metres. At this point, the trail should begin its ascent.

But just before the ascent, look for an unmarked clearing and trail to the left. To reach the Ma On Shan Iron Mine requires a 200-metre detour (one way) on this unmarked trail.

Step onto this trail and walk ahead till you reach a small clearing, next to an abandoned building, surrounded by overgrown vegetation.

Keep walking on the trail, past another abandoned structure, till you finally reach an entrance to the mine (the 240 ML entrance).

The entrance to the Ma On Shan Iron Mine is sealed by the government

Unfortunately, the government sealed the entrance to the mine over safety concerns. But you can peep through the top to get a look inside the mine.

About the Ma On Shan Iron Mine

The Ma On Shan Iron Mine opened in 1906 as an opencast site run by the Hong Kong Iron Mining Co. Ltd. and was taken over by the Mutual Mining and Trade Company in 1949. The new owner extended the mine underground in 1953 and by 1959, mining had moved underground.

The mine ceased operation in 1976 and subsequently closed in 1981. Today, many of the structures of the Ma On Shan Iron Mine are classified as historic monuments, including the exterior wall of the 240 ML of the mine.

The historic 240 ML entrance of the Ma On Shan Iron Mine

The Ma On Shan Iron Mine boasts a rich cultural heritage, encompassing its geological features, engineering innovations, historical significance, and architectural landscape. For a more in-depth look at the mine’s history, visit the Built Heritage Conservation Fund’s website, where you can access detailed information on this fascinating topic.

Once you’re done exploring the area around the historic mine, retrace your steps back to the Ma On Shan Country Trail.

To the end of the paved road

After rejoining the Ma On Shan Country Trail, continue uphill as the trail gains elevation

Continue walking uphill once you return to the trail

The trail, still a paved road, winds its way behind and above Ma On Shan Tsuen.

Along the way, you’ll pass by a few houses at the back of the village, and you may notice signs for the “Mining Heritage Centre”. This centre is open on weekends and public holidays and serves as an unofficial museum and information hub for the iron mining history that once played a significant role in this area.

Signs for the Mining Heritage Centre

As you leave the village area, the trail emerges from the shade and onto a dirt path, where you’ll find a flat open space and possibly a few parked cars.

Merge with MacLehose Trail Section 4

As the trail exits the village and enters Ma On Shan Country Park, it finally begins to feel like a hike. From the open car park, continue walking along the shaded path that runs along a fence.

You’ll eventually reach the Ma Dai Stream again, which may be a gentle trickle or a rushing force depending on the time of year.

Crossing the Ma Dai River again

As you cross the stream, the trail becomes a series of boulder steps that lead to a moderately challenging ascent. Thankfully, the climb is shaded and features benches along the way to help you catch your breath.

Don’t worry, this is the final ascent of the Ma On Shan Country Trail. Once you reach the top, the trail begins its descent on the other side of the hill.

The final ascent on the Ma On Shan Country Trail

Continue climbing until the boulder steps give way to a dirt trail, which leads to a meeting point of numerous trails near a gazebo. Notably, Section 4 of the MacLehose Trail from Ma On Shan Peak joins the Ma On Shan Country Trail at this point.

Take a break at the gazebo if you need to, and then get ready for the most scenic section of the hike ahead.

To The Ngong Ping Viewing Point

Ma On Shan Country Trail and MacLehose Trail Section 4 merge from this point onwards. To continue, go straight and follow the signs for Tai Shui Tseng or the Ngong Ping Camp Site.

The trail begins its descent on a rugged stone path, once again surrounded by trees and bushes. The stone pathway transitions into a dirt track as the trail continues to descend.

Follow the signs for Ngong Ping and head down this way

At this point, watch your surroundings for grazing cattle. They sometimes appear out of no way. Don’t mind them. Just maintain your distance and keep walking till the trail emerges from the shaded section.

Don’t mind the cattle. Stay calm and just walk past them.

Once the trail opens up, you should be able to spot Pyramid Hill right behind. Keep walking till the trail curves right, and you begin to see numerous pathways towards the cliff.

This is the start of Ngong Ping, the stunning plateau overlooking Sai Kung (not to be confused with the Ngong Ping 360 cable car on Lantau Island).

Follow the path to the edge

Step onto any of the paths and walk towards the edge of the cliff. The paths will bring you onto Ngong Ping plateau, which in my opinion is one of the most scenic spots in Hong Kong.

Ngong Ping is not only popular with hikers but also campers who pitch their tents to soak in the sweeping panoramic views below. The plateau also features the Ngong Ping Camp Site and is quite the paragliding hotspot.

I highly recommend taking a stroll around the plateau and simply taking in the views from up here.

Take some time to admire and appreciate this incredible spot

To the Turn for Tai Shui Tseng

After admiring the views from the Ngong Ping, return to Ma On Shan Country Trail/MacLehose Trail Section 4, which runs behind the plateau.

Continue on Ma On Shan Country Trail/MacLehose Trail Section 4, located behind the plateau

As you follow the trail, it will gradually turn into a rugged and rocky path. Continue on this path for a short distance until you reach a three-way intersection marked by an information board.

At this point, Ma On Shan Country Trail and MacLehose Trail Section 4 diverge. MacLehose Trail Section 4 continues straight, whereas Ma On Shan Country Trail turns left towards Tai Shui Tseng.

To complete the Ma On Shan Country Trail hike, turn left at the intersection towards Tai Shui Tseng.

To continue on Ma On Shan Country Trail, turn left and follow the signs for Tai Shui Tseng

To Tai Shui Tseng

The final 1.3 km descent to Tai Shui Tseng begins here on a narrow and rocky trail.

As you continue downhill, the scenery opens up to reveal stunning views of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay below. Appreciate these views as you descend, but don’t forget to watch your step as you navigate the rocky terrain. This rocky descent reminded me of the descent from Buffalo Hill.

The trail’s first half is characterized by these beautiful views, before entering a canopy of trees around the halfway point. As you descend further, the terrain becomes steeper and rockier once more.

Eventually, the trail gives way to a lush bamboo forest that envelops the path. This serene atmosphere lasts until the rocky section ends and the trail transitions onto a cemented path.

Follow this path and the subsequent steps as they wind downhill, eventually emerging at Tai Shui Tseng village in Sai Kung.

How to End the Ma On Shan Country Trail Hike

As you exit the Ma On Shan Country Trail into civilization, follow the signs for “Sai Kung Town Centre”.

Make your way through Tai Shui Tseng and continue walking downhill along the road. You’ll pass a section with a fence and then some houses at Hung Fa Tsuen before arriving at a four-way intersection.

At this point, you have two options: take a minibus or walk down to the town centre. If you choose to take the minibus, look for the bus stop on the opposite side of the road from which you came down.

The four way intersection marks the end of the hike – catch a minibus from the opposite side of the road or keep walking down to Hiram’s Highway

Alternatively, if you prefer to continue walking, simply cross over to Tan Cheung Road and follow the road (and the steps that follow) to Hiram’s Highway.

The Ma On Shan Country Trail Hike

We hope you enjoyed using our guide to explore the Ma On Shan Country Trail! This hike is an excellent choice for those looking for a relatively easy adventure with a unique historical significance in Hong Kong. And let’s not forget the breathtaking views from Ngong Ping – it’s truly a treat.

If you’re seeking more hiking options in the area, consider checking out our guides to the Buffalo Hill Hike or the Penis Rock Hike. Or if you prefer something similar to this hike in terms of difficulty and more attractions along the way, we highly recommend the Mau Ping Ancient Trail!

Feel free to share this post on your preferred social media channel and, if you used our guide to complete the Ma On Shan Country Trail Hike, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

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