The Dragon’s Back Hike is possibly the most popular hike in Hong Kong. Why? It’s easy to access, easy to complete, very scenic and ends at a beautiful beach (if you want it to).
For many people, the Dragon’s Back Hike is their induction to hiking in Hong Kong. It’s also a great way to see the other side of Hong Kong – the side with no skyscrapers, lush trees, sandy beaches, and the sea.
Panoramic view showcasing the Dragon’s Back Hike trail on top of the mountain ridge, with Tai Tam Harbour on one side, and Shek O on the other
The Dragon’s Back Hike is located on Hong Kong Island, which means that it’s easy to get to, and is well connected. Getting to the start of the hike involves a ride on the MTR, followed by a ride on the bus. From there on, a short hike gives you a bird’s eye view of the beautiful southwest side of Hong Kong Island. From on top of Shek O Peak (the highest point on the hike), you can see Shek O Beach, Big Wave Bay Beach, and the Shek O Golf Course.
Aerial view of Shek O Peak with Shek O Golf Course below
So, how does one get to this hike?
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Dragon’s Back Starting Point
The starting point of the Dragon’s Back Hike is located at the To Tei Wan bus stop on Shek O Road. There are a couple of options to get here.
From Shau Kei Wan
Take the Island Line to Shau Kei Wan MTR station.
- Take Exit A3 and look for bus number 9 to Shek O at the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus.
- Hop onto the bus and wait for your stop “To Tei Wan, Dragon’s Back”, which should be 11 stops ahead. Keep an eye on the name of the stop in the bus, or watch for other hikers alighting together. Thankfully, the bus added “Dragon’s Back” to the name of the stop.
- Once you alight at To Tei Wan, follow the sign for the Dragon’s Back.
Alternatively, you can take the red minibus from Exit A2. Make sure you request the driver to stop when To Tei Wan approaches. (If it’s your first time, we recommend taking bus number 9 as it displays the names of the stops.)
The starting point for the Dragon’s Back Hike at To Tei Wan
From Central (only on Sat, Sun, and public holidays)
You can also take the express bus X9 from Central (next to Star Ferry or Central Exchange Square) towards Shek O only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays in the evenings. The bus only has 7 stops, and To Tei Wan is the 5th stop.
The Views From The Dragon’s Back
The hiking route from the bus stop is fairly straightforward. Given that this is such a popular hike, there are signs for Dragon’s Back along the trail.
After a 20-minute hike, you’ll arrive at a scenic spot overlooking the breathtaking scenery of Shek O Beach in the east and the magnificent Dragon’s Back in the northwest. You can also walk right from here, towards the rocky area for unencumbered views of Shek O.
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- The lookout point at the start of Dragon’s Back Hike
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- Once you reach the Dragon’s Back ridge, turn right and walk towards the rocky area for a superb view of Shek O Beach
Continue on the undulating spinal ridge of the Dragon’s Back (yes, that’s where the name originates from) till you reach Shek O Peak. At 284 metres high, the view from Shek O Peak is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the views of Shek O, and Big Wave Bay.
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- On top of the Dragon’s Back
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- Panoramic view from on top of Shek O Peak, Dragon’s Back Hike
Another 30 metres ahead of Shek O Peak is the Dragon’s Back Viewing Point. From here you can get views of Tai Tam Harbour too.
Dragon’s Back Viewing Point overlooking Tai Tam Harbour
If photos don’t do justice, here’s a quick tour of the hike to show you how scenic the views are from Shek O Peak.
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By now, you’re probably wondering – how long is the Dragon’s Back Hike? The answer to that question is that it’s between 3 km and 8 km, depending on how you choose to end it.
And to end your hike, you essentially have a couple of options.
Option 1: The Dragon’s Back ‘Short Hike’
Dragon’s Back to Shek O
Dragon’s Back Hike, Hong Kong – Option 1
Click here to open in Google Maps
The first option involves making a loop back to the bus stop. This loop is about 5 km long and will take about 2 hours to complete (with stops).
Or you could skip the loop, and trace your steps back after you reach Shek O Peak. This route is the shortest at only 3 km.
Once you return to the bus stop, board the number 9 bus again and this time ride it to Shek O Beach, the final destination. Everything that you need to know about Shek O village and the beach can be found in this blog post.
Stop by and enjoy the views along the hike
Option 2: The Dragon’s Back ‘Long Hike’
Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay
Dragon’s Back Hike, Hong Kong – Option 2
Click here to open in Google Maps
The second option involves continuing the hike and ending it at Big Wave Bay. The path will eventually meet the route that many hikers take from Chai Wan to Big Wave Bay. Big Wave Bay, as the name implies is a popular spot for surfers.
This route is about 8 km long and should take about 2.5 hours to complete (with stops).
View of the Big Wave Beach from the Dragon’s Back Hike
Personally, I would opt for option 2. I enjoy the feeling of ending my hike on a beach. There’s an added feeling of accomplishment. It also helps to know that the path from Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay is an easy hike. In fact, it’s more of a stroll on a flat surface, followed by a descent into Big Wave Bay.
But keep in mind that Shek O is a bigger village with more restaurants and a more extensive beach.
What’s the Best Time To Start The Hike?
Personally, I would say the earlier the better. You can start the hike around in the morning (around 9 or 10 AM) when it’s not too hot. And when you finish at either Shek O or Big Wave Bay, it’s time for lunch.
Easy and scenic – no wonder Dragon’s Back Hike is so popular!
But if you’re not a morning person, I’d recommend doing the hike in the evening. In fact, you’ll end up getting better photos too at this time as the sun sets behind your back as you’re looking down towards Shek O. And then you can finish at Shek O or Big Wave for dinner.
The undulating spinal ridge of the Dragon’s Back Hike
Keep in mind, the Dragon’s Back is one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong. So, it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
Dragon’s Back – A Must-Do Hike In HK
The Dragon’s Back Hike is easily one of the most memorable hikes in Hong Kong. For me, it was the first time that I got to see a very different side of Hong Kong. After having spent all my time in the city, this hike was like a breath of fresh air and scenery.
We’ve often taken so many of our friends, who’ve visited Hong Kong for the first time, on this hike. And it’s no surprise that they loved it too!
The Dragon’s Back trail with Shek O in the background
And once you’re more confident hiking, why not hike up Lion Rock, Hong Kong’s iconic peak? Or go explore the neighbouring Cape D’Aguilar.
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31 Comments
It’s exit A3
Thanks!
Do we need to hike back if we were to go the longer route? Or is there a bus or anyway back? Thanks!
Hey John, you can catch the minibus back from the Big Wave Bay. From the beach, just walk towards the main road/parking lot. That’s where the bus stop is back to Shau Kei Wan. Hope that helps.
Is it easy to spot the minibus back to Shau Kei Wan, and what is the frequency like? How much is the bus fare?
I assume you want to catch the minibus from Shek O or Big Wave Bay? Yes, it is easy to spot. The bus stop is at the the parking lot (at both beaches). Bus fare would be 10 or 12 HKD depending on the day of the week. And if I remember, they only accept cash (no Octopus). All the info you need on the minibus is available on this page: http://www.16seats.net/eng/rmb/r_h09.html
Oh, your blog is filled up with so many articles of Hong Kong. Have you lived there? Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It helps me so much choose the best trail for my trip in 5 days. Keep up with your good work!
Thank you! And yes, I live here.
Cab you swim at big wave?
Yes, absolutely. The water quality at Big Wave Bay is “fair” according to the govt.
If I do the dragon’s back hike… how can I reach Cape d Aguilera from either option 1 (shek o) or 2 (big wave beach)? tks
Hey,
Yes, you can reach Cape D’Aguilar through option 1. Basically head back to the bus stop. From there you could either walk it to Cape D’Aguilar Road, or take the bus that drops you off at Cape D’Aguilar Road (should be one stop away).
Will u recommend doing option 2 then take minibus back to Shau Kei Wan and head on to Cape D’Aguilar?
Hey, Rowena,
Sure, you could do that depending on how much energy you still have left. Although Cape D Aguilar isn’t a strenuous hike, it’s still a relatively long walk.
Hope that helps!
Hi Devesh, thanks for another awesome guide and maps 🙂 The views are incredible, it seems like a perfect way to escape from the city bustle.
The longer route seems to be more interesting, but when I check your maps on Google Maps it says “This route has restricted usage or private roads.” for the last two parts. Do you know if this route has been permitted or something?
I was also thinking, on the way back, in the last part, where you need to take the steps on the right side (in the woods) there is also option of going straight ahead along the Pottinger Peak Country Trail and along the railing, and then taking the stone steps on the right which lead to the Rock Carving at Big Wave Bay. What do you think about this route? It’s definitely longer but judging from the photos on Google Maps it seems to be better marked out. Have you ever take this route?
Thanks,
Zooey
Hey, Zoeey,
Yes, I’ve taken both routes. The first route says it’s restricted because it passes through the Big Wave Bay village, right next to the houses. But it’s closed.
Of course you can take Pottinger Country Trail. In fact, I’d recommend it because the views are quite pretty (there are no views if you go through the village). I’ve done the Pottinger Trail down to Big Wave Bay as part of the hike from Chai Wan a couple of times 🙂
Thank you for explaining it.
The Pottinger Trail seems to be really interesting and the views as you come down towards the sea are incredible. Can’t wait to get there! 🙂
It is pretty, especially on a clear day. In fact, I hiked down to Big Wave Bay today on the Pottinger Trail.
We’re thinking of doing this! Is there a best time of year when it’s less busy but weather is still nice? We’re trying to prioritize our time there and want to schedule it all out ahead of time. Looks wonderful, thanks!
Hey Lorie,
The weather in Hong Kong is hiking-friendly between October and March. You can do it in the summer months too, but then make sure you either start early, or end late when it’s not too hot.
Hope that helps!
Thank you very much for the information in this website. They’re so useful. We did the hiking for the first time on this trail and we love it!
You’re very welcome, and we’re glad you enjoyed your Dragon’s Back Hike!
Devesh,
Thanks so much for the response, I missed it until just now! I think we’ll try for mid March, hopefully, it’s still pleasant by then. What’s your absolute favorite place/hike that we just cannot miss? I want to make sure we have that in our list. Thanks!
Thanks for this awesome post and super cool website Devesh! So clear, informative and easy to use. I basically answered all my questions just coming here, and the photography rocks! Well Done!
Thanks a ton, Brandon! Appreciate it 🙂
I love hiking and Hong Kong looks just beautiful!
Thanks for putting this together for us all to enjoy.
Take care
Jamie
Thanks, Jamie! Appreciate it.
hi i did the second route, and this was honestly super fun even though i did this for school,so uhm i loved this expect the part that i had to hike it 2 times since i went the wrong way and also the fact that had rocks in my feet. i needed to record this and this helped a lot thanks!
Hi Tiffany,
Thank you very much! Glad to hear you had fun during the hike and found the post helpful, even if you got lost a little (don’t worry, happens to me all the time)!
Hi , can you start at big wave bay and hike to dragon’s back and then loop back to big wave bay beach?
Hey Albert,
Yes, absolutely! This is what the long version of the hike might look like – https://goo.gl/maps/GAYX8We2RYvV9QK7A