The Dragon’s Back is arguably the most popular hike in Hong Kong. In fact, it featured on the list of “23 of the world’s best hiking trails” in 2019 by CNN!

What makes this hike so appealing is its easy accessibility, moderate difficulty, stunning scenery, and the rewarding finish at a beautiful beach. Situated in Shek O Country Park at the top of the D’Aguilar Peninsula, the trail offers hikers beautiful views of Tai Tam Bay on one side, and the South China Sea on the other. Additionally, the southeast coastline offers a bird’s eye view of Shek O, Big Wave Bay, and the Shek O Country Club.

Easy and scenic – no wonder Dragon’s Back Hike is so popular!

For many, the Dragon’s Back Hike is their induction to hiking in Hong Kong. It’s a great way to see Hong Kong’s natural beauty and go beyond the skyline.

Bird’s eye view of Shek O on the right, and Big Wave Bay on the left with the undulating ridge of the Dragon’s Back in the foreground

So, if with that out of the way, let’s dive into our comprehensive hiking guide to the Dragon’s Back.

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About The Dragon’s Back Hike

The Dragon’s Back gets its name from the rugged undulating spinal ridge (that resembles a dragon’s back) on which the trail lies. Although the hike is synonymous with Hong Kong Trail Section 8, the ridge only covers a short portion of the entire Section 8 (about 1.5 km of the 7.6 km).

Dragon’s Back is synonymous with Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail

But this short section is what makes the Dragon’s Back so popular. Along the ridge, hikers are treated to stunning views of natural sights and man-made structures that lie on either side.

Dragon’s Back Hike running on top of the hill

And here’s a short video that showcases these amazing views.

Next, let’s answer some other commonly asked questions about the Dragon’s Back Hike.

How difficult is the Dragon’s Back Hike?

For many, the Dragon’s Back is their first hiking experience in Hong Kong, so it’s understandable to want to know how difficult the hike is.

The hike is relatively easy with fairly minimal climbing to reach the ridge. Once on the ridge, the undulating surface is relatively straightforward with plenty of viewing points and stunning vistas all around.

The hike is relatively easy

Even getting to Shek O Peak (284 m), the highest point on the Dragon’s Back Hike, shouldn’t pose a challenge.

Shek O Peak, the highest point on the Dragon’s Back Hike

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What’s the best time for the Dragon’s Back Hike?

The Dragon’s Back can be completed at any time of the day. However, the views are best suited for sunrise, as the ridge over great views to the east.

Alternatively, the views in the evening are equally beautiful as the sun is behind you when you look eastwards.

The sun slowly sets on the Dragon’s Back

However, personally I enjoy completing the hike in the morning and finishing at either one of the beaches in time for lunch.

And speaking of ending the hike, let’s touch upon this topic.

Three Options to End the Hike

Most hikers who choose to hike the Dragon’s Back do not intend to complete the entire Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail. Fortunately, there are several options available to enjoy and complete the hike, each offering a unique way to finish while providing the spectacular views the Dragon’s Back is famous for.

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In this guide, we will discuss three different exit options for the Dragon’s Back Hike. Based on how you plan your day, you can select the best option to conclude your hike.

Exit 1 — Return to the starting point from Shek O Peak (3.2 km)

This option is perfect for those who wish to end their hike at Shek O Beach. Maybe grab a drink and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the village.

It involves hiking to the Dragon’s Back Viewing Point, and then returning to the starting point to catch a bus to Shek O.

Exit 2 — Finish at Tai Tam Gap (4.9 km)

This option is perfect for those who wish to return to the city after the hike.

It involves completing the entire ridge, and then hiking to Tai Tam Gap to catch a bus.

Exit 3 — Finish at Big Wave Bay (7.6 km)

This is the longest route and completes Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail.

It is ideal for those who want to finish the hike at Big Wave Bay instead of Shek O. The path continues from Tai Tam Gap toward the Mount Pottinger Catchwater. From there, you’ll descend along Hong Kong Trail Section 8 to reach Big Wave Bay.

I will bring these exit options up at the appropriate locations in the guide below, but for now let’s find out how to get to the starting point of the Dragon’s Back.

To Tei Wan — The Starting Point for Dragon’s Back Hike

The Dragon’s Back Hike starts from the To Tei Wan bus stop on Shek O Road. This is point where Sections 7 and 8 of the Hong Kong Trail meet, and there are a couple of options to get here.

The map of Dragon’s Back and Hong Kong Trail Section 8

The simplest is to take the Island Line to Shau Kei Wan MTR station.

1. At the MTR station, take Exit A3 and look for bus number 9 to Shek O at the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus.
2. Hop onto the bus and wait for your stop “To Tei Wan, Dragon’s Back”, about 11 stops. 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.
3. Once you alight at To Tei Wan, it’s hard to miss the sign for the Dragon’s Back.

You can alternatively take the red minibus from Exit A2 at Shau Kei Wan MTR station. 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).

And of course, it’s always possible to take a taxi to the starting point if you’re in a big group.

The starting point for the Dragon’s Back Hike at To Tei Wan

Once you arrive at the starting point, it’s time to start hiking the Dragon’s Back.

Starting Point To The Tai Tam Bay Viewing Platform

The Dragon’s Back trail begins gently, with a mix of easy steps and mild inclines that will give you a sense of what to expect in terms of difficulty throughout the hike.

After about 250 metres of hiking, you’ll arrive at a diversion for small picnic site, with views of Tai Tam Bay. I usually skip this spot since there are much better views ahead.

Beyond the diversion, you’ll face your first relatively long flight of steps. After this, the trail flattens out for a short section before another long flight of steps appears.

This second set is tougher than the first, and oddly enough, I believe it’s the most challenging part of the Dragon’s Back Hike.

Probably the toughest section on this hike

At the top of steps, the trail continues to the left. However, if you’d like to take a quick break, there’s a viewing platform, overlooking Tai Tam Bay, to the right featuring the name of the hike—definitely a great photo opportunity!

To The Start Of The Dragon’s Back — Let The Views Begin!

Once you’ve finished admiring the views of Tai Tam, return to the trail and continue walking as it levels out into a gentle stroll.

Return to the Hong Kong Trail after the viewing platform

Approximately 150 metres ahead is a pavilion next to which, the trail splits. To stay on the Dragon’s Back Hike, turn right and follow the gentle steps leading uphill.

The steps emerge at the spinal ridge, the point that marks the trail’s most spectacular section and the start of the Dragon’s Back!

The viewing area at the start of the Dragon’s Back Hike

Here, you’ll get your first glimpse of the stunning landscapes below, including Shek O Beach, Shek O Country Club, and the South China Sea. On a clear day, the views are absolutely breathtaking and inviting!

The lookout point at the start of Dragon’s Back Hike

While the trail continues to the left, you’ll notice an area of exposed rocks to the right. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can scramble up this rock face for even better views.

To Shek O Peak

From this point on, the Dragon’s Back Hike truly delivers on its promise of stunning views across an undulating spinal ridge.

As you hike, it’s hard to resist stopping every few metres to capture the scenery. And while the trail remains easy, it is undulating, with a few bumpy sections that shouldn’t pose any problems.

As you progress, the trail plays a game of hide-and-seek with the views, frequently concealing them with vegetation before revealing them again.

There are spots where you can admire the undulating path framed by lush hills and the sea. Keep an eye out for Shek O Peak, the highest point, visible straight ahead.

Keep enjoying the views of the sea, beaches, and golf course as you make your way to Shek O Peak.

Just before the final incline, you’ll find another viewing platform offering breathtaking views of Shek O Village, the beach, and the country club in one stunning frame.

After taking in the views, simply follow the steps up the final ascent that leads you to Shek O Peak.

The final ascent to Shek O Peak

The Highest Point On The Dragon’s Back

At 284 metres above sea level, Shek O Peak is the highest point on the Dragon’s Back Hike.

The peak itself is a relatively large, plateaued hilltop that offers panoramic views of Shek O Beach, Shek O Country Club, Big Wave Bay Beach, and beyond.

As one of the shorter hills in Hong Kong, Shek O Peak offers an impressive effort-to-views ratio, which contributes to the popularity of the Dragon’s Back Hike!

Aerial view of Shek O Peak with Shek O Golf Course below

The Dragon’s Back Viewing Point

If you want more time to soak up these views, then follow the trail for another 100 metres to The Dragon’s Back Viewing Point.

The Viewing Platform is 100 m ahead of Shek O Peak

The viewing point offers similar views to the peak, but adds a bench and panoramic informational guide.

Exit 1 — For those who want to finish at Shek O

If you’ve been tempted by the beautiful sights of Shek O, and want to end your hike at the beach, return to the starting point from the Dragon’s Back Viewing Point.

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At this point, you’ve experienced the best of what the Dragon’s Back has to offer. And the shortest route to Shek O Beach is to trace your steps back to the To Tei Wan bus stop, and catch bus number 9 or any minibus heading to Shek O.

You can read our guide to Shek O to make the most of your visit.

Aerial view of Shek O Beach, Hong Kong

However, if you’d like to continue hiking and exit at Tai Tam Gap or Big Wave Bay, then read on.

To The Next Viewing Point

From the Dragon’s Back Viewing Point, you’ll encounter more of what you’ve already experienced, but now the views of Big Wave Bay are closer and more impressive, and that there are fewer hikers around.

The trail continues downhill from the Dragon’s Back Viewing Point

After the viewing point, the trail gently descends before levelling out. This flat section eventually leads to a more rocky descent, where the surrounding trees and bushes may obscure your views.

However, on a clear day, you can occasionally catch glimpses of East Kowloon straight ahead.

Views of Kowloon on a clear day from the Dragon’s Back ridge

The trail then briefly ascends over a jagged surface before arriving at another viewing point with two benches.

Feel free to take a break here and enjoy the views of Big Wave Bay below.

Views of Big Wave Bay from the second viewing point

Unlike the Dragon’s Back Viewing Point, this viewing point is usually much less crowded or even empty.

This time, the views of Big Wave Bay are closer

To The End of The Spinal Ridge

From this viewing point, I find that the trail becomes slightly more scenic. The views on either side open up, and the trail itself set against the backdrop of the hills looks quite picturesque.

Unfortunately, this scenery doesn’t last long. And before you know it, the trail veers off the ridge and begins its descent down a relatively narrow and rocky section. (Technically, you could bushwhack your way back to the ridge and continue hiking to Mount Collinson at the point where the trail turns left, but we don’t recommend this unless you’re an experienced hiker.)

This rocky descent is just over 200 metres long and reconnects with the flat trail that runs parallel to the Dragon’s Back.

This is the same trail you would have been on if you had gone straight instead of turning right at the pavilion, at the start of the spinal ridge.

Merging with the trail that runs parallelly below the Dragon’s Back

Towards Tai Tam Gap

To stay on Hong Kong Trail Section 8, turn right the end of the descent and follow the signs for Tai Tam Gap.

From here on out, you might understand why many hikers choose the first exit option. There are no views along the trail, and unless you have company, it can feel quite monotonous.

The trail for the next 2 km is flat and shaded

The next 2 km of the trail remain flat and covered in a canopy of trees. And to be honest, there aren’t any mentionable highlights along the way.

Just keep walking till the dirt track ends next to the Mount Collinson Water Pumping Station.

At this point, the trail transitions to a cement track gently descends and connects with the Hong Kong Forest Track – Mount Collinson Section.

The trail finally merges with Hong Kong Forest Track – Mount Collinson Section

Exit 2 — For those who want to return to the city

Decision to be made, exit at Tai Tam Gap or continue to Big Wave Bay

If you don’t want to end your hike at Shek O Beach or Big Wave Bay Beach, and want to head back to the city, turn left on Hong Kong Forest Track – Mount Collinson Section.

Follow the track towards the Tai Tam Correctional Institution and just around the bend, take the steps downhill (signs for the bus stop).

Once back on Shek O Road, cross the road to catch any bus back to Shau Kei Wan or walk to Tai Tam Road to catch a bus towards Stanley.

Exit 2 at Tai Tam Gap, Shek O Road

Towards Pottinger Gap

For those wanting to continue hiking the entire Hong Kong Trail Section 8, from Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay, the hike continues.

Once you reach the Hong Kong Forest Track – Mount Collinson Section, turn right and follow the track into one of the easiest sections of the entire hike.

For the next 1.5 km, follow the paved path that connects Tai Tam Gap with Pottinger Gap. The trail twists and turns at the base of Mount Collinson as it gradually makes its way to the next stop — Pottinger Gap.

You’ll know you’ve arrived at Pottinger Gap when the trail ends next to an open rest area featuring benches and a pavilion. This spot serves as a junction for multiple trails, including the one that connects Chai Wan to Big Wave Bay.

Take a break at Pottinger Gap

Feel free to take a break before heading down the final section of the hike.

The Final Descent To Big Wave Bay

To continue hiking toward Big Wave Bay, take the path behind the pavilion. Walk for 15 metres, then follow the steps with the sign for Big Wave Bay as they lead you downhill.

This 1.5 km section of the trail links Big Wave Bay Village (Tai Long Wan Village) to Pottinger Gap.

Unfortunately, this part of the hike is also quite uneventful, with dense tree cover and no views to speak of, making it feel a bit monotonous.

While the trail descends gently, its surface is another story. Expect loose rocks and large boulders, which can make hiking uncomfortable.

You’ll know you’re just a couple of hundred metres from the village when the uneven trail transitions into a flat paved path. And the flat paved path descends into Big Wave Bay Village, bringing to end Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail.

Exit 3 — For those who wish to end at Big Wave Bay Beach

As you enter Big Wave Bay Village, continue downhill on the path that winds between the houses. At the bottom of the steps, you’ll see signs welcoming you to Big Wave Bay.

Keep walking straight through the alleys until you reach a large car park, located just before a small bridge.

Cross the bridge and take the alleyway with steps between the houses, where you’ll find a couple of signs pointing to Big Wave Bay Beach. Walk through the alley and turn left as soon as you exit.

Continue down this road, and at the end, you’ll arrive at Big Wave Bay Beach. This marks the completion of Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, which takes you across the scenic Dragon’s Back and down to Big Wave Bay!

Be sure to check out the prehistoric rock carvings at Big Wave Bay!

The Ultimate Guide to Dragon’s Back

The Dragon’s Back was the very first hike I did in Hong Kong, even before moving to the city. It was my initial introduction to a different side of Hong Kong. After spending so much time in the city, this hike felt like a breath of fresh air, both in terms of scenery and experience.

Gorgeous views all along the Dragon’s Back Hike

I know many others who were introduced to hiking in Hong Kong through the Dragon’s Back. It’s no surprise, really — it’s a scenic and easy hike, that eventually ends with beach day.

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Once you’ve completed the Dragon’s Back Hike and are looking for more hiking adventures in Hong Kong, I highly recommend tackling Lion’s Rock (Hong Kong’s most iconic peak) or Tai Mo Shan (Hong Kong’s tallest hill). If you enjoyed the views of D’Aguilar Peninsula, be sure to explore Cape D’Aguilar, which is a very popular destination.

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