The Tsing Yi Peak Hike is a moderately challenging hike that leads you up three consecutive hills to the highest point on Tsing Yi island in Hong Kong – Sam Chi Heung South Peak (or simply Tsing Yi Peak).
From the summit, hikers will be rewarded with panoramic views to the east of Tsing Yi, all the way from Tai Mo Shan to Hong Kong Island. Additionally, the impressive industrial vistas of the Kwai Tsing Container Terminal and the iconic Stonecutters Bridge can be seen directly below the summit.
For those seeking a more challenging option to the Tsing Yi Nature Trails Hike, the Tsing Yi Peak Hike is a definitely worth considering.
About the Tsing Yi Peak Hike
The Tsing Yi Peak Hike is an offshoot from the Sai Shan Country Trail that encompasses three hills located in the south of Tsing Yi, namely:
- Sam Chi Heung North Peak (261 metres)
- Sam Chi Heung Middle Peak (312 metres)
- Sam Chi Heung South Peak, as called Tsing Yi Peak (334 metres)
The 1.5 km trail to the Tsing Yi Peak is well-marked and paved, with plenty of steps to give you a good cardio workout.
Once you reach the summit, there is a naturally formed viewing platform located 200 meters further. Positioned on a captivating outcrop of rocks, this platform offers hikers panoramic views towards the east of the island.
Starting point
To begin the Tsing Yi Peak Hike, we recommended starting at the entrance of the Sai Shan Country Trail on Tsing Yi Road West. Conveniently, the Ching Wah Court bus stop is located right at the entrance, allowing for easy access by bus. If you’re unsure of the most suitable route to reach the bus stop from your location, Google Maps can provide the best guidance.
Once you disembark at the Ching Wah Court bus stop, you’ll find that the entrance to the hike is just behind the bus stop.
To Sam Chi Heung North Peak
As we mentioned, the Tsing Yi Peak Hike is a great cardio workout right from the start.
The moment you enter the Sai Shan Country Trail, you’re immediately greeted with steps. Lots of steps. Which is pretty much the best way to sum up this hike!
Take your time ascending the steps at a comfortable pace and feel free to rest whenever needed. Initially, the steps are manageable, but gradually increase in incline as you progress.
After a challenging 300-metre ascent of steps, the trail becomes less intense, leading you to a landing where you can enjoy your first stunning views of Tai Mo Shan and Tsuen Wan.
As you continue, the trail passes through a cemetery and follows a gentle incline. From this vantage point, you’ll also have glimpses of the Tsing Ma Bridge and Lantau Island.
Keep climbing for another 250 meters through the cemetery until you reach a three-point juncture on the Sai Shan Country Trail. At this point, turn right (signs for Rainshelter) and continue climbing.
Following another flight of steps, the Sai Shan Country Trail reaches its end at a pavilion (the rain shelter).
This is an ideal spot to take a break since you’ve reached Sam Chi Heung North Peak. The triangulation station for the peak is situated a few metres ahead, on top of a rock.
To Sam Chi Heung Middle Peak
After reaching the first peak on the trail, it’s time to head towards the second peak. Once you’re done taking a break at either the rain shelter or next to the triangulation station, continue onwards.
The trail narrows as it begins a gentle descent. Upon reaching the bottom, it levels out before weaving through the trees.
And then, as expected, comes the next section of the climb to Sam Chi Heung Middle Peak. The steps are moderately difficult, and it helps to climb at a comfortable pace.
Continue climbing until you come across a fenced enclosure on the trail’s side. Beyond this point, the trail becomes flat as it leads to a group of rocks (some of which have writing on them) situated nearby.
This rocky area marks Sam Chi Heung Middle Peak, where the triangulation station is positioned atop the rocks.
Thankfully, unlike the previous peak, there are some glimpses of the sea and Lantau Island visible through the trees.
If you’re feeling tired, take a break and enjoy the view.
To Sam Chi Heung South Peak (Tsing Yi Peak)
After reaching Sam Chi Heung Middle Peak, the trail follows a similar pattern to the one from Sam Chi Heung North Peak.
It descends gently into a dense forest of trees, flattens out, and then winds its way through the trees before approaching another set of steps.
However, this time, the steps appear very challenging and daunting, almost vertical when viewed from the bottom!
Once again, climb up at a slow and comfortable pace. Although there is a rope that you can hold onto, I found it not necessary while going up. While coming down, I definitely felt the need to use the rope.
At the top of the daunting steps, the trail flattens briefly before reaching another flight of steps. This time, there are a lot more steps, but it’s less steep.
Climb up the final flight of steps until you reach the end! At the landing, turn left and continue past the bench until you spot the triangulation station.
Congratulations on reaching the summit of Tsing Yi Peak!
But where are those views?
To the Tsing Yi Peak Lookout Point
Thanks to all the trees and shrubs at Tsing Yi Peak, there are no views to be had from here. But no worries, a short 200-metre walk will bring you to a more barren side of the hill, with some incredible views!
Start from the triangulation station and follow the trail downhill, passing another bench along the way. As the trail emerges from the cover of trees, it suddenly unveils the splendid surrounding views that were previously concealed.
As you continue, the path gently descends, unveiling the most spectacular sights of Stonecutters Bridge, Kwai Tsing Container Terminal, and the iconic Hong Kong skyline.
When the trail concludes by some bushes, turn left and step onto the rocky outcrop on the hill’s side, which serves as a natural lookout point.
From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to extraordinary views of Hong Kong.
To one side, marvel at the sights of Tsuen Wan and Tai Mo Shan, while on the other side, Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbour. And just beneath Tsing Yi Peak lies the industrial views of the Stonecutters Bridge and Kwai Tsing Container Terminal.
How to end the Tsing Yi Peak Hike?
When it comes to ending this hike, you have two options.
Option 1: Retrace your steps to Tsing Yi Road West
The simplest and safest option is to return to the starting point. From the opposite side of Tsing Yi Road West, you can catch a bus to the Tsing Yi MTR station. Alternatively, you could also find a bus to your destination directly (just check Google Maps).
Option 2: Hike down the south-east face of Sam Chi Heung
For the more adventurous hikers, an alternative option is to descend via an unmarked trail on the south-east face of Sam Chi Heung. This trail commences where the paved path ends, near the bushes.
If you took a left turn to visit the lookout point, look for an entrance into the bushes on the opposite side. You should notice ribbon markers guiding you downhill.
The reason why you’d pick this route over the other is because this route has access to numerous rock formations, such as the “Hero Stone”, “Arhat Stone”, and the “Three Stones”.
Upon reaching the highway, you will need to traverse along the catchwater to reach Tsing Yi Road. This route is recommended for experienced hikers.
The Sam Chi Heung (Tsing Yi Peak) Hike
We hope you found our guide to the Sam Chi Heung Hike / Tsing Yi Peak Hike resourceful and that now you know what to expect when setting out on this hike.
If you’re looking for another fun hike in Tsing Yi, check out our guide to the Tsing Yi Nature Trail. The hike is almost equal in distance but far less intense (less climbing) than the Tsing Yi Peak Hike.
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