Tung Yeung Shan, situated at the intersection of Sai Kung, Wong Tai Sin, and Shatin districts, is known for its silvergrass-laden summit that becomes particularly striking during autumn in Hong Kong. During this season, the silvergrass comes alive, making the hike to the top a popular destination.

However, if you miss the silvergrass season, don’t worry — the stunning views from the summit are still worth experiencing. From on top, hikers can enjoy beautiful views of Hebe Haven in Sai Kung to the east and Shatin to the north. Unfortunately, the western view is obstructed by the Kowloon range of hills. But that being said, I found a unique perspective from Tate’s Cairn to Kowloon Peak to be particularly beautiful.

The hike to Tung Yeung Shan presents some moderately challenging sections, but the difficulty largely depends on the route you choose. So, let’s explore those options in more detail.

About the Tung Yeung Shan Hike

Other than the fact that Tung Yeung Shan lies at the intersection of three districts in Hong Kong, it also lies on the intersection of two popular hiking trails (Maclehose Trail Section 4 and Wilson Trail Section 4), and a motorable road (Fei Ngo Shan Road).

What this means is that there are at least three options to hike up to Tung Yeung Shan with multiple entry points and exit routes, including being able to park your vehicle 300 metres away from the summit. But we’re not going to focus on that. Instead, this guide will focus on the route from Shatin to Kowloon.

For those who wish to start or end this hike on Wilson Trail Section 4 (Sai Kung side), I’ve added the directions below in this post. And here is a quick map of the relevant part of Section 4 of Wilson Trail that connects Sai Kung to Tung Yeung Shan.

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But for now, let’s start the hike in Shatin.

Starting point

To start the Tung Yeung Shan Hike from Shatin, make your way to Wong Nai Tau Village, which also happens to be the same starting point for the Buffalo Hill Hike.

The bus terminus at Wong Nai Tau Village is served by numerous buses and minibuses, and it’s best to use Google Maps to find the best route to reach here.

Once at the Wong Nai Tau Bus Terminus, walk up the steps at the end of the bus terminus and follow the signs for West Buffalo Hill at the fork.

Alternatively, to take a shorter route, follow the signs for Tai Che Village and turn right at the fork. Walk a few metres ahead and then enter the village.

At the end of the path, turn right and then take the narrow path on the left after a couple of houses. Walk on this path as it cuts between the houses and then exits Tai Che Village.

The path climbs on a gentle incline through a canopy of trees before emerging onto a road. Follow the signs for West Buffalo Hill on the opposite side of the road.

To The Resting Area

The next 1.5 km of the hike follows a moderately challenging climb, along West Buffalo Hill.

As you leave the road behind, follow the ramp and turn left before the path’s end to begin your ascent towards West Buffalo Hill. The trail quickly transforms into a picturesque woodland path, where gentle slopes and steps guide you upward.

About 200 meters in, an information board comes into view. Take a moment to orient yourself before turning right toward Shek Nga Pui

This turn marks the beginning of a steeper climb, but don’t worry – the trail remains shaded throughout this section, shielding you from the sun on a hot day.

Keep a steady pace and enjoy the ascent until you reach a point where the trail levels out and bends left. This is the shortcut entrance to West Buffalo Hill.

But to continue towards Shek Nga Pui, stay on the trail as it winds its way around the bend and continues upward, eventually arriving at a rest area with a decent view of Shatin.

If needed, take a brief break here before continuing onward.

To Shek Nga Pui

From the rest area, continue your ascent towards Shek Nga Pui. Ahead, you’ll encounter more of the same challenging terrain that brought you here.

There are a few steep sections along the path that are relatively more challenging. In fact, I encountered a section that had come off in a landslide recently. I had to proceed with caution even though there was a longer alternative route.

After this, the trail briefly turns flat before approaching the final ascent.

Once again, climb at a gentle pace till the steps land at a flat open space, with a place to sit. This is Shek Nga Pui, a short but satisfying hill that serves as a meeting point for several trails.

In fact, there is another trail entrance from here to West Buffalo Hill.

Merge with Maclehose Trail Section 4

To continue, follow the trail downhill on the opposite side of where you arrived.

Keep walking downhill for about 100 metres till the trail you’re on intersects with Maclehose Trail at a perpendicular angle.

I hadn’t realized till now that I had encountered relatively few hikers on my way up — probably just five in total. However, given the popularity of Maclehose Trail (specifically Section 4), I saw 5 hikers even before I stepped onto the trail.

To The Gilwell Campsite

Turn right as you step onto Maclehose Trail and continue hiking. The next 500 metres of the trail is not only easy but also very scenic.

As the trail moves away from West Buffalo Hill, it flattens and looses its shade. As the canopy of trees disappears, you get the first view of Sai Kung in the distance.

Further ahead, the trail gets more scenic as it moves behind the Kowloon hill range, with views of Tung Yeung Shan, Tate’s Cairn, and Temple Hill ahead.

But that’s when the views disappear momentarily as the trail prepares for a relatively long ascent up steps. Once again, climb at a comfortable pace.

At the end of the steps, there is an unmarked trail that leads you to Tung Yeung Shan. But unless you’re comfortable navigating your way through the bushes, I suggest continuing ahead.

The trail continues on a flat terrain for another 300 metres, at which point it turns right (watch out for the Maclehose Trail markers). The trail descends into a stream and climbs back up on the other side.

Keep walking for another 100 metres till the trail reaches a four-way intersection. At this point, turn left and walk till you reach an open area that belongs to the Scout Association of Hong Kong Gilwell Campsite.

To Tate’s Pass

Across the open space, you’ll see a motorable road ahead. The road serves as a meeting point for Sections 4 and 5 of the Maclehose Trail, which continues towards the right.

However, instead of continuing on Maclehose Trail, turn left. As you walk along the undulating road, it will pass by the Gilwell Campsite and its parking area before reaching a sharp right-hand turn at Tate’s Pass.

At this point, follow the signs for Wilson Trail and make a left turn onto the trail.

Final Ascent on Wilson Trail

You’re now at the home stretch for Tung Yeung Shan. As you enter Section 4 of the Wilson Trail, you’ll be greeted by a long, but fairly easy flight of steps.

After the steps, there is a short flat section before the trail reaches the bottom of the summit.

From here on out, the trail approaches a steep but short climb to Tung Yeung Shan. If you’re hiking here during autumn, you’ll begin noticing silvergrass as you approach the summit.

And once you reach the summit, you’ll notice the silvergrass almost everywhere.

Views from Tung Yeung Shan

The first time I hiked up Tung Yeung Shan was on a cloudy, with the T3 signal in force. Thankfully, it hadn’t started raining, but the views and winds on top were truly spectacular.

I had the hill and the winds to myself for quite some time.

The rocks on top of Tung Yeung Shan offer hikers a spot to sit and appreciate the views all around — from East Kowloon, Sai Kung, Shatin, and the hills behind. Kowloon Peak and Tate’s Cairn look amazing from up here.

Options To End The Hike

As mentioned earlier, Tung Yeung Shan can be reached via three different routes. Since we approached the hill from Shatin via Maclehose Trail, we have the option to descend either along Fei Ngo Shan Road (a motorable road) or Wilson Trail. I will first discuss Fei Ngo Shan Road, as it is easier to navigate and a more convenient choice for those planning to go to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon after the hike.

Next, I will provide a guide for the second option, Wilson Trail, which is slightly more challenging but better suited for those heading towards Sai Kung afterward.

Option 1: End The Hike via Fei Ngo Shan Road

After admiring the views, begin your descent by returning to the road from where you entered Wilson Trail, and continue walking straight ahead. Stay on the road for about 100 metres till this road intersects with Fei Ngo Shan Road.

At this point, turn left on Fei Ngo Shan Road and begin your walk downhill.

Walk downhill on Fei Ngo Shan Road

The next 3 km of the hike are fairly straightforward and not too exciting. It’s essentially a downhill walk on Fei Ngo Shan Road, with no views and the occasional car driving uphill.

There’s also no chance of you getting lost. Simply stay on the road and walk downhill.

At the halfway mark, you’ll reach the entrance to hiking trail the Kowloon Peak and Suicide Cliff.

Continue on Fei Ngo Shan Road for another kilometre before the beautiful houses start making an appearance.

Try not to feel too poor as you walk past the houses at Fei Ngo Shan Road. Keep walking downhill till you reach the end, where Fei Ngo Shan Road meets with Clear Water Bay Road.

End on Clear Water Bay Road

Unfortunately, the closest bus stop on Clear Water Bay Road is still another 400-metre walk. From there, you can find a bus to Diamond Hill, Choi Hung, Hang Hau, HKUST, or even Sai Kung.

Option 2: End The Hike via Wilson Trail

The second option to end the Tung Yeung Shan Hike is to continue following Wilson Trail downhill on the opposite side towards Sai Kung. Simply find the sign for Wilson Trail and follow the trail downhill.

Wilson Trail initially descends quite steeply, and the loose rocks on trail make the descent slightly challenging. Watch your step as you walk downhill.

The views come and go as the trail reaches another sign for Wilson Trail. Follow the steps after the sign, which lead you onto the most challenging but scenic section of the descent.

After the steps, the trail transforms into a rugged path consisting of loose and large rocks, making it quite difficult to walk on. However, the views of the rolling hills in the horizon are a beautiful sight.

Be careful as you navigate this treacherous section that thankfully ends when the trail briefly enters a canopy of trees.

After the trees, steps return and so does the view. But this time, the views are of the beautiful Hebe Haven in Sai Kung.

As you continue downhill, the trail finally enters the area below the tree line, eliminating the views from here on out.

The trail twists and turns as it navigates the narrow section between trees on either side.

Keep following the trail as it descends under a dense canopy of trees, and then exits next to a few abandoned structures.

Follow the path for a short distance till you finally reach a road, perpendicular to the trail.

At this point, Wilson Trail continues to the right, but you should turn left onto Tai Lam Wu Road for the shortest exit.

Tai Lam Wu Road

Walking a paved road feels good after the rugged trail that you’ve just completed.

Tai Lam Wu Road is a narrow road, rarely frequented by cars. Once you’re on the road, simply follow it as it gently meanders towards civilization.

After approximately a kilometre, the road arrives at a bridge.

Walk to the other side of the bridge where you’ll notice that the road splits into two. To continue your journey, follow Ho Chung Road on the right.

End at Kai Ham Village

As you step onto Ho Chung Road, you enter the first village on this side of Sai Kung — Kai Ham Village.

Keep walking for approximately 100 metres, till you reach a makeshift waiting area next to the bus stop for GMB No. 2.

Take this minibus either to Sai Kung or Hiram’s Highway for the easiest exit.

Silvergrass Awaits

During autumn, many of Hong Kong’s hills are blanketed with silvergrass, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. The most popular peaks to experience this is Sunset Peak on Lantau Island. However, if you’re looking for a more accessible option closer to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon, Tung Yeung Shan is an excellent alternative.

If you enjoyed this hike, we recommend exploring some other peaks mentioned in this post, such as Kowloon Peak or Tate’s Cairn. If you’re seeking a more challenging adventure, West Buffalo Hill is definitely worth considering!

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