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 time, silvergrass come alive, making the hike to the top a popular hiking destination.

Tung Yeung Shan – Silvergrass heaven!

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.

Tung Yeung Shan comes alive in the autumn months with the silvergrass

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

Tung Yeung Shan Hike Trail Map

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 quite a few 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 to the Tung Yeung Shan Hike will focus on the route from Shatin to Kowloon. Admittedly, this is a longer trail and I know that many hikers may want to start or end from the Sai Kung side. I might add that route if I hike up this hill again in the near future.

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.

Wong Nai Tau Bus Terminus

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.

Enter Tai Che 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

When you reach this information board, turn right and follow the trail

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.

Taking a break at Shek Nga Pui, the meeting point of multiple trails, including the second entrance to West Buffalo Hill

Merge with Maclehose Trail Section 4

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

To continue, walk downhill on the opposite side

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

The point where the trail merges with Maclehose Trail Section 4

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.

Views of Tate’s Cairn and Temple Hill

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 end of the climb

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.

Cross this space and onto the road

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.

Keep walking till the road turn right and there is a sign for Wilson Trail on the left

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.

Enter Wilson Trail Section 4 and start climbing

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.

The summit of Tung Yeung Shan

Views from Tung Yeung Shan

If you hadn’t noticed it till now, I hiked up Tung Yeung Shan on a cloudy T3 day. Thankfully, it wasn’t raining (yet), but the views and winds on top were truly spectacular.

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

On top of Tung Yeung Shan

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.

Kowloon Peak against the silvergrass on Tung Yeung Shan

Return to Fei Ngo Shan Road

If I wasn’t too worried about the potential of rain on top of Tung Yeung Shan, I would have probably stayed on much longer. But I decided to descend the same way that I’d come from, to end the hike at Fei Ngo Shan. (If however, you’d like to end your hike in Sai Kung, simply follow Wilson Trail in the other direction.)

The descent is a bit more challenging thanks to the slope and loose rocks, so be careful.

Once you return to the road from where you entered Wilson Trail, 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.

Turn left onto Fei Ngo Shan Road

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.

Begin your descent on Fei Ngo Shan Road

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.

The entrance to Kowloon Peak and Suicide Cliff on Fei Ngo Shan Road

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 Sai Kung.

Silvergrass Awaits

During autumn, many of Hong Kong’s hills are blanketed with silvergrass, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. One of 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.

Tung Yeung Shan’s silvergras summit

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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