Wan Chai To Aberdeen Reservoir Hike

Hiking from Wan Chai to Aberdeen is probably one of the go-to hikes for many living on Hong Kong Island. It’s moderately easy, relatively short, and easily accessible. Unlike the Dragon’s Back, or the Chai Wan to Big Wave Bay hike, the hike to Aberdeen Reservoir starts from a central location, and ends in a location with access to MTR and buses.

If you haven’t planned anything for the weekend, and just want to get out of your flat on the island for a quick hike, this is the perfect trail!

Wan Chai to Aberdeen Reservoir

The Wan Chai to Aberdeen Reservoir hike is approximately 6 kms, and on average takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Here’s a guide to help you navigate your way.

Starting point

To get to the starting point of this hike, take the MTR Island Line to Wan Chai. At the station, take Exit D to Lee Tung Avenue. Once you emerge from the exit, walk to Hopewell Centre on Queen’s Road East. From here you can

• Walk a couple of blocks east to Wan Chai Gap Road. Walk up till it meets Kennedy Road, and then continue on Wan Chai Gap Road, or
• Take the elevator inside Hopewell Centre to the 17th floor. Once on the 17th floor, exit Hopewell Centre onto Kennedy Road, and walk left till you see the Wan Chai Gap Road.

Wan Chai Gap Road

The Wan Chai Gap Road is a short but very steep trail that takes you from an urban jungle to a natural jungle in a jiffy. I’ve walked up this path on numerous occasions, so my advice is to take it slow.

At its other end, the Wan Chai Gap Road merges with the Bowen Road Fitness Trail. Catch your breath at the Bowen Road Park. Here you’ll find a toilet, and drinking water. Once you’ve recovered, continue on the same path going up, but which is now called Wan Chai Green Trail.

Bowen Road Fitness Trail, Wan Chai

Wan Chai Green Trail

The Wan Chai Green Trail is a slightly less steep, but longer section than the Wan Chai Gap Road. Again, my advice is to take it slow. This is the last of the climbing. After this section, the trail is flat, and downhill.

There are benches along Wan Chai Green Trail in case you need to take a short breather. Towards the end of the Wan Chai Green Trail is cute little sign post with a windmill for Dutch Lane. Don’t worry, you’re almost at the end of the climb. A few more steps, and you’ll emerge onto the point where Stubbs Road meets Peak Road. On the opposite side, you’ll see the Wan Chai Gap Park. Cross the road carefully, and head towards the park.

Dutch Lane, Hong Kong

Wan Chai Gap Park

The Wan Chai Gap Park is a popular playground, and it’s also close to an old police station which is now the Police Museum.

To continue on our hike to the Aberdeen Reservoir, walk along the edge of the park on Mount Cameron Road. You’ll soon approach a few houses. But before the houses, there is a fairly obvious signpost for Aberdeen Country Park. Turn right at the signpost, and walk down Aberdeen Reservoir Road.

View of the south island from on top of the Aberdeen Reservoir Road

Aberdeen Reservoir Road

From this point on, the hike slowly descends towards the Aberdeen Reservoir. The path is shaded all the way, which is great if it’s a very sunny day. Just continue to follow the signs for Aberdeen Upper Reservoir.

Here’s a fun tip: Shortly before you arrive at the dam of the upper reservoir, there is a natural foot massage area. Essentially, it’s a small surface of rounded stones, with their edges sticking out, cemented to the ground. Take off your shoes, and walk on the stones (if you dare) for a natural foot massage!

Aberdeen Upper Reservoir

Shortly after the foot massage area, you’ll arrive at the Aberdeen Upper Reservoir. The Aberdeen Reservoirs were built to support Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to provide water to the west of Hong Kong Island. The reservoirs were officially opened in 1931 and became the fourth and last reservoir group built on Hong Kong Island.

After you cross the dam wall, walk towards the Aberdeen Reservoir Barbecue Area & Park. After a short walk, turn right and follow the signs to the Aberdeen Lower Reservoir.

Aberdeen Lower Reservoir

The lower reservoir is actually older of the two Aberdeen Reservoirs. It was originally privately owned before being bought by the government.

Bird’s eye view of the Aberdeen Lower Reservoir and Ap Lei Chau

Walk across the dam wall of the lower reservoir until you reach the Aberdeen Fitness Trail. Follow the fitness trail down onto Aberdeen Reservoir Road. From here you can the Green Minibus 4B back to Wan Chai MTR. Or feel explore Aberdeen – head down to Young Master Brewery to grab a fresh micro-brew or to Jumbo for some delicious sea food.

Wan Chai to Aberdeen Reservoir Hike Map

There is cellphone coverage throughout the Wan Chai – Aberdeen Hike. So, if you need to keep the map open to navigate your way, click here.

Wan Chai to Aberdeen Reservoir Hike Map

And here is a video that documents the hike

Final Words

You can practically do this hike at any time if you live on Hong Kong Island. Like I said, it’s moderately easy, convenient to get to, and requires little or no planning. Just put on your sneakers, and get going. In fact, I’d reckon that you can do this hike multiple times.

Panoramic view of Aberdeen Reservoir, Hong Kong

If you’re looking for another fun go-to hike, try hiking from Chai Wan to Big Wave Bay, or the Dragon’s Back Hike.

Check out more amazing hikes in Hong Kong