Escape the crowds and discover a less congested travel spot in Hong Kong. High West is a hidden gem located in the west of Hong Kong Island that offers breathtaking views of the sunset and the sea. With an easy and well-developed hiking route suitable for everyone, High West is a must-visit destination for shutterbugs and nature enthusiasts alike.

Experience a sunset like no other

High West, named after its location as the fourth-tallest mountain in the west of Hong Kong Island, offers a unique taste of freedom while standing at the top. As the sun sets, a shaft of red glow penetrates the clouds and dyes the western part of Victoria Harbour, where the ferries and skyscrapers glitter until the first light bulb is turned on.

Nearby, you can explore a relic from the past. A battery from World War II, developed by the British colonial government from 1936 to 1941, was used to defend against the invasion of the Japanese Army, which had already occupied half of Hong Kong. Today, the ruined battery has become a viewing point, and a testament to Hong Kong's history.

While not as high as The Peak, High West is located adjacent to it, with various routes available for hikers. We recommend the shortest trail, the Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail, which is approximately 2.3km and takes around 40 minutes to complete. This route is suitable for beginners who are adequately prepared with enough water and a hat.

Directions to the starting point:

Take the Island Line to the HKU Station and exit through A2. Walk through several buildings until you see the Graduate House, then walk from University Drive to Hatton Road. Walk uphill to the end, and you will arrive at the entrance of Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail. Along the way, there are public toilets and a pavilion for rest. Here is a Google Map direction.

Follow the trail until you see the first fork with a sign showing Lung Fu Shan Country Park. Turn left here. After 10 minutes of walking, an optional route to Pinewood Battery appears to the right. For those interested in heritage, this is worth exploring, otherwise, continue straight. Ignore a few more forks until you reach another public toilet and pavilion.

When standing at 380 meters with only 100 meters left to go, it is recommended to refill your water bottle before continuing the walk. This is the most challenging part of the trail as a long flight of stairs awaits. Clear signs indicate the distance remaining to reach the summit.

At the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Kowloon on the right and Pok Fu Lam Reservoir on the left. Take in the fresh air and wait for the sunset before heading back to The Peak.

Other places to visit

The Peak is the best and most iconic location to relish the legendary night view of Hong Kong. Enjoy the wide variety of palatable foods available at a good restaurant with your beloved. The Peak Lookout is a great choice despite the expensive food. Housed in a 19th-century Grade II Historic Building, the old restaurant was a resting place for British engineers who constructed the Peak Tram line.

Don’t forget to visit Madame Tussauds, the renowned wax museum, and take the Peak Tram to Central at the end of the day.

Recommendations:

1. Wear sunscreen, bring a hat, snacks and at least 2L of water.

2. If time is limited, you can start and end your hike at The Peak by going and returning via Harlech Road, which takes about 1 hour to complete. Here is a Google Map direction.