Kowloon Peak and Lion Rock

Ascend to Kowloon Peak and Lion Rock to feel the pulse of Hong Kong. Both sites offer unparalleled, breathtaking views of the cityscape below. From dazzling city lights to the serene dawn, every frame here tells a story of Hong Kong's dynamic journey. A must-visit for photography enthusiasts seeking an exceptional backdrop for their next masterpiece. Don't just take pictures, tell a story of a city that never gives up. Be a part of Hong Kong's indomitable spirit!

Photography Guide

Equipment

• When capturing photos in mountain or water locations, both wide-angle and telephoto lenses can be used effectively with polarizing filters (CPL).
• Bring a tripod

Recommend Time 

• Afternoon to dusk.

Key Consideration

• Lion Rock has a higher difficulty level than Kowloon Peak.
• Trekking both mountains consecutively can be demanding.
• Kowloon Peak is beginner-friendly; start from Tsz Wan Shan (慈雲山) via Sha Tin Pass Road (沙田坳道).
• Both peaks offer stunning sunset and night views; choose one unless necessary to avoid backtracking.
• For night shoots, Kowloon Peak has easier retreat routes or taxi access.
• There is a risk of getting lost on Lion Rock after dark so it would be better to carry a headlamp
• The top of Lion Rock is a loose-rock cliff; inexperienced photographers are recommended to shoot from the tail.

Route

Exit from Wong Tai Sin Station D1 towards Wong Tai Sin Temple. At the exit, you will find minibusses to Tsz Wan Shan. You can use "Fat Jong Temple" (法藏寺) as the drop-off point.

There's a shortcut to Lion Rock on the left, but it's not recommended for beginners. Recommend turning right.

Soon, you will come to a fork in the road. To the right, stairs lead straight up (more strenuous but faster), and to the left, the road takes a longer route around.

After the stairs, you'll reach a rest area with a pavilion, which is the junction for this route. Turn left for Lion Rock and right for Kowloon Peak.

If heading to Kowloon Peak, keep right at the next fork after the uphill road.

For Lion Rock, you'll soon see a sign for Lion Rock Country Park, and the path becomes straightforward.

Shooting Reference

I opted to begin my journey with Kowloon Peak, followed by a visit to Lion Rock. Before ascending, look back at the steep slope for a view of Wong Tai Sin district.

As you near the summit of Kowloon Peak, you'll find a perfect spot to capture the cityscape along with the mountain.

At dusk, the light outlines the high-rises beautifully.

Since I chose to visit Kowloon Peak at dusk, the remainder of the journey to Lion Rock naturally became a night view. 

Conclusion

• Kowloon Peak and Lion Rock provide stunning views of Hong Kong, ideal for photographers looking for a unique backdrop.
• Key equipment for these locations includes wide-angle and telephoto lenses, polarizing filters (CPL), and a tripod.
• Lion Rock is more challenging to climb than Kowloon Peak, and it's advised to pick one for sunset/night shooting to avoid unnecessary travel.
• The route starts from Wong Tai Sin Station D1; minibusses to Tsz Wan Shan are available, use "Fat Jong Temple" as the drop-off point.
• For night shoots, Kowloon Peak provides easier exit routes or taxi access. Remember to bring a headlamp to avoid getting lost on Lion Rock after dark.