If you plan to visit Hong Kong, you may be aware of the popular spots for taking stunning pictures of the city's famous skyline. However, it's worth putting on your hiking attire, grabbing your camera, and hiking up to the peak of Lion Rock, where you can capture the most breathtaking view of the peninsula amid the Lion Rock Spirit's ambiance. Here's the best route and some useful tips to help you make the most of your hike.

From Head to Tail

Lion Rock, which resembles the outline of a crouching lion, connects Kowloon and the New Territories. The 495-metermountain holds a special place in locals' hearts, where the Lion Rock Spirit comes to life, symbolizing the perseverance of Hong Kongers during the city's transformations in recent decades. In the past few years, people have also treated it as a symbolic place to voice their democratic views, hanging yellow banners with slogans like "I want universal suffrage" or "No Extradition to China." The Lion Rock Spirit has thus acquired an additional layer of meaning - demanding change.

This 7.7 km trail is a moderate hike that requires some effort walking on uneven surfaces. You should be able to make it to the top if you work out sometimes. However, it's much more challenging to climb during the sticky hot summer months, so it's best to hike during the fall and winter months unless you don't mind sweating it all out!

If you wish to experience how it feels climbing from head to tail of the lion, you'd better start the 3-hour sweaty journey from Tin Ma Court.

Directions to the Starting Point:

You can take minibus no. 53M from Lok Fu MTR station Exit A to get to Tin Ma Court (direction link). Once you get off, look for the stairs right opposite the intersection of Chuk Yuen Road & Kam Chuk Lane, and walk your way up to the entrance of Lion Rock Park, where you will see the trail's sign.

When hiking up to the peak of Lion Rock, you will enjoy an easy start to the trail with the first hour spent walking on concrete stairs. As you make your way up towards Reunification Pavilion, be sure to keep an eye out for the first glimpse of the stunning scenery that awaits you. Take a moment to rest and recharge under the pavilion before continuing your journey by heading east. Be prepared for some walk-ups and downs on uneven paths for the next 30 minutes.

As you near the peak, you will encounter signs warning you to stay away from the cliffs. If you do decide to venture off the beaten path to the top of Lion Rock, be prepared to climb up a set of narrow stone steps and possibly get your hands dirty. With caution, you can still capture the breathtaking view of Hong Kong's skyline from the peak of Lion Rock.

When you arrive at the top of the mountain, you will be near the "head" of the lion, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Kowloon Peninsula. Take the time to fully enjoy the scenery or continue your hike toward the "tail" of the lion. Along the way, there will be many vantage points where you can admire the spectacular view of the city.

It is important to plan ahead while you are at the top of the Lion Rock: whether to stay for the sunset or leave before sunset. While the terrain on the way down is easier than uphill, walking in the dark can be challenging without a light source. If hikers do not have any light source, such as a fully charged cellphone or torch, it is recommended to leave before sunset. This will ensure a safe descent down the mountain while it is still light outside.

Once you reach the tail, you'll find a path downhill. Simply follow this path down to the mountainside, turn right, and continue straight until you reach Shatin Pass Road. To make your departure from the trail easier, you can take minibus no. 18M to Wong Tai Sin MTR station.

By taking this downhill route, you'll avoid retracing your steps and seeing the same sights twice. Plus, the easier trail is perfect for those who prefer a less strenuous hike. In addition, the route is conveniently located near transportation options, making it easy to get back to your accommodation or other parts of the city. The minibus ride to Wong Tai Sin MTR station is a quick and efficient way to reach your destination.

Hiking Lion Rock is an exhilarating experience that offers breathtaking views of the city. It is important to plan ahead and be prepared for the challenging terrain and potential darkness if you decide to stay for the sunset. With proper preparation and safety measures, hiking Lion Rock can be a rewarding adventure that you won't soon forget.