Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak

Immerse yourself in Hong Kong's raw, breathtaking beauty. Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak offer unparalleled landscapes: sunsets and sunrises that paint the sky with hues of passion, and panoramic vistas that seem stolen from a dream. For photographers, these peaks aren't just locations—they're portals to unparalleled inspiration and potential viral shots. Adventure awaits.

Photography Guide

Equipment

• Pack a lens with a broad range, from wide-angle to telephoto, for diverse shots.
• A superzoom lens (18-300, 24-240, etc.) can conserve weight and space.

Suggested Time

• Ensure ample time for a leisurely trek. Begin your climb around 12:30 PM to either Sunset Peak (大東山) or Lantau Peak (鳳凰山). 
• To avoid crowds, start at around 2:30 PM when the light is softer and many people have started to descend.

Consideration

• Conquering both peaks can be strenuous, especially for beginners. If determined to scale both, start earlier than 12:30 PM.
• Lantau Peak, being steeper and more challenging, should be attempted after trying Sunset Peak. Both peaks can be approached from Pak Kung Au, but be prepared to backtrack.

Route

To Sunset Peak

From Tung Chung Station Exit B, walk straight to the bus terminus.

Whether you take bus no. 11 towards Tai O, no. 3M towards Mui Wo, or no. 23 towards Ngong Ping across the street, all of these routes will pass Pak Kung Au.

There are almost no forks in the road along the way.

To Lantau Peak

Similarly, alight at Pak Kung Au and walk straight, but you'll need to cross the road on your right. The trailhead for Lantau Peak is located opposite Sunset Peak.

There are no forks in the path; there's only one way to reach the summit (excluding challenging routes, and only considering the official Lantau Trail).

The descent route for Lantau Peak is longer, whereas you can retrace your steps on the Sunset Peak side. 

Shooting Reference

Sunset Peak

Despite it being a weekday afternoon when I climbed, the mountain was still bustling with people. Even with a smartphone, you can capture great shots of Sunset Peak. Triple-lens phones each offer a different effect; switching between cameras and phones can provide diverse results.

Phone Shooting

Camera Shooting

The main attraction, Silvergrass, only becomes abundant closer to the peak. The timing of my ascent coincided perfectly with dusk. The sidelight at that time rendered more depth to the light and shadow effects.

And finally, the highlight of the shoot: the sunset

Lantau Peak

Unlike Sunset Peak, the Silvergrass on Lantau Peak is concentrated on the mountainside, with the summit more barren. 

Looking back at the path I've walked

I walked through one of the challenging uphill routes, South Heaven's Gate (南天門), which is extremely dangerous at its lower section. 

By the time I reached the peak, I was enveloped by fog. This last shot was an experiment with long exposure, trying to capture the movement of the clouds and fog.

Conclusion

• If you're an experienced hiker or confident in your fitness, consider covering both Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak. However, it's recommended to commence from Mui Wo and follow the Lantau Trail from the start, concluding with the Ngong Ping staircase.
• Sunset Peak generally draws more visitors than Lantau Peak. When photographing, be polite to others, avoid trampling the Silvergrass
• Lantau Peak is often shrouded in a surreal mist
• The section of the Lantau Trail from Lantau Peak towards Ngong Ping poses the greatest risks. It may necessitate the use of hands and feet while descending. Beginners should avoid descending in the dark and should carry a headlamp if needed.