Conquer the challenging Dragon's Back hike to Big Wave Bay beach whilst enjoying some of Hong Kong Island's most show-stopping scenery
It's hot and uphill, but the views more than make up for the effort
Once voted Time Magazine’s Best Urban Hike in Asia, Dragon’s Back is a winding, elevated trail that takes in stunning views of Hong Kong Island’s Southside district.
It’s a popular trail due to its easy accessibility, stunning scenery and a finish point on the beach. The seven-and-a-half kilometre trail winds its way through Shek O Country Park at the top of D’Aguilar Peninsula with breathtaking views over Tai Tam Bay on one side and the South China Sea and the beaches of Shek O and Big Wave Bay on the other. You’re also rewarded with birds eye views of Shek O Village and Shek O Golf Club.
The hike kicks off with an intense, unshaded and steep climb from the road but almost instantly you are rewarded with views. The trail then follows the undulating, ribboned trail that is the dragon’s back, until it snakes round to the other side of the mountain and a more shaded trail until you reach Tai Tam Gap and the myriad stone steps down to Big Wave Bay.
The going can be rocky and uneven in places and as you approach Tai Tam Gap there are a number of waterfalls cascading down the mountain and onto the hiking path, so don’t be surprised if you end up with wet feet, particularly in the rainy season.
And don’t forget swimmers and a towel if you opt to end your hike at beautiful Big Wave Bay, a perfect spot for a cooling dip and lunch at one of the handful of cafes and noodle restaurants.
Due to the challenging nature of this hike, it is recommended for children aged eight years and over and with a good level of fitness.
How to reach the start point
The Dragon’s Back hike starts on Shek O Road at the To Tei Wan bus stop. There is no parking here so either catch a taxi or hop on the number 9 bus to Shek O from Shau Kei Wan bus terminus at Shau Kei Wan MTR station.Â
The signs for Dragon’s Back at To Tei Wan bus stop are obvious, as are the crowds on the weekend (this is one of Hong Kong’s most popular hikes).
Dragon’s Back hike
(To Tei Wan to Big Wave Bay, 7.6km)
Views over Shek O beach from the trail
The hike starts where sections seven and eight of the Hong Kong Trail meet.Â
You ascend the stone steps of a steep incline for about 15 minutes until you reach the top and a viewing platform with sensational views down to Tai Tam Bay.
The trail is well sign-posted and you continue along the undulated, slightly rocky trail until you reach more viewing spots on the other side, this time overlooking the South China Sea.
The trail continues to follow the dragon’s rocky spinal ridge with continual ocean views to the right-hand side until you reach Shek O Peak, which is 284m above sea level. There is a bench here if you need to catch your breath and stunning views over Shek O Village and Big Wave Bay.
The trail continues its undulating way for about a kilometre or so until it descends into forest. At this point, the trail snakes around to the other side of the mountain and you end up on a levelled-out path passing through trees and bushes, with the steep mountainside to your right and city views to the left.Â
This section of the trail is much easier as it is flat and shady, albeit with the odd mountain stream cascading across the path.
After a couple of kilometres you will reach signs for Tai Tam Gap. If you wish, you can end the trail here by following the signs to Tai Tam Gap back to the road. If you wish to continue to the beach, follow the sign to Big Wave Bay on the wide, concrete path.Â
Keep following the Big Wave Bay signs and you will end up on a much narrower trail that eventually leads through the forested mountainside and down endless stone steps that descend to Big Wave Bay village. This is the section that can seem to go on forever, but you are eventually rewarded with a number of snack shacks and the golden sands of Big Wave Bay beach.
Getting home
There are regular minibuses from Big Wave Bay beach car park to Chai Wan MTR station.
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