Trifter

Dragon’s Back trail offers a good nature breather to seasoned and first-time hikers alike. As the name connotes, the trail unfolds with gentle hills and slopes -much like scaling the spine of a slender Chinese dragon.

The trail head is a short distance from the Shau Kei Wan MTR station in Hong Kong Island. Take either a taxi or bus 9 and get off at the Cape Collinson bus stop. You’ll see a large marker by a flight of stairs against a hill. This is the start of the trail.

Follow the signs pointing towards Shek O Peak and Dragon’s Back. The concrete pavement soon turns to a footpath through woodland and a few welcoming streams.

The trail gradually moves up and clears out to reveal breathtaking views of the island’s perimeter beaches such as Big Wave and Clear Water Bay, as well as the outlying islands. The highest point is Shek O Peak. While it stands at a mere 284 meters, the vistas will not fail to amaze you.

The lower part of the trail leads to picnic grounds. Follow the signs pointing to Shek O Road. The entire hike will take a little over two hours, including a snack break and overindulgent photo sessions.

The end of the trail has two bus stops and two options. For those still with the energy for the beach, take the bus going to Shek O beach. If you really must go back to the big city lights (and shopping), a bus on the other side of the road will take you back to the Shau Kei Wan MTR.

Another easy trail for those in need of a quick nature fix in Hong Kong is Jardine’s Lookout.

Read this to learn more about traveling around Hong Kong.