Dragon's Back
A ridge walk from forested hillside to a surf beach, long celebrated as one of Asia's best urban hikes
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- About 4 hours, roughly 8.5 km one-way to Big Wave Bay
- Summit elevation
- 284 m
Named for the ridge's resemblance to a dragon's spine, this trail in Shek O Country Park climbs from forested hillside above To Tei Wan to a series of open viewpoints along Shek O Peak, with Hong Kong Island's skyline on one side and the open South China Sea on the other, before descending through woodland to the beach and surf break at Big Wave Bay.
Highlights
- The signature ridge viewpoint with sea on both sides
- Hong Kong Island's skyline seen from open hillside
- A cooling swim or surf at Big Wave Bay to finish
- Panoramic views stretching to the outlying islands on a clear day
Getting there
From Shau Kei Wan MTR station, take bus 9 or a minibus along Shek O Road to the To Tei Wan trailhead.
Safety tips
The ridge sections are exposed with little shade, and the descent to Big Wave Bay includes uneven stone steps that can be slick after rain; carry enough water for the full route since there are no shops until the beach.
What to bring
- Sun protection and enough water for the exposed ridge
- Comfortable trail shoes for stone steps and uneven ground
- Swimwear if planning to cool off at Big Wave Bay
- Cash for the return bus or minibus