Dragon's Back
Building Popular Hong Kong ridge hike with coastal views
A popular ridge hike on Hong Kong Island offering views toward Shek O and Big Wave Bay; trails are well-marked and busy on weekends.
Dragon’s Back is a ridgeline hiking trail on the southeastern side of Hong Kong Island within Shek O Country Park, known for a rolling ridge profile and coastal panoramas. It is one of Hong Kong’s most popular short ridge walks because of its accessibility and scenery.
The route typically links urban trailheads with the village areas of Shek O and Big Wave Bay and is commonly completed in a few hours as an out-and-back or point-to-point walk. Hikers follow a well defined path with several high viewpoints that overlook beaches and the South China Sea.
The trail forms part of the recreational network in Shek O Country Park and connects to other paths and public transport options that serve the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island. Access is commonly made from local bus routes and trailhead points on the island.
- Views: Offers panoramic coastal views across Shek O, Tai Long Wan and the South China Sea from the ridge and several lookout points along the route.
How to Get to Dragon's Back #
From Shau Kei Wan MTR, take bus 9 or 9A to the Tai Tam Gap or Shek O Road stop; the trailhead is a 10-20 minute walk from there. Alternatively, taxis can be taken to the Dragon’s Back trailhead near To Tei Wan; finish at Big Wave Bay where minibuses and buses run back toward Shau Kei Wan and Chai Wan.
Tips for Visiting Dragon's Back #
- Start early-aim to be on the ridge by 7:30-8:00am to avoid the noon heat and large tour groups.
- Take the Tai Tam or Shek O public bus (No. 9 or 9A from Shau Kei Wan MTR) to the Tai Tam gap/Shek O Road area and walk to the trailhead-taxis to the trailhead are common if short on time.
- Bring sun protection and at least 2 liters of water; there is little shade on the ridge.
- Finish in Big Wave Bay if planning to cool off-there are food stalls and a surf scene at the end of the trail.
Best Time to Visit Dragon's Back #
Best visited in autumn and spring for clear views and comfortable hiking conditions; mornings are quieter year-round.
Weather & Climate near Dragon's Back #
Dragon's Back's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2060 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 24 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (312 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (344 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (294 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (359 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (251 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
