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 at a Glance#
Address: Dragon’s Back Trailhead, Shek O Country Park, Hong Kong Island
Website: https://www.hiking.gov.hk/
Admission: Free to access (transport to trailhead required); permit not required for day hiking
About Dragon's Back#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 24 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.8h |
| February | Good | 13° - 18° | 15° | 48 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.3h |
| March | Good | 16° - 21° | 18° | 75 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 19° - 24° | 22° | 166 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.6h |
| May | Good | 23° - 28° | 25° | 312 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.1h |
| June | Good | 25° - 29° | 31° | 344 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.4h |
| July | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 33° | 294 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| August | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 32° | 359 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.0 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.8h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 251 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Excellent | 22° - 27° | 24° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.5h |
| November | Excellent | 17° - 23° | 20° | 32 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.9h |
| December | Very Good | 14° - 20° | 17° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |