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.

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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.

Autumn (October-December)
Oct-Dec · 18-26°C
Clear skies, low humidity-prime hiking weather and excellent views.
Spring (March-May)
Mar-May · 16-24°C
Milder temperatures and flowering shrubs along the trail.
Summer (June-August)
Jun-Aug · 26-32°C
Hot and humid with brief heavy showers; start very early to avoid heat and afternoon thunderstorms.

Weather & Climate near Dragon's Back#

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 62 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
NovemberOctoberDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
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

Nearby Attractions to Dragon's Back#