Ma On Shan (peak)
Mountain Granite peak overlooking Hong Kong's eastern New Territories
Ma On Shan’s ridge above Tai Po offers steep, rocky trails and panoramic views over Tolo Harbour; the peak is popular with Hong Kong hikers seeking sunrise and exposed ridgeline walking.
Ma On Shan is a mountain peak in Hong Kong’s New Territories, located on the eastern side of the Tolo Channel region. Its name means “Horse Saddle Mountain” and it reaches an elevation of 702 metres.
The peak and its steep ridgeline are a well-known local hiking destination with trails that run along the ridge and connect to nearby country parks. Routes from the town of Ma On Shan and from Sai Kung or Sha Tin provide access; typical hikes include steep climbs and rocky sections over distances of several kilometres.
Geologically the peak forms part of the New Territories high ground and stands above nearby residential areas and the Ma On Shan new town. It lies within the broader network of Hong Kong country parks and provides clear views across Tolo Harbour and the surrounding New Territories on clear days.
Ma On Shan sits inland from the eastern Kowloon urban area in Hong Kong, within the New Territories administrative region. The mountain is adjacent to the Ma On Shan urban area and is reachable by local roads and public transport from nearby towns.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 702 metres, giving a prominent ridge profile visible from nearby urban areas of Hong Kong.
How to Get to Ma On Shan (peak) #
Common trailheads are accessible from the Ma On Shan New Town area. Take the MTR Tuen Ma Line to Wu Kai Sha station or Tai Shui Hang and follow signed trails; taxis and minibuses also serve nearby points if walking through residential areas is not desired.
Tips for Visiting Ma On Shan (peak) #
- Start the Ma On Shan Summit Trail early to avoid the midday sun and to catch clearer views across Tolo Harbour.
- Use the Wu Kai Sha or Tai Shui Hang MTR stations as launch points; the trailhead access is signposted from the town side.
- Bring wind protection for the ridge; even warm Hong Kong days can have sharp breezes at the peak.
Best Time to Visit Ma On Shan (peak) #
Best visited in autumn and winter for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Ma On Shan (peak) #
Ma On Shan (peak)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2063 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (295 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (342 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 26°C). Heavy rain (313 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (367 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (240 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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