Dragon's Back
Dragon's Back
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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The area
Neighborhood: Shek O
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See what travelers are saying
- Snoop1968Hobart, Australia35 contributionsWonderful outlooksWe walked the complete trail and ended up at big wave bay , about 7km all up. Had a very freshly made hamburger & drink at Eric’s kitchen sitting on the beach then hopped on a No. 9 bus back into town. Tips. If possible walk during the week , take water and non slip shoes, first section is steep then follows the ridge line along and you come into the back of big wave bay, follow the signage. It was quite peaceful and would do it again.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 21, 2023
- Shalli AngSingapore, Singapore763 contributionsNice Getaway from the Crowd.We decided to do a simple hike to be away from the crowd from central Hong Kong. Took MTR to Shau Kei Wan MTR station and board the mini bus 9 from the small bus interchange outside the MTR station. The bus accept payment of HKD 11 by Octopus card and a short 30mins ride will bring u to To Tei Wan bus stop where most of the hikers will alight. There is a toilet near this stop before u go uphill on the start of the hike. We spend 3hrs on the hike and exit at Big Wave Bay and took the mini bus 9 back to Shau Kei Wan MTR station. The bus stop were inside a car park and the same bus that comes from Shau Kei Wan MTR station will drive back to the starting same station.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 25, 2023
- ciaranomearaGlasgow, United Kingdom90 contributionsGreat views. Ridiculously easy hike.The trail was busy because of New Year. That said, we had hyped ourself up for a big hike and tired legs at the end of the day. I'm not a big hillwalker even for a Scottish person, but we both found this incredibly easy. I don't understand how some websites list this as moderate to severe. There was about 30 minutes of elevation, then light elevation the rest of the way. The worst you will get is a bit thirsty halfway up. The views are spectacular and worth the daytrip.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 24, 2024
- Suzanne BNewmarket, Canada12 contributionsHot walk on Dragon’s BackFun walk in very hot conditions so took lots of water. Lots of stairs, was sunny so helped to have large brim hat. Took bus from start/end to lower town for some Thai food. Used Uber to get four of us from Central district but took public bus and green line hop-on-hop off bus to return home for more sightseeing after.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 31, 2024
- StepheyTSCSingapore, Singapore519 contributionsGood trail to attempt if you have time to spareIncline for first hr can be challenging with rocky terrain and really requires good shoes and fitness levels. Even the locals I saw were carrying hiking poles to help them. Definitely bring lots of water and some snacks to go the distance. It was a Friday after Tom Sweeping public holiday and it was really crowded so do check before you head out. Good views and great winds but can be hot and sunny on the top, exposed areas.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 7, 2024
- GwynnieMeerhout, Belgium37 contributionsReally nice walkWas a lovely hike with some really amazing views. 3h and finishing at Big Wave Beach which is well equipped for a nice swim: Changing rooms and showers all there. Toilets available at start, middle and finish of walk. At Big Wave beach take the bus to Shek O. Is 1 stop and terminus. Either get out for a walk in Shek O or hop on again to go back to MTRVisited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 27, 2024
- WolffieNZMorrinsville, New Zealand90 contributionsWay too hot, but a beautiful day tripI had planned to start the walk by 8:30am, but by the time I walked to MTR (with a sneaky iced coffee, dim sum from street vendor, plus the purchase of a couple of bananas), then travelled the chai wan line, got the 9 bus from shau kei wan, it was easily 90 mins from leaving my hotel. As others have suggested, tell your bus driver you want to stop at dragons back. So at 11am, in the peak of HK summer, up the hill I went. To be honest, it’s not that hard. Not a totally smooth track, but I didn’t miss my walking pole at all. Well signposted - and local cell service throughout. The saddle was HOT and very little shelter from the sun. Beautiful views though. The swimming beaches below look absolutely stunning. After the saddle, there are a few path choices to make. I kept to the right, intending to make it to Big wave bay. Once you have done the initial climb, it’s pretty flat. By chance, I met a couple of locals who adopted me and wouldn’t let me go down the signposted big wave bay track which looked pretty rough. Instead they walked me about a kilometre beside the water drain, and I ended up at the top of the most wonderful steps. Apparently there are 1200 of them…. A thunderstorm hit, I hung out in the shelter at the very top of the steps (with the workers who were updating the hand rails for the steps). The sounds of thunder throughout the hills and bays were quite something to hear. Anyway, got to big wave bay and it was absolutely stunning. Very good facilities- plenty of bathrooms and fresh water showers. Lots of small shops, I plopped myself at Eric’s cafe and had good quality food and drink. Finally, a wee walk up through the village and a 20min wait, a minibus took me back to MTR for 11HKD. Fantastic midweek summer activity. I got a little sunburned- I recommend covering shoulders and neck when the sun is out.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Battery
8 contributions
Aug 2019
Dragons Back is a must do hike in Hong Kong. The view is breathtaking. To get here, you take the Chai Wan Line To the starting point:
From MTR Shau Kei Wan Station Exit A, walk to the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus to take bus number 9 and get off on the Dragons Back stop on Shek O Road. Before you start the hike there are a couple of toilets and you wont find any along the way until the end. It takes a couple of hours and you have shorter hike options too
From MTR Shau Kei Wan Station Exit A, walk to the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus to take bus number 9 and get off on the Dragons Back stop on Shek O Road. Before you start the hike there are a couple of toilets and you wont find any along the way until the end. It takes a couple of hours and you have shorter hike options too
Written June 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China178,290 contributions
Dec 2021
The Dragon's Back Trail is one of the most popular urban hikes in all of Hong Kong. Located in the Shek O Country Park, this is an easy, well-surfaced and maintained trail with a few moderately difficult ascends. As such, you will find hikers and walkers of all fitness levels doing this hike, including families with little ones.
Most begin at the southern end of the trail near Tei Wan Village and make the roughly 8km hike north to Big Wave Bay. Bus route 9 from Shau Kei Wan (MTR Exit A) to Shek O has a drop off at To Tei Wan at the Dragon's Back trailhead. At Big Wave Bay, you can take red minibus to 'Shau Kei Wan' or call in a taxi when ready to head back to the city.
The Dragon's Back Trail is particularly impressive in the southern section where it winds a ridge and provides rewarding views the Shek O Peninsula and sea to the east. To the west, you will be able to see much of the southern side of Hong Kong Island. When sky conditions are favourable, the views are outstanding.
The northern half of the trail is very flat and easy for walking, it winds through forested and some exposed parts. There are a few places with tables to rest and public toilets. You'll also find a couple of places to link up with other trails such as the Pottinger Road and Gap north of the final descend into Big Wave Bay.
Overall, Dragon's Back is a good trail. It is accessible, easy to hike, views can be outstanding on clear days. Unfortunately, this means heavy foot traffic as well, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Keep that in mind if planning on including this hike during your time in Hong Kong.
Most begin at the southern end of the trail near Tei Wan Village and make the roughly 8km hike north to Big Wave Bay. Bus route 9 from Shau Kei Wan (MTR Exit A) to Shek O has a drop off at To Tei Wan at the Dragon's Back trailhead. At Big Wave Bay, you can take red minibus to 'Shau Kei Wan' or call in a taxi when ready to head back to the city.
The Dragon's Back Trail is particularly impressive in the southern section where it winds a ridge and provides rewarding views the Shek O Peninsula and sea to the east. To the west, you will be able to see much of the southern side of Hong Kong Island. When sky conditions are favourable, the views are outstanding.
The northern half of the trail is very flat and easy for walking, it winds through forested and some exposed parts. There are a few places with tables to rest and public toilets. You'll also find a couple of places to link up with other trails such as the Pottinger Road and Gap north of the final descend into Big Wave Bay.
Overall, Dragon's Back is a good trail. It is accessible, easy to hike, views can be outstanding on clear days. Unfortunately, this means heavy foot traffic as well, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Keep that in mind if planning on including this hike during your time in Hong Kong.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shalli Ang
Singapore, Singapore763 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We decided to do a simple hike to be away from the crowd from central Hong Kong.
Took MTR to Shau Kei Wan MTR station and board the mini bus 9 from the small bus interchange outside the MTR station. The bus accept payment of HKD 11 by Octopus card and a short 30mins ride will bring u to To Tei Wan bus stop where most of the hikers will alight. There is a toilet near this stop before u go uphill on the start of the hike.
We spend 3hrs on the hike and exit at Big Wave Bay and took the mini bus 9 back to Shau Kei Wan MTR station. The bus stop were inside a car park and the same bus that comes from Shau Kei Wan MTR station will drive back to the starting same station.
Took MTR to Shau Kei Wan MTR station and board the mini bus 9 from the small bus interchange outside the MTR station. The bus accept payment of HKD 11 by Octopus card and a short 30mins ride will bring u to To Tei Wan bus stop where most of the hikers will alight. There is a toilet near this stop before u go uphill on the start of the hike.
We spend 3hrs on the hike and exit at Big Wave Bay and took the mini bus 9 back to Shau Kei Wan MTR station. The bus stop were inside a car park and the same bus that comes from Shau Kei Wan MTR station will drive back to the starting same station.
Written December 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WolffieNZ
Morrinsville, New Zealand90 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
I had planned to start the walk by 8:30am, but by the time I walked to MTR (with a sneaky iced coffee, dim sum from street vendor, plus the purchase of a couple of bananas), then travelled the chai wan line, got the 9 bus from shau kei wan, it was easily 90 mins from leaving my hotel. As others have suggested, tell your bus driver you want to stop at dragons back.
So at 11am, in the peak of HK summer, up the hill I went.
To be honest, it’s not that hard. Not a totally smooth track, but I didn’t miss my walking pole at all. Well signposted - and local cell service throughout.
The saddle was HOT and very little shelter from the sun. Beautiful views though. The swimming beaches below look absolutely stunning.
After the saddle, there are a few path choices to make. I kept to the right, intending to make it to Big wave bay. Once you have done the initial climb, it’s pretty flat.
By chance, I met a couple of locals who adopted me and wouldn’t let me go down the signposted big wave bay track which looked pretty rough. Instead they walked me about a kilometre beside the water drain, and I ended up at the top of the most wonderful steps. Apparently there are 1200 of them…. A thunderstorm hit, I hung out in the shelter at the very top of the steps (with the workers who were updating the hand rails for the steps). The sounds of thunder throughout the hills and bays were quite something to hear.
Anyway, got to big wave bay and it was absolutely stunning. Very good facilities- plenty of bathrooms and fresh water showers. Lots of small shops, I plopped myself at Eric’s cafe and had good quality food and drink. Finally, a wee walk up through the village and a 20min wait, a minibus took me back to MTR for 11HKD.
Fantastic midweek summer activity. I got a little sunburned- I recommend covering shoulders and neck when the sun is out.
So at 11am, in the peak of HK summer, up the hill I went.
To be honest, it’s not that hard. Not a totally smooth track, but I didn’t miss my walking pole at all. Well signposted - and local cell service throughout.
The saddle was HOT and very little shelter from the sun. Beautiful views though. The swimming beaches below look absolutely stunning.
After the saddle, there are a few path choices to make. I kept to the right, intending to make it to Big wave bay. Once you have done the initial climb, it’s pretty flat.
By chance, I met a couple of locals who adopted me and wouldn’t let me go down the signposted big wave bay track which looked pretty rough. Instead they walked me about a kilometre beside the water drain, and I ended up at the top of the most wonderful steps. Apparently there are 1200 of them…. A thunderstorm hit, I hung out in the shelter at the very top of the steps (with the workers who were updating the hand rails for the steps). The sounds of thunder throughout the hills and bays were quite something to hear.
Anyway, got to big wave bay and it was absolutely stunning. Very good facilities- plenty of bathrooms and fresh water showers. Lots of small shops, I plopped myself at Eric’s cafe and had good quality food and drink. Finally, a wee walk up through the village and a 20min wait, a minibus took me back to MTR for 11HKD.
Fantastic midweek summer activity. I got a little sunburned- I recommend covering shoulders and neck when the sun is out.
Written July 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustAce73
Adelaide, Australia4 contributions
Jan 2020
Fun hike with plenty of great views. We travelled there and back easily on public transport.
Accidentally cut back through the cemetery but was an interesting detour and we were able to then eat lunch at a nearby restaurant before catching the bus back.
Accidentally cut back through the cemetery but was an interesting detour and we were able to then eat lunch at a nearby restaurant before catching the bus back.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyssa M
3 contributions
Oct 2019
Hike was challenging but doable for beginners. Great views! Got a little confused on our way back from the beach, but for the most part it was straight forward.
If you work up an appetite, take the bus and stop by Sun Kwai Heung BBQ food on your way back to the city, it's on the way, and absolutely amazing.
If you work up an appetite, take the bus and stop by Sun Kwai Heung BBQ food on your way back to the city, it's on the way, and absolutely amazing.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Truthful Reviews
London, UK7,792 contributions
Apr 2020 • Solo
This hike/trail is nice but it’s seriously over rated. Get the number 9 bus from Shau Kei Wan to Tei Wan. Then the trail starts. Steps, rocks, very dangerous at points. Good views from the top but that’s it. Wear the right footwear. This hike would be extremely dangerous when it’s raining and the rocks were wet when I went and I almost slipped and broke my ankle on quite a few occasions. You can go to Big Wave Bay if you are brave enough to do some rock climbing downwards. Be careful and enjoy.
Written April 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StepheyTSC
Singapore, Singapore519 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Incline for first hr can be challenging with rocky terrain and really requires good shoes and fitness levels. Even the locals I saw were carrying hiking poles to help them. Definitely bring lots of water and some snacks to go the distance. It was a Friday after Tom Sweeping public holiday and it was really crowded so do check before you head out. Good views and great winds but can be hot and sunny on the top, exposed areas.
Written April 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LadureeFan
Richmond, VA1,345 contributions
Dec 2019
Great trail for a beautiful day with nice views of Hong Kong. It was hazy when we went but still nice. Wear sunscreen or a hat. Not much shade. Lots of beautiful butterflies along the trail. 8k took us 2 hours 45 minutes walking at a leisurely pace. If you take the bus, it drops you off at the start of the trail. We ended up at a beach but found a bus back from there without any problem. On the beach, selling popsicles, icecream, food and drink.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa
Taipei, Taiwan11 contributions
Jan 2020
The whole trail takes about 2-3 hrs. My friend was able to finish it with flip flop but i would not recommend that. As it can get quite steep. The view was astonishing.
Get busy over weekend, so go on a weekday if you can. The trail ends at the beach, with some good local food options.
Wear sun protection, as most of the trail has no shade.
Get busy over weekend, so go on a weekday if you can. The trail ends at the beach, with some good local food options.
Wear sun protection, as most of the trail has no shade.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There, from what I understand there is a toilet at the beginning and end of this trail but I have an over active bladder and cant hold on for long periods of time - are there any points along the way where hiding behind a bush would be suitable?
Also for a reasonably healthy person how long would you expect this walk to take?
Thanks :D
Written February 8, 2019
There are toilets at the start of the trail but it is quite busy so not really any secluded areas.
The stairs are quite challenging, there are lots of them( over 200) but you can take your time with lots of rest areas.
I would estimate at least 30 mins to the top.
The views are amazing when you reach the top.
Written February 11, 2019
Hi I'm planning to back carry my kid (7 months old). Is it a good idea? How long did you take to complete the hike and are there good spots to rest along the way? Thanks!!
Written December 25, 2018
Hi Royalpea, if you are comfortable carrying your child and have practiced on other hikes i would say ok, but i am not an expert in that department. It is a real hike on uneven dirt tracks not on a paved path. We had daypacks and umbrellas. It took us a few hours and there were a couple of resting spots, but not sheltered and only one porta loo at the beginning, then again just before we took the path down to the beach. There were toilets and showers down at the beach. Hope this helps alittle.
Written December 25, 2018
Hi I’m just wondering if it’s okay to wear a short to hike at Dragon’s Back in beginning of January 2019 or should I wear something else? Thank you!!
Written December 23, 2018
It depends on your tolerance for wind & cold. I think Jan could be on the cooler side, and when you're up on the peak, you're pretty much exposed to the elements. If you're only up there for a couple of minutes, then it could be fine. But if you plan to stay there to enjoy the view, take lots of photographs, etc, then it might make sense to wear long pants.
Written January 1, 2019
No need. Just Google instructions on how to get to the starting point. Relatively easy to get there and most on the bus are heading there too.
The trail path is pretty straight forward
Written December 11, 2018
hello i am from malaysia. is it okay if I go there by my own without a tour guide?
Written November 15, 2018
Absolutely. Hong Kong is a very safe place, despite what you may have seen or read in the media recently.
However, i would recommend that you take a map with you. don’t just rely on your phone to help you navigate.
Written January 8, 2020
Any impact on the tracks following the Typhoon?
Written September 21, 2018
Afternoon, I went this morning and the dragons back is all cleared. On the decent into the beach there are fallen trees that you have to climb over. The beach itself has borne the brunt of the typhoon as there are broken trees, toilets out of order, and lots cordoned off.
Written September 23, 2018
Is it ok for 5 years old kid to join?
Written August 8, 2018
I will say it depends on fitness and readiness of the kid.
I suppose, fitness wise, you can always rest and take your time to let your young one be part of this hike.
Readiness wise, there are certain parts of the hike one need to keep the kid close to you as this is still a hill after all.
Written August 10, 2018
which cemetary did you go to? I am planning to go in a couple days and would like to do the steps but many cemetaries surround the base, all walkable from the train station. Thanks!
Written April 14, 2018
Cape Collinson Catholic Cemetery. If you Google "catholic cemetary starting dragon back", you will get blog posts on how to navigate the cemetery to Dragon's Back.
Written April 17, 2018
Is it a 2-3 hour hike each way? Is there a bus or anything to take from Big Wave Beach? I'd like to take my children but am unsure if they could do it both ways. They are 3 and 5 (almost 6) years old. I would bring a carrier for the 3 year old.
Written January 5, 2018
Hello ! Its about a 3 hour hike in total at a leisurely pace 😊 yes take the star ferry to the Hong Kong side then the 9 bus takes you right there - everyone is getting off at the same place however you can ask the bus driver to alert you. At big wave beach a shuttle or the same bus takes you back. And you can use your Octopus card for all the busses and ferries ! So easy 😊
Written January 7, 2018
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