{"id":23575,"date":"2018-04-17T09:00:40","date_gmt":"2018-04-17T16:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=23575"},"modified":"2025-08-27T02:31:22","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T09:31:22","slug":"lion-rock-hong-kong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/lion-rock-hong-kong\/","title":{"rendered":"A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING LION ROCK, HONG KONG"},"content":{"rendered":"

Waking up to blue skies in Hong Kong meant only one thing \u2013 time to hike Lion Rock. I\u2019d seen the photos online but like most, had been treated to foggy views for days and was itching to get into the mountains. As beautiful as you are Hong Kong, there\u2019s only so many days of cloud a girl can handle.<\/p>\n

Lion Rock is located on the mainland, opposite Hong Kong island, and as the name suggests is a structure of rocks that resemble a lion. Original, I would have loved Simba\u2019s rock, maybe next time Hong Kong? It emerges up above the skyscrapers of Kowloon and on a clear day you can make out hikers attempting to summit the lion\u2019s back. It\u2019s a relatively simple hike and can be completed in under 4 hours with a pair of trainers and a camera for all those cityscape views. Tempted? Then find out how to get up close and personal with this infamous lion\u2026<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

GETTING TO LION ROCK<\/h3>\n

Getting there from Hong Kong island couldn\u2019t be easier, simply hop on the MTR (Hong Kong\u2019s tube) and exit at Won Tai Sin station on the green line. Check the transport map here before you leave. Follow the Sha Tin Pass Road up and around until you reach Fat Jong Temple. If you are interested in Buddhist culture consider adding the temple to your itinerary here. Then keep following the Sha Tin Pass Road right up the hill and eventually you will reach the trail head labelled Lion Rock Country Park.<\/p>\n

Warning: this is probably the steepest part of the hike and you haven\u2019t technically started it yet! However, keep going! I promise it gets easier and is totally worth it!<\/p>\n

However, if you are inclined to more time in bed and less time hiking, grab a taxi from the station and ask it to drop you off at \u2018Lion Rock Country Park,\u2019 or the \u2018trailhead for Lion Rock.\u2019 Although half the fun is navigating the back streets and getting a glimpse of the sights and smells of Kowloon.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

HIKING LION ROCK<\/h3>\n

So you have finally reached the archway labelled \u2018Lion Rock Country Park,\u2019 well done, it\u2019s just going to get better from here! By this time you will have done about 40minutes of uphill walking and be in need of a rest stop (and well-earned snack!) so make sure you re-energise before setting off for the true hike.<\/p>\n

The trail itself is pretty self-explanatory with signs directing you to the peak. Along the path there are numerous viewpoints which cannot be missed! Take some snacks with you, pick your favourite lunch spot and fill up your memory card.<\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

THAT VIEW<\/h3>\n

Depending on how long you stopped for those insta-worthy photos, it should take roughly 1 hour to reach the peak. Congratulations! You\u2019ve made it, but don\u2019t stop there! Keep following the trail to the right and along the lion\u2019s back (I mean you can\u2019t hike Lion Rock without climbing the lion\u2019s head itself?!) Soak up that blue sky and the view either side of the lion\u2019s back. There\u2019s a ton of photo opportunities here \u2013 just pick your angle!<\/p>\n

Looking across on the Kowloon side you will be able to see Hong Kong Island and its incredible skyline. Lion Rock is the 52nd highest mountain in Hong Kong and from the top you can understand just how many towering peaks surround the region opposite. Dragon\u2019s Back can be seen in the distance over on Hong Kong Island so if you are an obsessive hiker like me, definitely add that to your trip itinerary!<\/p>\n

On a really clear day, look West – you will be able to see across to Lantau Island where the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Disneyland Hong Kong<\/a> to name a few. Looking out towards the East, you should be able to make out Sai Kung East Country Park<\/a>  and its neighbouring islands. This spot is where you can expect to find Maldives-style beaches, however reaching them proves to be slightly trickier than navigating up Lion Rock. Nonetheless, I would highly recommend taking the time to investigate hiking to Ham Tin Beach and experiencing a secret side to Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div> <\/span><\/h6>\n

GETTING BACK DOWN<\/h3>\n

When you have refilled on water and snacks, retrace your steps back down the peak. Descending you have two options: either follow the exact path you came up on OR take a right when you reach the path split – labelled Sha Tin Pass Road. Both get you home safe and sound, but the one to the right is slightly more direct (although it\u2019s concrete staircase so I wouldn\u2019t recommend coming up this way…unless intense stair climbs are your thing!)<\/p>\n

Side Note: If you are a hiking pro you can continue the trail to the Kowloon Reservoir although this makes for a longer day plus finding transport back from a different end point. Read more about it here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/h3>\n

BEFORE YOU GO<\/h3>\n

Before you begin your Lion Rock adventure make sure you:<\/p>\n