Ma On Shan Country Park

Ma On Shan Country Park

Expansive park offering mountain trails with vast vistas, a former mine, wildlife & picnic spots

Ma On Shan, rising 702 metres above sea level and standing opposite to the Hunchbacks, gets its Chinese name from the saddle-shaped passes, known to hikers as the “head saddle” (The Ma On Shan main peak) and “end saddle” (the Hunch Backs). Ma On Shan’s striking profile is visible in many parts of the New Territories.

What makes Ma On Shan Country Park extraordinary is that it is a dividing line set between Sai Kung Peninsula and Shatin. To avoid a challenging climb from the northeastern slopes, hikers can set off from the south and make their way to the top via Ngong Ping Plateau. There are several hill paths leading to Ma On Shan on the western slopes of Pyramid Hill.. For the summit, follow the gravelly path uphill. Below the apex of this imposing range, Hong Kong showcases her grandest landscape a panoramic view from Tolo Channel in the north to Sai Kung Peninsula in the east.

For your descent, take the winding hill path that trails down the eastern slopes. Negotiating your way through ravines and hidden valleys, you find yourself in secluded countryside unspoiled by human activities, where beautiful rare flora flourishes. To preserve these natural treasures, the government has designated these lowlands as a Special Area.

Ma On Shan Country Park has several barbecue areas : Shui Long Wo, Kei Ling Ha, Nai Chung and Ma On Shan Village. The ones at Ma On Shan Village and Nai Chung are well loved by holiday-makers. For campers, there are campsites in Ngong Ping and Shui Long Wo.

Hiking trails came in many lengths and forms. The 650 m Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk starts at Shui Long Wo and provides information of 13 feature trees and plants. Stage 4 of the Wilson Trail is a hiking trail that starts at Tseng Lan Shue. The wooded lane travels west to Shatin Pass along a traditional trail, passing through Tung Yeung Shan, Kowloon Peak, Tate’s Cairn and other sights inside Ma On Shan Country Park. This hike takes about 3 hours to complete. Stage 4 of the MacLehose Trail begins at Shui Long Wo in Kei Ling Ha. The trail winds up and down the uplands of Pyramid Hill, Ngong Ping, the Hunchbacks, Tate’s Cairn and the nearby region, and ends in Gilwell Campsite of Tate’s Cairn. It is a 5-hour hike.