Shek O Country Park

Lush parkland offering forested hiking trails to summit vistas, a beach area & BBQ sites.

Sitting in the southeastern corner of Hong Kong Island, the 701-hectare Shek O Country Park was designated in 1979. From the north, it extends along the ridgeline that links Pottinger Peak with Mount Collinson, and crosses Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak (Dragon’s Back) to reach D’Aguilar Peak in the south.

There are three interconnecting hiking trails inside the park : Stage 7 of the Hong Kong Trail that leads from the Tai Tam Road catchment to To Tei Wan Village; Stage 8 of the Hong Kong Trail leading from Dragon’s back to Big Wave Bay; and Pottinger Peak Country Trail that runs from Pottinger Gap to Cape Collinson Road. All three are scenic routes offering stunning vistas of Stanley, Tai Tam, Shek O and outlying islands, as well as the deep indent of Tai Tam Bay. Well loved by local residents and visitors, Shek O Country Park is a choice destination for morning walk and other outdoor activities.

Shek O Country Park is Hong Kong Island’s celebrated natural haven. The Dragon’s Back, an undulating ridgetop trail between Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak, is the jewel of its crown. To experience this exhilarating route, follow Stage 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, which is the last and steepest section.

Starting off in Shek O, follow the meandering streamside path. The ascent to Shek O Peak is quite strenuous, as the ridgetop path cuts through some treacherous terrain. As you gain height, a great sweep of turquoise water comes into view. This section of the trail is known as Dragon’s Back, so named because it rolls up and down like the back ridge of the legendary beast. The vantage point offers splendid vistas across Shek O, Big Wave Bay and Tung Lung Chau in the distance.

At this point, the trail makes its way through dense forests, passing gurgling hill streams along the way. Vistas of grand landscape soon give way to serene valley scenery. Just past Pottinger Gap, on your approach to Big Wave Bay, you look across the dynamic south coast of Hong Kong Island. The view is sublime and invigorating. Big Wave Bay marks the end of the Hong Kong Trail.