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Dragon's Back

The Dragon's Back is a prominent trail in southeastern , within the Shek O Country Park, featuring an undulating ridgeline that evokes the spine of a dragon. This moderate 8-kilometer route, part of Stage 8 of the 50-kilometer Trail, stretches from near Peak to Big Wave Bay, traversing forested hillsides, steep steps, and exposed rocky sections while offering sweeping coastal vistas of Tai Tam Bay, Stanley Peninsula, and distant islands like Lamma. Renowned for its accessibility from urban areas—reachable via a short bus ride from station—the trail typically takes 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on pace and stops, and suits hikers of varying fitness levels with its well-maintained paths and minimal elevation gain of around 300 meters. Key highlights include the Dragon's Back Viewing Point for 360-degree panoramas and the endpoint at Big Wave Bay, a popular with facilities like showers and changing rooms. The trail's popularity stems from its blend of natural beauty and proximity to Hong Kong's bustling cityscape, drawing thousands of visitors annually for , , and a refreshing end at the . Ecologically, the area supports diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the Buddhist pine and wildlife such as the Chinese ferret-badger and barn swallow, though much of the vegetation was replanted after wartime damage in World War II. In 2004, TIME magazine named the Dragon's Back the best urban hike in Asia, highlighting its scenic ridgeline and role in showcasing Hong Kong's hidden green spaces amid its dense urbanization; in 2019, CNN selected it as one of the world's 23 best trails.

Location and Geography

Position and Setting

The Dragon's Back is a prominent mountain ridge located in the southeastern part of , within the 701-hectare Shek O Country Park in the Southern District. This rural encompasses the Shek O Peninsula, providing a natural buffer between urban development and the rugged coastal terrain. The ridge runs approximately along coordinates 22°14′10″N 114°14′35″E, traversing Shek O Peak, the highest point along the trail at an elevation of 284 meters. As part of Hong Kong's eastern ridge system, it offers sweeping overlooks of the Shek O Peninsula to the south, Tai Tam Bay to the northwest, and the expansive , highlighting the island's dramatic transition from subtropical forests to open marine vistas. The area lies about 10 kilometers from urban hubs like , making it an accessible natural escape amid Hong Kong's dense metropolitan landscape. To the north, Country Park borders the adjacent Tai Tam Country Park, forming a continuous expanse of protected green space that enhances regional and recreational connectivity. The Dragon's Back integrates into the broader Trail network as Section 8, linking remote coastal ridges with mainland paths for extended explorations.

Topography and Features

The Dragon's Back is an undulating mountain ridge in southeastern , stretching approximately 8 kilometers and characterized by a series of peaks and saddles that evoke the spine of a dragon, from which it derives its name. This ridgetop formation, part of Country Park, features rolling terrain with steep ascents and descents through dense forests and shrubland, providing a dynamic of elevated crests separated by lower passes. The ridge's highest point is Peak at 284 meters above sea level, offering expansive panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and islands. Geologically, the area consists primarily of Cretaceous Po Toi Granite from the Lion Rock Suite, the youngest intrusive granite formation in Hong Kong, comprising megacrystic coarse-grained and equigranular fine-grained biotite granite with variations in feldspar and quartz content. This granite, intruded during the Cretaceous period, forms the ridge's backbone, exhibiting sheeting joints that create smooth, convex slopes and is bordered by contacts with volcanic tuffs like the Ap Lei Chau Formation to the north. Nearby features include coarse ash crystal tuffs from explosive volcanic eruptions, contributing to rugged outcrops and erosion-resistant stone formations along the southeastern hills. Steep descents and forested slopes are typical, shaped by tectonic activity, , and processes over millions of years. The elevation profile begins near To Tei Wan at around 50 meters above , ascending progressively to over 280 meters along the ridge, with a total elevation gain of approximately 300 meters across undulating sections. The ridgeline varies in width, reaching up to 50 meters in broader areas, and supports 360-degree vistas due to its exposed positioning. Visually, it contrasts open, rust-colored grassy expanses on higher crests with shaded paths through forested valleys, interspersed with exposed rocks and shrub-covered slopes that highlight the area's natural contours.

History and Development

Country Park Establishment

The Country Park, encompassing the Dragon's Back ridge, was designated on 21 September 1979 under the Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) to preserve natural habitats and provide recreational opportunities amid Kong's rapid post-war development. This establishment formed part of a larger initiative launched by the 1976 Country Parks Ordinance, which created 24 country parks across approximately 40% of Kong's land area to address pressures, control , and protect water catchments following extensive wartime . The ordinance aimed to balance urban expansion with environmental conservation, designating protected zones that covered denuded hillsides vulnerable to erosion. The park's initial boundaries spanned 701 hectares in the southeastern corner of , extending from Pottinger Peak in the north, along the ridgeline including Mount Collinson, Wan Cham Shan, Shek O Peak (the Dragon's Back), and D'Aguilar Peak, to the Shek O Headland in the south. This area was selected for its coastal and hilly terrain, which supported diverse ecosystems while buffering urban encroachment. Early management of the park fell under the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), with an initial emphasis on to stabilize slopes and restore vegetation cover damaged during . Efforts involved planting non-native species such as Taiwan Acacia () and Slash Pine (), chosen for their rapid growth to combat , though later strategies shifted toward enhancement. These measures laid the foundation for the park's integration into the broader Hong Kong Trail network.

Trail Creation and Maintenance

The Dragon's Back trail constitutes Section 8 of the 50-km Trail, a long-distance spanning Hong Kong Island's country s, which was officially established in April 1985 by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), with its starting point at the end of Section 7. This integration positioned the trail as a key segment within the broader network, linking Tai Tam Reservoir to Big Wave Bay and emphasizing ridgeline access to scenic coastal views. The development process began in the early with manual path clearing and installation by teams of park artisans, who excavated barren terrain using basic tools like hoes and shovels to create an 8.5-km ridgeline route through Country Park. Stone steps were subsequently added to steep descents, such as those near Big Wave Bay, to facilitate hiker safety and mitigate from foot traffic and rainfall. Key milestones in the trail's evolution include afforestation initiatives following World War II damage to local vegetation, with ongoing efforts by AFCD to restore native shrublands and woodlands through tree planting. In the 1980s and 1990s, reforestation projects across Hong Kong's country parks, including Shek O, involved planting thousands of native species such as Hong Kong gordonia and Machilus to stabilize slopes and enhance biodiversity, contributing to over 85% native seedling composition in later annual efforts. These measures supported the trail's integration into the park system while preserving its natural ridge profile. By the 2010s, enhancements included refined signage and wooden markers crafted from pruned branches, improving navigational clarity and safety for users. In 2025, the Hong Kong Trail marked its 40th anniversary with celebratory programs emphasizing its enduring significance and continued enhancements. Maintenance responsibilities fall to AFCD park artisans, who conduct regular repairs to address wear from environmental factors, including typhoon-induced landslides and fallen trees that can block paths for months if unaddressed. Artisans focus on prevention through strategic of fast-growing species such as Taiwan acacia and slash pine, alongside resurfacing to handle the route's high popularity. Challenges persist due to intensive use, with heavy foot exacerbating loss on exposed sections, prompting ongoing use of durable, locally sourced materials for steps and barriers to maintain ecological harmony. In 2004, these sustained efforts contributed to the 's recognition as Asia's best urban hike.

Significance and Recognition

Awards and Rankings

In 2004, TIME magazine named the Dragon's Back the best urban hike in following a global reader survey, highlighting its exceptional blend of accessibility and natural beauty. The award emphasized the trail's scenic ridgeline walk, which offers panoramic views of Kong's coastline and islands, while being just 30 minutes from the city center via . Factors contributing to this recognition included its moderate difficulty level, suitable for a wide range of hikers, and the rich within Shek O Country Park, encompassing diverse flora and wildlife along the route. The trail's acclaim continued in 2022 when included it among the 23 best hiking trails worldwide, praising its convenient location amid Hong Kong's urban landscape and the rewarding vistas from Shek O Peak to Big Wave Bay beach. TIME Asia further lauded the hike for its ease of access and stunning ocean views, positioning it as an ideal urban escape that combines with relaxation. This recognition significantly boosted the Dragon's Back's international profile, resulting in a surge of guided tours and extensive media coverage following the 2004 award, which helped transform it into one of Hong Kong's premier attractions. The endorsements have sustained its popularity, drawing hikers seeking an accessible yet immersive outdoor experience.

Popularity and Tourism

The Dragon's Back trail has emerged as one of Hong Kong's most popular routes, drawing a diverse mix of local residents and international visitors seeking an accessible escape from urban life. As part of the Country Park, it attracts significant foot traffic, contributing to the overall 11.4 million visitors recorded across Hong Kong's country parks in 2024. Peak seasons, particularly weekends and holidays, see hundreds of hikers daily, with the trail's moderate difficulty and stunning coastal vistas making it a favorite for both novices and experienced trekkers. The trail's appeal is reflected in Hong Kong's rebound to 44.5 million total inbound visitors in 2024. The Tourism Board actively promotes the Dragon's Back as an essential "urban escape," highlighting its dramatic ridge-line panoramas and integration into broader itineraries for nature enthusiasts. Often paired with nearby attractions like Beach—a short walk from the trail's starting point—and the surf-friendly Big Wave Bay at its end, the hike enhances multi-site day trips that showcase 's southeastern coastline. This positioning aligns with the board's efforts to boost eco-, positioning the trail as a flagship experience for sustainable outdoor activities. Economically, the trail bolsters local operators in the Southern District, including bus services ferrying hikers to trailheads and eateries around Big Wave Bay that cater to post-hike crowds with and casual dining. It forms part of Hong Kong's tourism industry, which contributed approximately HK$75 billion to the in through visitor spending on related services and experiences. Despite its allure, the Dragon's Back faces challenges from , especially on weekends when trails can become congested, leading to and along popular sections. To address this, authorities have implemented educational campaigns emphasizing principles, including signage and visitor codes introduced in the early 2010s to promote responsible and minimize environmental impact. While no formal visitor caps exist, these initiatives aim to sustain the trail's appeal amid growing demand.

Route Description

Starting and Ending Points

The Dragon's Back trail begins at the To Tei Wan bus stop along Shek O Road, near To Tei Wan Village in the Country Park on . This trailhead is clearly marked by signs for the Hong Kong Trail, indicating the start of Section 8 (junction with Section 7). Basic facilities at the starting point include public toilets and a nearby picnic area with benches and shelters suitable for pre-hike rest. The trail concludes at Big Wave Bay Beach, a popular surfing spot offering showers, changing rooms, and several restaurants and small shops for post-hike refreshments. Hikers can opt for an alternative loop back to the starting point via the adjacent road, which adds approximately 2 km to the journey. As a one-way point-to-point route, the Dragon's Back measures 8.5 km in total length, with an elevation gain of about 300 m concentrated mostly along the initial ascent before following the . The trail is well-oriented for southbound travel from the higher ridgeline toward the coast. Signage at both trailheads features clear bilingual markers in English and , guiding hikers onto the path with directional indicators for the Hong Kong Trail. GPS coordinates for navigation are approximately 22.228°N 114.240°E at the start and 22.247°N 114.247°E at the end.

Path Segments and Views

The Dragon's Back trail, spanning approximately 8.5 kilometers, is divided into three main segments, each offering distinct terrain and scenic highlights along its ridgeline path in Shek O Country Park. The first segment, covering 0 to 2 kilometers, begins at the To Tei Wan trailhead with an initial ascent through shaded forest paths, gaining about 200 meters in elevation within the first hour to reach the Dragon's Back ridgeline. This steep section features dirt trails and stone steps amid woodland, culminating at Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point, where hikers emerge to sweeping views of the Tai Tam Reservoirs and surrounding bay. From 2 to 5 kilometers, the trail follows the undulating main ridge over Peak (elevation 284 meters), traversing open grasslands that resemble a dragon's spine and serve as popular launch spots. This exposed section provides panoramic vistas of Shek O Village below, Stanley Peninsula to the west, and outer islands like Tung Lung Chau, with the framing the horizon on clear days. The final 5 to 8.5 kilometers involve a descent from Pottinger Gap via stone and concrete steps through Wan Cham Shan and Mount Collinson, passing shaded woodland paths with glimpses of and . Highlights include the Nam Fung Wan (Big Wave Bay) viewpoint overlooking the beach, and a short detour to view the prehistoric rock carvings—a declared back around 3,000 years with geometric and animal motifs—located near the shoreline. Overall, the trail takes 2 to 4 hours at a moderate pace, with difficulty concentrated in the initial steep climb, making it accessible yet rewarding for most hikers.

Natural Environment

Flora and Vegetation

The Dragon's Back trail in Shek O Country Park is characterized by subtropical broadleaf forests dominated by native species such as Chekiang Machilus (Machilus chekiangensis) and Rose Myrtle (), which form a dense canopy along much of the path. Open shrublands prevail on the exposed ridge tops, featuring as a key component, adapted to the windy coastal conditions. These native plant communities contribute to the trail's ecological richness, with additional species like Hong Kong Gordonia (Polyspora axillaris), Ivy Tree (), and Aporusa (Aporusa dioica) supporting the lowland forest structure. Afforestation efforts in the 1980s, aimed at soil stabilization and vegetation restoration following wartime degradation, introduced exotic species including Taiwan Acacia (Acacia confusa), Brisbane Box (Lophostemon confertus), and Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii). These pioneer species were widely planted across Hong Kong's country parks, including Shek O, to rapidly cover eroded hillsides and prevent further soil loss, though ongoing management now favors native replacements to enhance biodiversity. Seasonally, the trail showcases wildflowers in spring, adding bursts of color amid the greenery. The dense forest canopy provides substantial shade along the route, enhancing hiker comfort in Hong Kong's subtropical climate. Over 200 plant species have been recorded in Country Park, reflecting its within the protected framework of Hong Kong's country parks system, which safeguards native flora against spread and disruption. Conservation measures, including controlled and monitoring, ensure the preservation of rare like Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) and Blue Japanese Oak (Cyclobalanopsis glauca) found in the area.

Fauna and Wildlife

The Dragon's Back trail, located within Country Park, supports a diverse array of bird species, with over 50 recorded in the park, including raptors and passerines commonly sighted along the ridge. Notable observations include the (Haliaeetus leucogaster), which soars over coastal viewpoints, the (Milvus migrans), often seen gliding during hikes, and the Chinese Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis), a frequent resident in shrubby areas. Other common birds encompass the (Buteo japonicus), Chinese Francolin (Francolinus pintadeanus), and (Myophonus caeruleus), contributing to the trail's appeal for birdwatchers. Mammals in the area are primarily nocturnal or elusive, with occasional sightings of wild boars (Sus scrofa) near the trail edges, particularly in denser vegetation zones. These omnivores, native to Hong Kong's country parks, forage in groups but pose minimal risk to hikers if undisturbed. Reptiles include the Chinese Skink (Plestiodon chinensis), a robust up to 30 cm long with an olive-green back, commonly basking on rocks along the path. Insects, particularly butterflies, add vibrancy to the hike, with species like the Common Birdwing (Troides helena) fluttering amid the grasslands and forests; this protected butterfly, with its golden-black wings spanning up to 16 cm, is legally safeguarded under Hong Kong's wildlife ordinances. From elevated viewpoints, hikers may occasionally spot marine life such as humpbacked dolphins (Sousa chinensis) offshore, though sightings are infrequent and depend on sea conditions. No aggressive wildlife is typically encountered on the trail. Conservation efforts in Country Park are overseen by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), which monitors through ongoing surveys and habitat management. The park's since the post-World War II era has bolstered populations, including rare birds and mammals like the Chinese Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). Hikers are advised to follow AFCD guidelines, such as avoiding feeding animals to prevent and human-wildlife conflicts.

Practical Hiking Information

Access and Transportation

The Dragon's Back trailhead at To Tei Wan is readily accessible via Hong Kong's efficient public transportation network, with options from nearby MTR stations on . The most straightforward route begins at MTR station (Island Line), where visitors exit at A3 and proceed to the bus terminus to board bus number 9 bound for ; alight at the To Tei Wan stop on Shek O Road after approximately 20-30 minutes, with a fare of HK$5.3 () or HK$6 (cash) as of November 2025 payable via or exact change. Alternatively, from MTR station, green minibus number 16M provides access to the trail's starting area, alighting at To Tei Wan on Shek O Road after about 20 minutes, with a fare of approximately HK$8-9 as of 2025. For those preferring alternatives to standard buses, red minibus route (h09) departs from station and heads to via the Dragon's Back area, with a journey time of around 20-30 minutes and a of HK$11-13 as of 2025; alight at To Tei Wan for direct access to the trailhead. Taxis offer a direct option from Central, covering the roughly 12 km distance in 20-30 minutes at a cost of HK$210-260, depending on traffic and luggage. Upon completing the hike, which ends at Big Wave Bay, return transportation is available via bus number 9 from the Big Wave Bay Road stop directly back to station, with the same fare structure as the outbound trip and frequent service every 10-20 minutes. Parking at the To Tei Wan trailhead is extremely limited, and authorities discourage driving to the site to reduce and preserve the ecological integrity of Country Park. The trail itself offers no wheelchair accessibility due to steep inclines, uneven paths, and exposed roots, making it unsuitable for mobility-impaired visitors; the nearest station is , located about 8 km east of the starting point.

Preparation and Safety Tips

preparing for the Dragon's Back trail should equip themselves with essential gear to ensure comfort and safety over the approximately four-hour moderate . Sturdy shoes with good grip are crucial to navigate the undulating paths, sections, and stone steps, which can become slippery after rain. Carry at least 1-2 liters of water per person, as there are no refill points along the trail until reaching Big Wave Bay, along with light snacks to maintain energy. Sun protection, including , a , and long-sleeved , is recommended due to the exposed nature of the route, as is to ward off potential encounters with local fauna. The optimal time to hike Dragon's Back is from to , when dry conditions prevail and temperatures range from 15-25°C, offering comfortable conditions with lower humidity and clearer views. Avoid the typhoon season from May to November, during which heavy rain and strong winds can make the trail hazardous; always check forecasts from the or , Fisheries and (AFCD) before setting out. Safety on the trail requires adherence to established protocols to mitigate risks such as slips or fatigue. Remain on marked paths at all times to avoid unstable terrain and potential falls from the ridge's elevations. In emergencies, dial 999 for assistance, though mobile coverage may be intermittent in remote ridge sections—inform companions of your plans and carry a for signaling. Brief encounters with , such as or , should be observed from a distance without disturbance, as detailed in the trail's guidelines. Proper etiquette enhances the experience for all visitors and preserves the natural environment. Carry out all , as no bins are provided along the route, and avoid leaving any waste behind. Yield to uphill hikers when passing, and if bringing dogs, keep them on a to prevent straying or disturbing others. Do not pick plants or litter, respecting the protected status of Country Park.

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