Asia Beauty Spot – Asia Scenery

Shek O is a fascinating and popular place to visit. A mix of village houses and up-market villas can be found within easy walking distance of each other. The natural scenery is grand. There are a couple of beautiful beaches in the area, a granite inlet to the east, and a bracing ridge walk above. The Dragon’s Back is a sometimes challenging ridge walk offering splendid views of the ocean and mountains..

This hike forms Stage 8 of the Hong Kong Trail. Located in Shek O Country Park , it starts from To Tei Wan and ends at Big Wave Bay. The route goes up to Shek O Peak from the foot path beside To Tei Wan pavilion on Shek O Road. Having reached the ridgetop, one has a stunning view over the sea, looking to Waglan Island, Tung Lung Chau and Joss House Bay. Shek O beach and the golf course lie directly below. The scenery of Tai Tam Bay in the west is also magnificent. The path along the ridge is breathtaking, and the up and down terrain results in its name – The Dragon’s Back. Farther on the path drops down to a level contour path around Mount Collinson, and here there are several streams. The quiet environment is totally different from the previous exposed windswept part of the route. After resting at the pavilion at Pottinger Gap, visitors can walk down to Big Wave Bay from the path beside the catchwater.

A sinuous trail that undulates like the spine of a dragon, the Dragon’s Back stretches from Wan Cham Shan to Shek O Peak in Shek O Country Park. Showcasing the full natural beauty of Hong Kong’s coasts, the trail is conveniently placed on the fringe of the city. This easy accessibility makes it extremely popular with hikers who do not wish to travel too far.

Courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board