6 Accessible city hikes in Kowloon

This is the perfect hike for beginners, couch potatoes, and urbanites who can’t bear to be too far away from an oat flat white. Though it’s technically called a hike, going up Garden Hill is really more of a leisurely walk with only a 10-minute ascent or so. From the landing at the top, you’ll get amazing views of Kowloon laid out before you – this is why Garden Hill is popular with photography enthusiasts and school kids on dates. Time it so you reach the top in time for sunset, and stay to soak in the nighttime views of our glittering city.

Distance: 800m

Directions: From exit D2 of Sham Shui Po MTR station, head northeast along Kweilin Street. Loop around the back of Mei Ho House, where you’ll find stairs leading up Garden Hill.

Beacon Hill is sure underrated for the views it has to offer. Starting the hike from Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail located within Lion Rock Country Park, you’ll encounter the Eagle’s Nest Viewing Point, a perfect spot for a panorama snapshot with ICC in the middle. Keep walking, and you’ll be met with To Lung Yan Road, the only paved part of this hike, followed by the stairway that links to the Maclehose Trail (Sec 5) and eventually the hiking trail leading to Shatin Pass.

Follow the signage and you’ll reach the ultimate vantage point – the Beacon Hill Lookout. Here you’ll be able to view the concrete jungle that we call home. Occasionally, there will be a few monkeys here and there, but as long as you don’t provoke them or go too near them, you’re all good. 

Distance: 4km

Directions: Take exit C1 from Prince Edward MTR station and hop on bus 81. Alight at Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, make your way to the pedestrian overpass and you’ll see the signage for Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail, where your hike begins.

An underrated hike with a stunning view over the Kowloon Peninsula. Though this hike has a lot of stairs going up, the gradual ascend makes the anticipation of getting to the top more exciting. Admire the serene nature that you can see from the steps and make your way to the terrace area for a few check-in pics, before heading up to the Tsz Wan Shan Radio Station along the sandy trail.

If you have some more time and energy to spare, head over to Amah rock, an erect rock that resembles a woman carrying a baby on the slope on Lion Rock. The legend goes that a fisherman’s wife used to climb up the hill every day whilst carrying her son to wait for her husband’s return, without knowing that he already drowned at sea. The Goddess of the Sea admired her loyalty and dedication, and turned her into a rock so that her spirit could once again reunite with her husband.

Distance (Tsz Wan Shan Radio Station): 2.6km 

Directions: Take bus 15A, 3C, 5C, or 116 and get off at Tsz Wan Shan (North) Bus Terminus. Climb up the concrete steps behind the terminus that leads up to Shatin Pass. When you reach the intersection where you’ll spot Lion’s Pavilion and Hung Yik fast food eatery, take the rough-looking set of steps right before the Wilson Trail (Sec 4) and head up. 

For Amah Rock, turn to the Wilson Trail (Sec 5) at the intersection. Descend to the catchwater and continue until you see the Amah Rock signpost on your left.

This hike doesn’t offer as breathtaking view compared to others on this list as it is shorter in height, but it is easily one of the most accessible hikes in Hong Kong. The hill’s unique name came from its previous identity as runway 13 at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong’s old, mid-city airport that served the city from the 50s to late 90s.

Head inside Lok Fu Park and walk up a slight slope on the left, which will lead you to a small set of steps. Go up and walk along the narrow catchwater towards the Lok Fu Service Reservoir Rest Garden. Once you see the trigonometrical station, you’ll reach the top of this hill within five minutes. If you are looking for a place to rest your feet and refuel, the rest garden is also a great spot for a picnic.

Distance: 3km

Directions: Get off at Lok Fu MTR station and take exit A. Make a left and head towards the Lok Fu Plaza car park. Next to the entrance, walk up the stairs and make your way to Lok Fu Park.

Tate’s Cairn, also known as Tai Lo Shan, is another hidden gem as you can see Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories all in one hike. From the summit, you’ll be greeted with incredible vistas of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, while the other side will give you sweeping views of the grand hills of New Territories. The stark contrast perfectly illustrates how the city and nature can peacefully coexist with each other, the very thing that makes Hong Kong so famously unique.

Tate’s Cairn is also a very photogenic location where silver grass is abundant at the Tate’s Cairn Meteorological Station. So, those who are looking for a more direct route – in other words, a short cut – can take a taxi from Choi Hung MTR station straight to the meteorological station. You’ll only have to do half the walking but still get all the great views.

Distance: 5.5km (full route)

Directions: At Wong Tai Sin MTR station, find exit E and start your trek up along Shatin Pass Road. Around 45 minutes into your walk, you’ll intercept Wilson Trail (Sec 4). Make a right and walk uphill towards the ridgeline. Weave through Lion Rock Country Park, leading you to Fei Ngo Shan Road (Maclehose Trail Sec 5), the mountain ridge where Tate’s Cairn Meteorological Station is located.

Located in Cha Liu Au near Jordan Valley, which is actually adjacent to Kowloon Bay (we know, it's confusing), this trail is relatively short but will give you great vantage points to the area nearby. The hike begins from Jordan Valley Park's main entrance. Whilst keeping the park to your left, walk along New Clear Water Bay Road and be on the lookout for a small gate on your left that allows you to veer off the main road. Walk along a narrow and beaten mud trail, where you’ll eventually reach a flight of concrete steps. Walk up until you see a green-top pavilion that signifies the start of the Jordan Valley Morning Trail and continue going up. Look out for a small path on your right that will lead you to a wonderful view of the Jordan Valley Park.

Distance: 2.6km

Directions: Take bus 23, 23M, 26, 26M, 27, 29M, 42, 91, 91M or 92 and alight at Shun Lee Fire Station. Walk along Lee On Road until you reach Jordan Valley Park, where your hike begins.