Dragon’s Back Hike: Hong Kong’s Most Scenic Coastal Trail Near Cosmo Hotel
Dragon’s Back is located in the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island. You can enjoy impressive coastal views seen from the ridge-line, and it is also known for being one of the less intense routes in the region. This scenic hiking path takes you along a gradually ascending, wooded slope, culminating at Dragon’s Back Viewing Point, where breathtaking vistas of verdant landscapes and rugged coastlines unfold before you. The hike is moderately easy, involving minimal ascent to reach the ridge, offering spectacular views and culminating at a picturesque beach. It comes as no surprise that this trail was highlighted in CNN’s list of the "23 best hiking trails in the world"!
Checkpoints of this trails:
1. To Tei Wan > 2. Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point > 3. Shek O Peak > 4. Dragon’s Back Viewing Point > 5. Pottinger Gap > 6. Big Wave Bay
Starting Point: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan MTR Station. Then, from the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus at Exit A3 of the MTR Shau Kei Wan Station, take bus number 9, at the To Tei Wan stop on Shek O Road.
Departure: From Big Wave Bay, take a red minibus or taxi back to Shau Kei Wan. You can then use other public transportation options to reach various areas.
Duration: 3-4 hours (include rest and photo taking)
Length: Approximately 8.5 kilometers
Difficulty: Rated 1 to 2 stars (out of 5 stars)
Washroom: Big Wave Bay, To Tei Wan
Check point 1: To Tei Wan
Take the bus and stop here. Your journey will begin from here. There is a sign and map near the bus stop; it is recommended to take a photo of the map for reference. You will find a path to go up the hill near the To Tei Wan bus stop.
Check point 2: Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point
After walking along a short path, you can see the beautiful views of the strait, overlooking Shek O Beach, and the picturesque scenes of the blue sky and clear water.
Check point 3: Shek O Peak
Continue walking up the hill of the hiking trail. It will take about half to one hour to reach the peak. After that, you will see the magnificent panoramic view of ‘Dragon's Back’. You will notice a sandy path snaking along the lush green ridges, undulating as if resembling a flying dragon's back.
Check point 4: Dragon’s Back Viewing Point
The observation deck at the top of Darn Cheung Teng Shan offers panoramic views of Shek O, Big Wave Bay, Dong Long Island, and the magnificent scenery of the eastern waters of Hong Kong Island. The trail from Darn Cheung Teng Shan to Cloud Pillow Mountain undulates like a flying dragon's back, giving rise to the name 'Dragon's Back'.
Check point 5: Pottinger Gap
You will begin to descend a steep hill towards Big Wave Bay. During your walk, you will find some resting places along the path.
Check point 6: Big Wave Bay
Finally, you will arrive at Big Wave Bay after descending the hill. A beautiful beach and sea view will be waiting for you. There are snacks, drinks, and washrooms available there. You can take the bus back to the city from here.
Route Map: Click Here to view the map
Where to stay: Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong – Your Urban Adventure Base
Make Cosmo Hotel your smart choice for a budget-friendly yet feature-packed stay in the heart of Hong Kong Island. As a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2022 winner, our boutique hotel sits perfectly between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay—just minutes from MTR stations and bus stops, with complimentary daily shuttles to Central and key attractions for effortless exploration.
After conquering Dragon’s Back, unwind in our shared spaces designed for convenience and connection:
✓ Breeze semi-outdoor patio – Your urban oasis
✓ 24-hour gym & self-service laundry – Stay refreshed
✓ Shared kitchenette with coffee machine & microwave – Ideal for longer stays
Tailored offers await: From early-bird discounts to extended-stay packages, we’ve got your Hong Kong adventure covered.
[View Room Offers]
Photo credits: All images sourced from HKTB. Rights belong to respective owners.
Dragon’s Back is located in the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island. You can enjoy impressive coastal views seen from the ridge-line, and it is also known for being one of the less intense routes in the region. This scenic hiking path takes you along a gradually ascending, wooded slope, culminating at Dragon’s Back Viewing Point, where breathtaking vistas of verdant landscapes and rugged coastlines unfold before you. The hike is moderately easy, involving minimal ascent to reach the ridge, offering spectacular views and culminating at a picturesque beach. It comes as no surprise that this trail was highlighted in CNN’s list of the "23 best hiking trails in the world"!
Checkpoints of this trails:
1. To Tei Wan > 2. Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point > 3. Shek O Peak > 4. Dragon’s Back Viewing Point > 5. Pottinger Gap > 6. Big Wave Bay
Starting Point: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan MTR Station. Then, from the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus at Exit A3 of the MTR Shau Kei Wan Station, take bus number 9, at the To Tei Wan stop on Shek O Road.
Departure: From Big Wave Bay, take a red minibus or taxi back to Shau Kei Wan. You can then use other public transportation options to reach various areas.
Duration: 3-4 hours (include rest and photo taking)
Length: Approximately 8.5 kilometers
Difficulty: Rated 1 to 2 stars (out of 5 stars)
Washroom: Big Wave Bay, To Tei Wan
Check point 1: To Tei Wan
Take the bus and stop here. Your journey will begin from here. There is a sign and map near the bus stop; it is recommended to take a photo of the map for reference. You will find a path to go up the hill near the To Tei Wan bus stop.
Check point 2: Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point
After walking along a short path, you can see the beautiful views of the strait, overlooking Shek O Beach, and the picturesque scenes of the blue sky and clear water.
Check point 3: Shek O Peak
Continue walking up the hill of the hiking trail. It will take about half to one hour to reach the peak. After that, you will see the magnificent panoramic view of ‘Dragon's Back’. You will notice a sandy path snaking along the lush green ridges, undulating as if resembling a flying dragon's back.
Check point 4: Dragon’s Back Viewing Point
The observation deck at the top of Darn Cheung Teng Shan offers panoramic views of Shek O, Big Wave Bay, Dong Long Island, and the magnificent scenery of the eastern waters of Hong Kong Island. The trail from Darn Cheung Teng Shan to Cloud Pillow Mountain undulates like a flying dragon's back, giving rise to the name 'Dragon's Back'.
Check point 5: Pottinger Gap
You will begin to descend a steep hill towards Big Wave Bay. During your walk, you will find some resting places along the path.
Check point 6: Big Wave Bay
Finally, you will arrive at Big Wave Bay after descending the hill. A beautiful beach and sea view will be waiting for you. There are snacks, drinks, and washrooms available there. You can take the bus back to the city from here.
Route Map: Click Here to view the map
Where to stay: Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong – Your Urban Adventure Base
Make Cosmo Hotel your smart choice for a budget-friendly yet feature-packed stay in the heart of Hong Kong Island. As a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2022 winner, our boutique hotel sits perfectly between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay—just minutes from MTR stations and bus stops, with complimentary daily shuttles to Central and key attractions for effortless exploration.
After conquering Dragon’s Back, unwind in our shared spaces designed for convenience and connection:
✓ Breeze semi-outdoor patio – Your urban oasis
✓ 24-hour gym & self-service laundry – Stay refreshed
✓ Shared kitchenette with coffee machine & microwave – Ideal for longer stays
Tailored offers await: From early-bird discounts to extended-stay packages, we’ve got your Hong Kong adventure covered.
[View Room Offers]
Photo credits: All images sourced from HKTB. Rights belong to respective owners.
