The eighth and final section of the 50km Hong Kong trail, Dragon's Back lies between Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak in the Southern District of Hong Kong. The hike itself is 8.5 kilometres in length, and takes approximately 2 hours to hike. With gorgeous scenery and stunning views, Dragon's Back is a trail that cannot be ignored. Its convenience and luscious landscape is why this trail got awarded "Best urban hiking trail in Hong Kong" by TIME Magazine in 2004.
How to get to Dragon's Back:
1. Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan on the Island Line.
2. Walk over to Exit A.
3. Outside Exit A, there is a double decker bus terminal. Get onto bus 9.
4. Get off at To Tei Wan stop after approximately 15 minutes. You should be in front of the hiking trail.
History of Dragon's Back
"With beautiful coastal scenery and easy-accessibility from the city, the Dragon’s Back is a popular escape that deservedly gets regular mentions in travel guidebooks. A short hop from the bustle of Hong Kong East, the trail provides stunning views of Shek O, Tai Long Wan, Stanley, Tai Tam, and the South China Sea."
www.discoverhongkong.com
Not much is known about the history of Dragon's Back, however in 2004 it was awarded "Best urban hiking trail in Hong Kong" by TIME Magazine.
"The glory of it all is that you're so close to the city, but could hardly feel further away."
www.walkhongkong.com
Dragon's Back Trail Description
When you get off the bus at To Tei Wan, you are immediately greeted by a trail of steps. There are toilets at the beginning of the trail, and a sign with a map. As you walk up the steps, you pass a forest of bamboo. Once the steps end, you are greeted with a small pavilion with a sign pointing to the Dragon’s Back trail. The steps morph into a path, which gradually leads you to a fork. One way leads to the peak of the mountain, while the other leads to the exit. The peak of the mountain stands 284 feet tall, and you get a sense of accomplishment, along with a chilly breeze. As you walk down to the exit, you walk down some narrow steps. The narrow steps take you to a long, winding path. It takes 15 minutes approximately to walk the path. At the end of the path, there are toilets, and then stairs taking you down to a bus stop where you can wait for number 15 minibus. The minibus takes you back to Shau Kei Wan.
Things To Do And See
At Shau Kei Wan, there is a bus terminal that takes you to the trail via bus 9. Around the area, there are many restaurants and shops you can explore with your family and friends. The nearby restaurants include "Tai Hing" a Chinese restaurant that serves a variety of Chinese cuisine, such as pork rice, dim sum and noodles; "On Lee" a noodle restaurant serving different types of noodle soups.
While hiking Dragon's Back, you'll spot broad varieties of plant species, as well as insects. The plants include tall green bamboo, daisies, orchid trees and many more. The insects include butterflies, such as the Vindula Arsinoe (more commonly known as the cruiser) and the Skipper butterfly. You'll see glamorous views at the peak of the mountain.
While hiking Dragon's Back, you'll spot broad varieties of plant species, as well as insects. The plants include tall green bamboo, daisies, orchid trees and many more. The insects include butterflies, such as the Vindula Arsinoe (more commonly known as the cruiser) and the Skipper butterfly. You'll see glamorous views at the peak of the mountain.
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Equipment Kit List
- At least 1L bottle of water
- Sunhat
- Hiking shoes or trainers (DON'T WEAR SANDALS)
- Sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Mobile phone
- At least $200 cash or octopus
- Snacks
- Sunhat
- Hiking shoes or trainers (DON'T WEAR SANDALS)
- Sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Mobile phone
- At least $200 cash or octopus
- Snacks
Activities & Challenges
Nature Vocabulary Game
While hiking, you'll want a Nature Vocabulary Game to keep you motivated. This game can have as many people as possible, so you don't have to leave people out! In turns, say a word associated with nature e.g. moss, tree, flower, peak etc.. However, the word you say has to start with the last letter of the previous word. For example, 1. tree, 2. ecology, 3. yucca, 4. aquatic and so on. You cannot repeat words, and the words MUST have a connection to nature. Have fun playing with your friends and family!
Rubbish Hunt
Do you want to play something fun, but also want to help the environment? Do a rubbish hunt! With your friends and family, bring a reusable bag to the hike beforehand. While hiking, pick up as much rubbish and waste as possible e.g. plastic wrappers, bottle caps, styrofoam boxes etc.. After the hike, see who collected the most rubbish; that person wins! Have fun looking for rubbish, but remember, safety comes first!
Hiking Hide-and-Seek
This game is the regular old Hide-and-seek, but played on top of a mountain. Hike your way to the peak, and then have one person go hide somewhere. The other two or more people have to search for that person. The first person to find the hidden person wins! The peak of the mountain has many rocks for you to hide behind. For safety reasons, the hidden person must reveal themselves if they have not been found for 5 minutes. Enjoy playing hide-and-seek, and remember to keep safe!
While hiking, you'll want a Nature Vocabulary Game to keep you motivated. This game can have as many people as possible, so you don't have to leave people out! In turns, say a word associated with nature e.g. moss, tree, flower, peak etc.. However, the word you say has to start with the last letter of the previous word. For example, 1. tree, 2. ecology, 3. yucca, 4. aquatic and so on. You cannot repeat words, and the words MUST have a connection to nature. Have fun playing with your friends and family!
Rubbish Hunt
Do you want to play something fun, but also want to help the environment? Do a rubbish hunt! With your friends and family, bring a reusable bag to the hike beforehand. While hiking, pick up as much rubbish and waste as possible e.g. plastic wrappers, bottle caps, styrofoam boxes etc.. After the hike, see who collected the most rubbish; that person wins! Have fun looking for rubbish, but remember, safety comes first!
Hiking Hide-and-Seek
This game is the regular old Hide-and-seek, but played on top of a mountain. Hike your way to the peak, and then have one person go hide somewhere. The other two or more people have to search for that person. The first person to find the hidden person wins! The peak of the mountain has many rocks for you to hide behind. For safety reasons, the hidden person must reveal themselves if they have not been found for 5 minutes. Enjoy playing hide-and-seek, and remember to keep safe!
Risk Assessment
HAZARD |
RISK |
PREVENTION |
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN |
Steep and narrow steps |
Tripping and injuring a body part |
Be extremely careful and pay extreme attention |
Call emergency health services immediately |
Repetetive paths |
Losing track of somebody; getting lost |
Stay together at all times |
Stay in one place and call each other with a mobile phone |
Hot temperatures: Over 35C |
Getting dehydrated or even fainting |
Drink loads of water and wear a sunhat at all times |
Call emergency health services immediately |