Dragon's Back Trail - Shek O
Written and illustrated by Bonnie Tsui, Esther Wing, Steffie Wong & Ivy Fan
History
Around the dragon’s back trail, you can find the Shek O Village. Shek O Village has a history around 200 years, and it was established by fishermen of the Chan, Yip, Li and Lau clans. Since the scenery of Shek O is so picturesque, it has been a setting of numerous Cantopop music videos. The Hong Kong director Stephen Chow's famous film "King of Comedy" was also shot at Shek O. The Tin Hau Temple in Shek O Village was built in 1891, and it is a Grade 3 historic building. Its management has been delegated by the Chinese Temple Committee to the Shek O Residents Association.
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Things to do and see
The hike itself is around 8.3km, and takes around 2-4 hours to complete because of the elevation. Other than walking on the hike itself, when you walk to the top of each mountain, you can see a spectacular view. You will also be able to see a wide range of different plants, birds, and mammals. Dragon’s back is one of the 7 approved flying sites for paraglider's in Hong Kong, and is one of the best. At the top of the mountains you can join a course also to get professional help. One of the courses is called ‘Paraglide Hong Kong’, and an instructor with more than 10 years of flying experience can help you to learn paragliding in a safe and enjoyable manner. Information on the price, where to contact them, and other courses can all be found in this link. Also, there are lots of signs and maps showing the way, and telling you how much longer you need to walk for.
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Topography of hike around the island.
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At the start of the hike, there are also some pavilions for you to rest in. At the end of the trail, there is a beach called Big Wave Bay, and you can have fun with your family and friends while relaxing there.
Activities & Challenges
CREATING AN ART PIECE
Materials: A camera/phone (Something to take a picture with) While you are hiking on the trail, pick up lots of flowers, leaves and sticks from the ground. Make sure you don't pull any leaves or flowers off trees or plants because that would be harmful to nature. When you arrive at a spot where you think that you have collected enough natural materials, have a discussion with your family or friends to decide what you will create with your materials. Create it, and remember to take a photo to remember what you have done! This activity doesn't take too long to complete, and keeps you moving to find new materials. While you are doing it, you can also have fun and bond with your family and friends! |
BIRD WATCHING
Materials: A telescope/binoculars, Phone to identify the bird species At the Dragon's Back, there are lots of different birds, so why not get a closer look at them? In order to do this activity, you need to find a flat area during your hike. After finding it, use your telescope or binoculars, and get a closer look at 3 different species of birds. As an extension, try to use your phone to identify the different species. You can search them on the internet, or there is an app called HKcBirds, which shows you the different species of birds you can find in Hong Kong. |
STORYTELLING
Materials: None While you’re hiking, find a flat area to sit down and make a circle. You have 5 minutes to look around and pick 5 items from nature. Make sure you don't pull any leaves or flowers off trees or plants because that would be harmful to nature. Afterwards, you have 5 minutes to think about what story you are going to create (Note: you need to connect the items together to create a story, and it needs to be about nature), and you have to sit together with your friends or family, share your story and vote for who has the best one out of you all. |
Island Flora
During the whole hike, there are lots of different plants and trees you can see. A few species that can be seen on the trail can be seen below.
MOTHER-IN-LAW’S TONGUES
Is also known as snake plants. The approximate height is 3 feet tall. It’s toxic to cats and dogs, if they eat or swallow this, they will feel unwell, vomit or diarrhoea. Small green white flowers will appear when it gets old. It may also cause skin infection if you used your bare hands (use gloves). |
IRIS SPECULATRIX
Can be found in Asia - China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. They are rare to find in the United States, UK, and Europe. These flowers come in a range of blue shades - from violet, lilac, lavender to light blue, they’re between in diameter. They have a bright yellow or orange central crest. |
HONEY SUCKLES
Can bloom during spring, summer or fall depending on the species. The colour of the flower will change from white to yellow after pollination. In the old days, honey suckles were used for gout, kidney stones and liver disorder. Nowadays, it is used in treatment for fever, influenza, rashes, skin infections and more. |
DEVIL’S HORSEWHIPS
Can grow up to 2 m tall, The small green white flowers will start to become narrow, the spikes will grow up to 60 cm long. When the flower gets older, they will start to bend down and will be pressed closely against the stem. Some common names are burweed, pululue, prickly-chaff flower, etc. |
Island Bird Life
A large diversity of birds can be seen as you go on the hike. A few species that can be seen on the trail can be seen below.
EASTERN IMPERIAL EAGLES
Can grow up to 90 cm long. The length is about 92 cm, and the weight is about 3kg, the wingspan is over 2 meters. Eastern Imperial Eagles migrate to Hong Kong from Russia to escape the cold winters. They use their sharp beaks to catch squirrels, hamsters, birds, reptiles, they also eat carrion and steal food from small birds. |
BLUE-WINGED LEAFBIRDS
Are also known as blue-winged chloropsis, golden-hooped leafbird and golden-mantled leafbird. They are very vocal birds, and they imitate songs and sounds of other birds. They use a sharp bill to pierce the skin of the fruit and reach the juice trapped inside. They also use branches and leaves to build up their nest in the trees which is mostly located in tree tops. |
CATTLE EGRETS
Have many different names around the world, in various language they are called: cow cranes, cow herons, cowbirds, elephant birds, etc. The oldest Cattle Egret on record was at least 17 year olds when it was captured and released in Pennsylvania in 1979. It was abandoned in Maryland in 1962. |
SPARROWS
Can reach 4-8 inches in length and 0.8-1.4 ounces in weight. Male sparrows have reddish backs and black bibs, while female sparrows have brown back with stripes. They used to be carnivores but they changed their eating habits to live closer to people. Now, they eat moths, small insects, also seeds, fruits, berries. |
Island Mammals
WILD BOARS
Are medium-sized animals. They can reach 3 to 6.5 feet in length, 21.6 to 39.3 inches in height and 90 to 700 pounds in weight. The body of a wild boar is covered with red, brown, black and grey. They can survive up to 10 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity. Young wild boars depend on their mother for the first couple months. When they are 7 months old, they start to become independent. |
PALLAS'S SQUIRRELS
Grow up to 2.8-5 inches in length, and 10 grams in weight. You can find them in Thailand, China, India, Malaysia, Taiwan and Burma. They eat about 1 pound of food per week, they like to eat plants and meat like: seeds, nuts, fungi and fruits, they also munch small insects, young snakes, eggs, caterpillars and small animals. |
PORCUPINES
Are large, slow-moving rodents with sharp quills on their backs. They weigh around 2.5 to 77 lbs (1.2 to 3.5 kg). The largest porcupine is the North African crested porcupine. It grows up to 36 inches (90cm) long. Meanwhile, the smallest porcupine is the Bahia hairy dwarf porcupine. It grows up to 15 inches (38cm) long. According to San Diego Zoo, depending on the species, their tail can grow up to 8 to 12 inches long (20 to 30cm). |
Getting there
The easiest way is to take the MTR to the Shau Kei Wan Station. Go to Exit A3 and take the City Bus Number 9 towards Shek O from the bus terminal. This will cost you $3.9 for adults, $2 for elderly, and $2 for children. Get off at To Tei Wan, and you will be at the start of the trail. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi to the start of the trail, which will cost around $100 or you can drive your own car there. Be aware that there will be no carparks there.
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Getting back
When you finish hiking, the trail will lead you to Big Wave Bay. From there, you can take the red minibus to Shau Kei Wan, which costs $12 per person. You can also take City Bus number 9 back, which costs $3.9 for adults, $2 for elderly, and $2 for children. Be aware that there is only 1 bus per hour! Alternatively, you can also take a taxi home, which costs around $100 or drive your own car since there will be a carpark to park your car.
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Equipment
Water Bottle 1.5L
Food (Lunch/Snacks)
Closed Walking Shoes
Hat
Sun cream
Insect Repellent
Jacket (Depending on the weather)
Phone/Camera (To take pictures with)
Raincoat/Umbrella
Food (Lunch/Snacks)
Closed Walking Shoes
Hat
Sun cream
Insect Repellent
Jacket (Depending on the weather)
Phone/Camera (To take pictures with)
Raincoat/Umbrella
Risk Assessment
HAZARD |
RISKS |
CONTROL MEASURE |
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN |
Unbalanced Rocks |
You may die because of falling off the cliff, and you might also twist your ankle. |
Walk slowly and carefully, and also make sure your hands are free anytime. |
You should bring a rope and a first aid kit . Make sure an adult/someone else knows where you are |
Wild Animals |
They may bite you, and you may get an infection |
Don't tease the animals and make sure not to give them food |
Bring a first aid kit and stay calm and walk away |
Poisonous Plants |
If you touch them, you could get poisoned and could die |
Don't touch or eat any plants if you don't know what they are |
Leave to a hospital immediately and contact an adult or a friend |
Landslide |
Rocks could fall on your head, and you would die |
Make sure to protect your head and kneel down |
Make sure an adult/someone else knows where you are, and don't move |