In Hong Kong guidebooks the 16-kilometer (10-mile), 6-hour stroll betweenTai Oand Tung Chung along the north coast ofLantau Islandis listed as one ofHong Kong's premier hiking paths. However, this isn't a hike through pristine nature. We suggest thatwhether you'd like this hike depends on your personality.
- Bikerslike the long distance and the stair and rock challenges.
- Long distance runnersrun along the secluded cement sidewalk.
- Touristsnew to Hong Kong may enjoy seeing what Chinese housing developments and poor villages look like.
Positive Features
- Some ocean views
- Mostly concrete sidewalk through woods with good signage
- Well furnished public toilets every 3 kilometers
- About 9 Chinese villages or shanty towns, useful for snacks and drinks.
Some Drawbacks
- There is constant jet noise for more than half the route. (Some may enjoy the sight and noise of one of the world’s busiest airports.)
- Trash is strewn about and the beaches are dirty.
- About 4 kilometers (2 miles) of the walk is through urban area.
Trail Description
The trail follows the coast of Hong Kong through parkland, withHong Kong International Airportjust a few hundred meters away across the water during about half the walk.
This trail is one of contrasts:下巴ese super high-rise apartments and poor shanty towns; and the huge airport contrasting with the empty countryside and coastline.
There is little road accessexcept at Tai O and Tung Chung. Ferries from Sha Lo Wan Ferry Pier, at the halfway point, leave about every hour or two.
Travel Information
Transport:Take the MTR to Tung Chung MTR Exit A. (Bus 11 runs between Tung Chung and Tai O.)
Start at Tung Chung:Walk about 100 meters SE on Hing Tung Street, then 200 meters SW on Tat Tung Road to Shun Tung Road, and follow it SE almost to the end past the massive Yat Tung Estate buildings. Take the stairs going downhill signed Hau Wong Temple, and take a left at the public bathroom.
End at Tai O:When you get to Tai O, you'll come to a shanty town on stilts. There are various narrow walkways, and no observable English signs, so it is easy to get lost. The bus station is near the boat pier.
Weather:Be aware of weather conditions and whether you’ll be able to finish the route by nightfall. The last mile or two of the hike is over dirt path and rocks, without lights, so is difficult to walk at night and especially if it rains.
Bikers:有一些部分与楼梯的halfway point, an overhanging rock, maybe some branches, and no guard rails on steep edges.
Related Attractions
Hong Kong has betterlong natural hikes, and shorter nice hikes such as theLamma Island Family Walk. You can customize this hike or any other into a下巴a Highlights Hong Kong tour.
Near Tung Chung, the trail gives access to the well-made and popularNgong Ping 360 Trail.Before the village of San Tou, where you see the cable cars overhead, there is a sign for Ngong Ping Rescue Trail (5.6 kilometers, stair climbing). The scenery on it is good. From Ngong Ping, you can get on the Lantau Trail system that goes to Tai O.
InTai O, you might see the pink dolphins on a boat ride. You can enjoy the seafood restaurants or international cuisine at City Gate Outlets.
