Lion Rock 獅子山 is the mountain representing Hong Kong, the people and Hong Kong’s spirit, which is “Perseverance & Solidarity”. It is a very popular hiking trail among the locals and tourists because up there you could have the whole Kowloon and Victoria Harbour view, it is stunning! Another reason of its popularity is the trail is easy, you don’t need to be physically fit to do this hike, you can take your time to go up and you’ll reach the top in less than 2 hours and the view is all yours.
Many also love going up to Lion Rock for sunset, especially couples and photographers. No doubt, it is very romantic sitting on the rock watching the sun sets behind the horizon. On a clear sunny day, the scenery is unbeatable, the sun looks like a big orange egg yolk, contrasting to the blue sky. In these short moments during sunset, you see the transforming of colors in front of your eyes. Nothing feels better than that!
What are you waiting for?
My Trail:
” Wong Tai Sin 黃大仙 MTR > Fat Jong Temple 法藏寺 > HEAVEN STAIRS 天梯 > Lion Rock Tail 獅子山| 獅尾 (495M) > LION ROCK HEAD 獅子山| 獅頭 (493M) > Kowloon Pass 九龍坳 > Pat Sin Temple 八仙廟 > Lion Rock Park 獅子山郊野公園 > Chuk Yuen Road 竹園道 ”
Distance: 6 KM
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 541 M
Difficulty: 2.5/5
View: 5/5
How to get there & return:
1. Take MTR Kwun Tong Line to Wong Tai Sin 黃大仙 station, then take exit B2, you’ll see the famous Wong Tai Sin Temple, you can take a quick walk inside the temple before you start your hike.
2. Follow the Shatin Pass Road until you reach Fat Jong Temple, the road is steep, treat it as your warm up.
3. When you reach Fat Jong Temple, turn left right after it and you will be on the trail going up.
4. There are a few ways going up, check on your Hiking Trail HK App to find your way up via Heaven Stairs 天梯, if not the other ways can still bring you to the top, you won’t get lost.
5. From the Lion Rock Head 獅子山| 獅頭, after enjoying the view, follow the path to descend to Kowloon Pass 九龍坳, you are there when you see the Handover/ Reunification Pavilion, check your Hiking Trail HK App and find the Handover/ Reunification Trail to descend to Lion Rock Park, via Pat Sin Temple 八仙廟.
6. You’ll finish your hike at Lion Rock Park, follow the Lion Rock Road to the main road, Chuk Yuen Road 竹園道. Cross the road to the opposite site, you will see the bus stop, next to Laco International. You may take the green mini bus #73 or #72 to Festival Walk Shopping Mall, which is connected to the MTR Kowloon Tong 九龍塘 station.
Hike Overview:
The Wong Tai Sin temple is one of the tourist attractions in Hong Kong. Many people go there for praying and wish for something, it can be for family, love, health or career. Believe it or not, the prayers are often answered! If you haven’t visited the temple before, I’d recommend you to go pay a visit before you start your hike to Lion Rock. Go feel the atmosphere and it is a good way to experience the local culture and beliefs.
From Wong Tai Sin Temple, the first 2 kms is walking on the steep Shatin Pass Road until you reach Fat Jong Temple. After turning left into the trail going up, you have around 1.5 kms of ascending on rocks. It’s not difficult, take your time to slowly and carefully going up, you’ll get to Lion Rock Tail where you will see the Lion Rock sign.
“ By discovering nature, you discover yourself. ”
– Maxime Lagacé
The Heaven Stairs 天梯 is a picture spot, you might miss it by taking the other ways, so trace yourself in Hiking Trail HK App.
Once you get to the top, you’ll enjoy the unobstructed view of the city of Hong Kong.
You will soon realize after crossing from Lion Rock Tail to Lion Rock Head, there’s a big sign warning hikers about the danger of steep cliffs. The sign is referring to the path going up from Heaven Stairs. There’s always risk when you hike but to go up is definitely safer than going down, hiking on the rocks. This is the reason I planned my trail to go up this way, you’ll get to enjoy some fun climbing up on rocks, and to descend in a very easy and safe way.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has done a marvelous job in making Hong Kong one of the best places in the world for hiking. We are all privileged by that, getting to enjoy the beautiful nature and landscape of this vibrant city, for free. AFCD set up signs to remind hikers of the possible danger parts for us to be alert while enjoying our hike.
Once you get to the Lion Rock Head, find your spot and sit down comfortably, enjoy the view and wait for the magical sunset moments.
How can someone look at the sunset and not dreaming! If you like sunset as much as I do, I’d recommend you another trail which offer a magnificent sunset view. Please check out my Suicide Cliff Hike!
“ Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn. ”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sunset Peak and Temple Crag on Lantau Island are amazing for viewing sunset too! Please check out my trails for more details!