Perched high on the northern slope of Hong Kong island, just north of Happy Valley with views of surrounding greenery and the picturesque Victoria Harbour, Jardine’s Lookout 渣甸山 offers the million dollar view of the city of Hong Kong and its spectacular skyscrapers. 

Hiking on the Hong Kong Trail Sec. 5 & Wilson Trail Sec. 2 to Jardine’s Lookout 渣甸山 is one of the most accessible hiking trails in the city, it’s a trail anyone can do regardless of their fitness level, you will reach the peak in just about half an hour time and you will be rewarded with the magnificent city view. 

 Since it is a very short trail getting to Jardine’s Lookout 渣甸山, therefore I am combining it with Red Incense Burner Summit 紅香爐峰, another peak offering the million dollar Hong Kong city view, at a different angle. So, if you are following my trail, you are going to enjoy admiring this world city of Asia at its best perspective, with the sweeping views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. Be prepared for the jaw-dropping moment when you are up there!

This trail of hitting both Jardine’s Lookout 渣甸山 and Red Incense Burner Summit 紅香爐峰 is achievable within 3-3.5 hours with the total distance of 7 kms. It is a perfect trail for those who has busy schedules and yet looking for a light workout with the view that is astonishing!

My Trail:

” Wong Nai Chung Gap 黃泥涌峽 > JARDINE’S LOOKOUT 渣甸山 (433M) > RED INCENSE BURNER SUMMIT 紅香爐峰 (228M) > North Point MTR 北角地鐵站 ”

Distance: 7 KM
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 419 M
Difficulty: 2/5
View: 5/5

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR Island Line to Central 中環 station, take exit A to get to the skyway, then walk to Central Exchange Square bus terminus. You can also take MTR Tung Chung Line to Hong Kong 香港 station, then take exit B1/B2 to go to Central Exchange Square bus terminus.

2. Take the CitiBus #6 going to Stanley Village, then get off at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park.

3. Your hike begins there!

4. You will finish your hike in North Point MTR 北角地鐵站.

Hike Overview:

Once you get off the CitiBus #6 at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park., you will be right at the gas station, look for the sign and get up to Tai Tam Reservoir Rd. 

Walk up the steep Tai Tam Reservoir Rd. for slightly over half a kilometer and you will see the trail head to Jardine’s Lookout 渣甸山 on your left. It’s a big arch sign you will not miss. 

From there, you will hike for about 1.2 kms on Hong Kong Trail Sec. 5 & Wilson Trail Sec. 2 to Jardine’s Lookout 渣甸山.

In just about half an hour time and you will already be there. Now enjoy your first reward! 

Then follow on the trail and make your descent for about half a kilometer until you reach the Jardine’s North Catchwater, turn left (if you keep straight you will be heading to Mount Butler and Siu Ma Shan) and follow on the catchwater for just less than 500 meters and pay attention to your right for the stairs, as you need to make it down to Mount Butler Rd. 

Turn right on Mount Butler Rd. and soon it will connect to Sir Cecil’s Ride 金督馳馬徑. First part of Sir Cecil’s Ride 金督馳馬徑 is the concrete road, you will have to turn left into the second part of it, which is the hiking path. There is a sign but it is in Chinese, so take note of the little signage with the arrow to the left. 

Approximately one kilometer into the second part of Sir Cecil’s Ride 金督馳馬徑, there’s a nice photo spot on your left where you can have a great view of the city. 

From there, you are quite close to Red Incense Burner Summit 紅香爐峰, turn on your Hiking Trail HK App and find your way to the summit, it is not difficult to find at all. There are a few splits but they will all lead you to the top, follow the colorful ribbons.  

Once you get up to Red Incense Burner Summit 紅香爐峰, I guarantee your jaw will drop as the view you are getting is just unbelievable. To me, that’s definitely the best place to admire this beautiful city. 

Red Incense Burner Summit 紅香爐峰 is also a very popular place to watch sunset. On a clear beautiful day, you will see many photographers and instagrammers rushing to the top, securing the limited good spots for capturing the magical sunset moments. 

If you are a sunset lover, get up there at least 1 hour before sunset, get a perfect spot, enjoy your break, and immerse yourself in one of the most stunning scenery you will get in Hong Kong.

“ A sunrise or sunset can be ablaze with brilliance and arouse all the passion, all the yearning, in the soul of the beholder. ”

– Mary Balogh