Sunset Peak

Gorgeous sunsets seen from the 869-metre Sunset Peak give the third highest peak in Hong Kong its name and fame. With seas of silvergrass, rustic stone huts and expansive seascapes, the magic hour here is revered by hikers and photographers alike.

Starting Point — Pak Kung Au

Your hiking journey begins at this pass between Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak. From here you have a good view of Tung Chung to the north and the sandy shoreline of Cheung Sha to the south. Look for the signpost for Lantau Trail Stage 2 at the lush picnic site.

Lantau Trail

This is the only uphill climb of the hike — a mounting of over 450 metres, and it’s well worth the effort. Much of the ascent is shaded. As you reach higher altitudes, the trees are gradually replaced by shrubs and tall grass, offering open views in all directions.

Sunset Peak & Yi Tung Shan

As you saunter on the ridge between Sunset Peak and its sister peak Yi Tung Shan, the interplay of sunlight, clouds and rustling silvergrass will mesmerise. In the winter months, the seas of silvergrass turn golden, lighting up the surrounding slopes. Check out the stone huts at Lantau Mountain Camp built almost a century ago by early British missionaries.

Photo tips by Will Cho

Remember the rule of thirds. Put the horizon and the ridge on the two imaginary horizontal lines, and the sun and the featured person on the two vertical lines for a balanced photo.

* Landscape photographer nicknamed ‘Prince of the Galaxy’; winner of the Viewers’ Choice Award of National Geographic Hong Kong 's photo contest in 2013

Nam Shan

Continue on Lantau Trail Stage 2 to descend to Nam Shan. Walk carefully on the flight of stone steps.

#ExitPoint
If you choose to end the hike here, you can take bus 1, 2, 3M or 4 to Mui Wo, or 3M to MTR Tung Chung Station, at the bus stop on South Lantau Road.

Luk Tei Tong Watch Tower

Turn into the village path between Nam Shan and Mui Wo. Walk for 20 minutes, and a sturdy granite watch tower comes into sight. It was built by the villagers to defend the village against bandits and pirates.

Mui Wo

Keep walking on the village path and you will reach the town of Mui Wo in 15 minutes.

End point — Silver Mine Bay

If you’ve still got energy, continue on the seaside path for a swim at the beautiful beach.

Trail photos provided by HK Discovery.

Info

Area:: Islands District
Starting point:: Pak Kung Au
End point:: Silver Mine Bay
Average hiking / cycling time:: About 4 hours
Distance:: Approximately 9 km
Replenishing stations:: There are no kiosks along the way, so it’s best to stock up at Tung Chung before the hike. There are lots of cafés, restaurants and local eateries in Mui Wo after the hike.
Difficulty:: Difficult
Substantial ascent in the first half of the trail and exposed environment on the ridge

How to get there

To the starting point:
From MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, take bus 3M, 11 or 23 at Tung Chung Bus Terminus and get off at Pak Kung Au.

From the end point:

At Mui Wo Bus Terminus, take bus 3M to MTR Tung Chung Station; or
at Mui Wo Ferry Pier, take the ferry to Central.

For the ferry schedule, please refer to the Transport Department website.

See what's nearby

Sunset Peak

Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Hong Kong Wetland Park and Tsim Bei Tsui

Peak Circle Walk