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Written by South China Morning Post (Morning Studio)
Lung Fu Shan Country Park — the smallest of the city’s 24 country parks, situated on the western slopes of The Peak on Hong Kong Island — offers a quick, relaxing escape from hectic city life. This 47-hectare oasis features tree-shrouded paved heritage trails, sprawling grassy picnic areas and lush woodlands, which are perfect for forest bathing (the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku). It involves immersing yourself in the sights, scents and sounds of nature while walking unhurriedly along the secluded Pik Shan Path that connects to Lung Fung Shan Country Park. The park is also a very popular destination for those keen to enjoy a relaxing early morning hike and families looking for a quick weekend getaway. Follow the clear trail signs to the grassy areas beside the old fort and wartime defences at Pinewood Battery, and further uphill to enjoy magnificent views across Victoria Harbour.
Feature Stories
Refuel
Many refreshment kiosks and stalls offering treats including gelato can be found close to the Peak Tram Station on The Peak.
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Pik Shan Path
From Kotewall Road, walk towards Pik Shan Path to start your forest bathing experience. Relax as you walk unhurriedly along the forest-shrouded paved pathway and let your senses savour the feel, sights, smells and sounds of your surroundings. You will soon find yourself soothed by bursts of birdsong and the rhythmical buzzing of thousands of cicadas in the trees overhead. Fluttering butterflies hover around as you stroll along and listen to the gentle burbling of the Lung Fu Stream. You will feel relaxed and rejuvenated — and also be amazed at how fast your surroundings have transformed from a city street into this peaceful pathway flanked by a lustrous green forest. The woodland areas in Lung Fu Shan are home to many native trees including the stunning white-blossomed Hong Kong Gordonia (Polyspora axillaris), and wildlife including 115 species of birds, such as the striking Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum). The pathway also passes a red-brick wall — once part of a now-defunct Water Supplies Department facility — where an ivy tree has established its roots.
Find a quiet spot away from the crowd and tune in to your senses of sight and smell, while listening to the sounds of nature.
Get me there
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Lung Fu Shan
As you come to a sign to Hatton Road and Pinewood Battery, the route becomes steeper. A ‘happy Buddha’ relief on the slope, formally part of a temple, greets you at the top of the steps to the foot of Lung Fu Shan. Follow the sign up to the Lung Fu Pavilion, the hill’s highest point to enjoy stunning views of Pok Fu Lam, the harbour and Lantau. This is a favoured spot among Instagram enthusiasts.
Get me there
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Pinewood Battery
The Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail leads to a vast area that is home to the Pinewood Battery. This old sea-facing fort was built 307 metres above sea level in 1903, and commands excellent sea views. It was the highest of all coastal defence batteries in the city. Air-defence fortifications were added from the 1920s, which formed part of the city’s Second World War defences. Heavily shelled by Japanese artillery and later evacuated, the original gun emplacement and shelters remain beside grass lawns, which are a peaceful and relaxing spot frequented by families with young children.
Follow the ‘Dos & Don’ts for War Relic Visiting ’ while here. Some of the sites may have been abandoned for more than half a century; to prevent further damage and for the sake of safety, please do not venture into unstable tunnels and ruins.
Get me there
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Lugard Road
If you leave the Pinewood Battery area by taking Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail you will soon reach Hatton Road, the site of a picnic area, before a gradual ascent to Lugard Road. This narrow road, built between 1913 and 1914, is named after Sir Frederick Lugard, the 14th governor of Hong Kong. It forms part of the Peak Trail. At weekends, this relaxing 3.5 km route, dotted with evergreen India rubber trees, attracts many to enjoy the superb day, sunset and night views of Victoria Harbour from 400 metres above sea level and, in the spring, see the city enveloped in mist.
Get me there
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The Peak Tram
This is one of the city’s most recognisable and popular attractions, which first went into service in 1888. The steep 1.27km-long journey — rising from 28 to 396 metres above sea level, with a gradient of four to 25.7 degrees — normally lasts about 10 minutes and offers passengers a range of spectacular views and photo opportunities. The single journey is the quickest way to travel between The Peak and the city. After a substantial upgrade project, the sixth generation Peak Tram has been meticulously designed to preserve the heritage of previous generations, with new vehicles doubling passenger capacity and a renovated waiting area offering greater comfort in the works.
Get me there
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Dining Option
Peak Galleria and The Peak Tower
Peak Galleria and The Peak Tower offer a wide selection of restaurants that suit all budgets and tastes, with Asian and European offerings such as fresh oysters and steaks, pizzas and pasta, noodles and fast-food selections.
Get me there
Transport
Getting to Pik Shan Path:
Pik Shan Path can be reached on foot from MTR Sai Ying Pun Station or MTR HKU Station. But a simpler way is to take bus 13 from City Hall (Central) to Kotewall Road (Mid-Levels). This is an end-to-end bus route so you need not worry about missing the stop. After alighting from the bus, walk uphill along Kotewall Road. One of the entrances to Pik Shan Path is located next to the Kotewall Road Public Toilet.
Leaving from The Peak:
After ending your journey at the Peak Galleria or The Peak Tower, you can make a dramatic descent while enjoying the breathtaking views and excitement of riding on the iconic Peak Tram to Central. Alternatively, you can take bus 15 or X15 or minibus 1 from the Peak Galleria to return to MTR Central and Hong Kong stations.
More Routes
Written by South China Morning Post (Morning Studio)
Lung Fu Shan Country Park — the smallest of the city’s 24 country parks, situated on the western slopes of The Peak on Hong Kong Island — offers a quick, relaxing escape from hectic city life. This 47-hectare oasis features tree-shrouded paved heritage trails, sprawling grassy picnic areas and lush woodlands, which are perfect for forest bathing (the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku). It involves immersing yourself in the sights, scents and sounds of nature while walking unhurriedly along the secluded Pik Shan Path that connects to Lung Fung Shan Country Park. The park is also a very popular destination for those keen to enjoy a relaxing early morning hike and families looking for a quick weekend getaway. Follow the clear trail signs to the grassy areas beside the old fort and wartime defences at Pinewood Battery, and further uphill to enjoy magnificent views across Victoria Harbour.
Feature Stories
Refuel
Many refreshment kiosks and stalls offering treats including gelato can be found close to the Peak Tram Station on The Peak.
Pik Shan Path
From Kotewall Road, walk towards Pik Shan Path to start your forest bathing experience. Relax as you walk unhurriedly along the forest-shrouded paved pathway and let your senses savour the feel, sights, smells and sounds of your surroundings. You will soon find yourself soothed by bursts of birdsong and the rhythmical buzzing of thousands of cicadas in the trees overhead. Fluttering butterflies hover around as you stroll along and listen to the gentle burbling of the Lung Fu Stream. You will feel relaxed and rejuvenated — and also be amazed at how fast your surroundings have transformed from a city street into this peaceful pathway flanked by a lustrous green forest. The woodland areas in Lung Fu Shan are home to many native trees including the stunning white-blossomed Hong Kong Gordonia (Polyspora axillaris), and wildlife including 115 species of birds, such as the striking Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum). The pathway also passes a red-brick wall — once part of a now-defunct Water Supplies Department facility — where an ivy tree has established its roots.
Find a quiet spot away from the crowd and tune in to your senses of sight and smell, while listening to the sounds of nature.
Lung Fu Shan
As you come to a sign to Hatton Road and Pinewood Battery, the route becomes steeper. A ‘happy Buddha’ relief on the slope, formally part of a temple, greets you at the top of the steps to the foot of Lung Fu Shan. Follow the sign up to the Lung Fu Pavilion, the hill’s highest point to enjoy stunning views of Pok Fu Lam, the harbour and Lantau. This is a favoured spot among Instagram enthusiasts.
Pinewood Battery
The Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail leads to a vast area that is home to the Pinewood Battery. This old sea-facing fort was built 307 metres above sea level in 1903, and commands excellent sea views. It was the highest of all coastal defence batteries in the city. Air-defence fortifications were added from the 1920s, which formed part of the city’s Second World War defences. Heavily shelled by Japanese artillery and later evacuated, the original gun emplacement and shelters remain beside grass lawns, which are a peaceful and relaxing spot frequented by families with young children.
Follow the ‘Dos & Don’ts for War Relic Visiting ’ while here. Some of the sites may have been abandoned for more than half a century; to prevent further damage and for the sake of safety, please do not venture into unstable tunnels and ruins.
Lugard Road
If you leave the Pinewood Battery area by taking Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail you will soon reach Hatton Road, the site of a picnic area, before a gradual ascent to Lugard Road. This narrow road, built between 1913 and 1914, is named after Sir Frederick Lugard, the 14th governor of Hong Kong. It forms part of the Peak Trail. At weekends, this relaxing 3.5 km route, dotted with evergreen India rubber trees, attracts many to enjoy the superb day, sunset and night views of Victoria Harbour from 400 metres above sea level and, in the spring, see the city enveloped in mist.
The Peak Tram
This is one of the city’s most recognisable and popular attractions, which first went into service in 1888. The steep 1.27km-long journey — rising from 28 to 396 metres above sea level, with a gradient of four to 25.7 degrees — normally lasts about 10 minutes and offers passengers a range of spectacular views and photo opportunities. The single journey is the quickest way to travel between The Peak and the city. After a substantial upgrade project, the sixth generation Peak Tram has been meticulously designed to preserve the heritage of previous generations, with new vehicles doubling passenger capacity and a renovated waiting area offering greater comfort in the works.
Peak Galleria and The Peak Tower
Peak Galleria and The Peak Tower offer a wide selection of restaurants that suit all budgets and tastes, with Asian and European offerings such as fresh oysters and steaks, pizzas and pasta, noodles and fast-food selections.
Transport
Getting to Pik Shan Path:
Pik Shan Path can be reached on foot from MTR Sai Ying Pun Station or MTR HKU Station. But a simpler way is to take bus 13 from City Hall (Central) to Kotewall Road (Mid-Levels). This is an end-to-end bus route so you need not worry about missing the stop. After alighting from the bus, walk uphill along Kotewall Road. One of the entrances to Pik Shan Path is located next to the Kotewall Road Public Toilet.
Leaving from The Peak:
After ending your journey at the Peak Galleria or The Peak Tower, you can make a dramatic descent while enjoying the breathtaking views and excitement of riding on the iconic Peak Tram to Central. Alternatively, you can take bus 15 or X15 or minibus 1 from the Peak Galleria to return to MTR Central and Hong Kong stations.
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