Lion Rock is the hill Hong Kong people feel most attached to. Seen from Kowloon, its granite summit looks like a lion crouching on the ridge, and it rises to a little under 500 metres in Lion Rock Country Park, between Kowloon and Sha Tin. In the 1970s a television drama called Below the Lion Rock, about ordinary families struggling to make a living in the city below, gave its name to a theme song that became an unofficial anthem, and the phrase Lion Rock spirit still stands for the hard work and solidarity that built modern Hong Kong. Climbing it is a rite of passage for locals, and for visitors it offers one of the finest views in the territory: from the lion's head, the whole of Kowloon is spread out below, a carpet of towers running down to Victoria Harbour, with the skyline of Hong Kong Island and the Peak beyond and the old airport runway at Kai Tak to the east. The hike is short but steep. Most people start from the Wong Tai Sin area, walking up the road towards Sha Tin Pass and joining the trail, which climbs on stone steps through woodland to the ridge, then follows it to the summit. The route forms part of the MacLehose Trail, Hong Kong's long-distance path. Allow two to three hours for the round trip at a steady pace. The steps are relentless and there is little shade near the top, so it is a real workout in summer; in the cooler, clearer months it is a superb half-day. Some hikers time the climb for sunset to watch the city lights come on, which means descending with a torch. The summit rocks have steep drops, so take care, and do not climb beyond the barriers for photographs. The hike is free, and it combines naturally with Wong Tai Sin Temple at the bottom.
Route options: the most popular approach starts near Wong Tai Sin MTR station, following the road uphill towards Sha Tin Pass, where a trail leads up to the ridge and along to the lion's head. Other paths approach from different sides of the hill, but the Sha Tin Pass route is the easiest to follow. Descend the same way or continue along the ridge towards Beacon Hill or Amah Rock and descend to Tai Wai on the Sha Tin side, taking the MTR back; this longer route is for more experienced hikers. Use a hiking app or the government's country parks maps, and start early to finish before the heat.
When to go: October to March offers the coolest temperatures and clearest air, which makes all the difference to the view. Avoid the climb on hot, humid days in summer unless you start at dawn, and stay away in thunderstorms, heavy rain warnings and typhoon signals, when the rocks are slippery and exposed. Weekends are busy on the summit, especially around sunset, so a weekday gives you more space.
What to bring: plenty of water, sun protection, proper shoes with grip and a light layer for the windy summit. If you plan to watch sunset, carry a head torch for the descent. There are no shops on the trail. After the hike, visit Wong Tai Sin Temple or Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, both close by, or reward yourself with a meal in nearby Kowloon City, known for its Thai and Chiu Chow restaurants.
What to expect
The experience
A short, steep hike on stone steps and rocky paths to the summit of Lion Rock, with sweeping views over Kowloon, the harbour and Hong Kong Island.
Best time
October to March, early in the morning or for sunset with a torch for the descent.
How long
Two to three hours round trip.
Tips
Start from the Wong Tai Sin side. Bring plenty of water and proper shoes. Stay behind the barriers at the summit. Avoid summer heat, storms and typhoon signals.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The best view of Kowloon and a short but serious workout.
- Families
- Only for fit older children used to hiking; the steps are steep and the summit has drops.
- Couples
- A sunset climb with the city lights coming on below.
- Pair with
- Wong Tai Sin Temple or Chi Lin Nunnery, both close to the trailhead.
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel.
Good questions
How hard is the Lion Rock hike?+
Short but steep, with many stone steps and some rocky sections near the summit. Moderately fit hikers manage it in two to three hours round trip.
Where does the hike start?+
Most hikers start near Wong Tai Sin MTR station and walk up towards Sha Tin Pass to join the trail to the ridge.
What is the Lion Rock spirit?+
A phrase from a 1970s television drama and its theme song, standing for the hard work and solidarity of ordinary Hong Kong people.
Can I hike it at sunset?+
Yes, many do, but bring a head torch for the descent and allow plenty of time, as the steps are steep in the dark.
When should I avoid it?+
On very hot days, in thunderstorms or heavy rain, and when a typhoon signal is in force.
