Shek O Country Park

Shek O Country Park

Shek O Country Park is a country park in Hong Kong, located in the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island and administratively part of Southern District. Covering an area of 701 hectares, it is connected to Tai Tam Country Park. The park extends from Cape Collinson in the north to Cape D'Aguilar in the south. There are three hiking trails within the park that connect Tai Tam Road and Cape Collinson, offering views of Stanley, Tai Tam, Shek O, and nearby outlying islands.

Established in 1979, Shek O Country Park features three interconnected hiking trails: Section 7 of the Hong Kong Trail descends from Tai Tam Road along the water channel to To Tei Wan Village; Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail traverses the Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay; and the Pottinger Peak Country Trail runs from Ma Tung Au to Cape Collinson Road. Each trail offers stunning scenery, with distant views of Stanley, Tai Tam, Shek O, and the outlying islands, as well as breathtaking vistas of the Tai Tam Bay landscape. It has long been a popular spot for nearby residents’ morning exercises and for city dwellers seeking hiking and nature experiences.

The most famous feature of Shek O Country Park is the undulating mountain path between Cloudy Hill and High West—known as the Dragon’s Back. To access this hiking trail, choose Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail. This is the final and most mountainous section of the Hong Kong Trail.

Starting from Shek O Road, follow the winding trail along the stream and climb up to High West along the ridge. The terrain is rugged, and along the way, you can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding bays. The winding, hill-like path is the origin of the name "Dragon’s Back," and from here, you can admire the beautiful scenery of Shek O, Big Wave Bay, and even Tung Lung Chau from excellent vantage points. Next, venture deep into the woods, where streams are abundant, creating a tranquil environment starkly different from the majestic views before. From Ma Tung Au to Big Wave Bay, gaze at the surging coastline and appreciate the enchanting scenery—it’s truly refreshing. The entire Hong Kong Trail section ends at Big Wave Bay. In November 2004, the Dragon’s Back trail was selected by Time Magazine (Asia Edition) as the “Best Urban Hiking Trail in Asia.”

Transportation Guide

Location: Shek O Road, Eastern District, Hong Kong

Getting There: Take franchised minibus routes 16M or 16X, or New World First Bus routes 388 or 9