As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, the sunrise on New Year's Day symbolizes vitality, renewal, and beauty. Every year, we gather with friends to welcome the start of a new year. Here, we recommend three distinctly different routes — easy, moderate, and challenging — to give you some ideas. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, safe travels, good health, and, as always: Go Hong Kongers!
Practical Information:
Sunrise Time: 7:02 am
Sunrise Direction: Southeast
Recommended Gear: Windbreaker, long pants, hiking shoes, headlamp, drinks, food, camera, trekking poles, etc.
Safety Tips: Read the map and information carefully before departure, allow extra time, never go alone — go with companions.
A Thousand Sails in View: The Mirror-like Sky at Pak Sha Wan
No need to hike up a mountain, yet you can enjoy breathtaking sea views. In the distance, rows of white sailboats and yachts dot the calm bay like stars in the sky, and on breezy days, you might even catch beautiful reflections. The nearby hills are gentle and pose no obstruction to the view. On a clear day, it’s not hard to admire a spectacular sunrise.
Scenic Rating: ★★★☆☆
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Transport: Taxi or self-drive, alight at Pak Sha Wan Pier
Distance: About 100 metres
Time: 1 minute walk
Views: Sea, village, sailboats.
Note: Be cautious near the sea.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/dioLZEUnFHg8EKbC6
A Bay with a Thousand Sails
Sunrise with Clouds
Reflections after the Rain
Beautiful Weather
100-metre Walk
Unique Rocks in a Strange Land: The Bizarre Stones of Ha Pak Teng Summit
The Ha Pak Teng Summit at the southern tip of Hong Kong Island is an off-the-beaten-path attraction, often overlooked due to unclear trails and lack of leisure facilities. Yet the mountain is covered with weathered boulders, the most famous of which is the Rhino Rock — uniquely shaped, majestic, and full of charm. The view from the summit is expansive, featuring lush mountains and clear waters, making it a truly scenic hilltop.
Scenic Rating: ★★★★☆
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Transport: Taxi or self-drive, alight at the army barracks entrance on Wong Ma Kok Road
Distance: About 800 metres
Time: 30-minute walk
Scenery: Sea views, unusual rocks, small islands.
Note: The distance is short, but the path is not very clear—you’ll need to find your way through rocky thickets.
Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31615308
Rocks everywhere
A military camp is not far away
A rock that strikingly resembles a rhinoceros in both form and spirit
Weaving through massive boulders
The entrance is here
Magnificent mountain and sea views: Discovery Bay Sky City
Built along the coast, Discovery Bay features distinctive architecture, making it feel like you’re in a foreign city. Hike up the mountain trails and summits behind the town for a bird’s-eye view of the entire coastline. When the skyscrapers’ lights haven’t yet gone out and the sun hasn’t risen during the blue hour, that’s when the view is most magical. The viewing platform is a simple pavilion with an already breathtaking panorama—but there’s a small path behind it leading to another hilltop offering a completely unobstructed 360-degree view, making it well worth exploring.
Scenic Rating: ★★★★★
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Transportation: There is a 24-hour ferry service from Central Pier 3, with a journey time of about 25 minutes
Distance: Approximately 1.6 km
Time: Around 60 minutes on foot
Scenery: Sea views, building views, mountains, coastline.
Note: The hike is a bit longer, there are no facilities, so bring plenty of water. Some sections of the path are more challenging.
Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31615311
Golden sunrise light
Breathtaking scenery
Mountain pavilion
Azaleas by the trail
Vast landscape
Hiking trail entrance
About Homeless Photography:
Homeless Photography is a photography trio formed by Louie, Tony, and Brother LuenC. They are professional photographers, photography instructors, columnists, travel enthusiasts, and aurora experts. Their bestselling books have won the Hong Kong Biennial Awards and the Hong Kong Golden Book Award. Their latest work is "World Photography Tour: Iceland's Dreamlike Landscapes."
Homeless Photography Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/WanderingPhotography
Homeless Photography Website:
http://www.wanderphotohk.com/