Lantau Trail

Stretching 70 km around the wild, mountainous heart of Lantau Island, the Lantau Trail is Hong Kong’s answer to a long-distance wilderness walk. This well-marked loop offers a dramatic contrast to the city’s neon-lit streets, leading you through dense forest, past ancient monasteries, and up to the rocky summit of Lantau Peak – the second-highest point in Hong Kong. Whether you tackle the whole thing over a couple of days or just sample a section, the trail delivers sweeping views of the South China Sea and a genuine sense of escape.

Highlights & What to See

• Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan) – The trail’s toughest but most rewarding climb; summit for sunrise to see the sea of clouds rolling over the islands.
• Po Lin Monastery & Big Buddha – A cultural detour near the trail’s western section; the 34-metre bronze Tian Tan Buddha is an iconic sight.
• Ngong Ping 360 – Ride the cable car over the mountains for a bird’s-eye view of the trail’s terrain (or hike down from the village).
• Cheung Sha Beach – A long, sandy stretch where the trail hugs the coast; perfect for a cooling dip or a seafood lunch.
• Tai O Fishing Village – A short side-trip from the trail’s western end; wander stilt houses and sample dried seafood.
• Sunset Peak (Yi Tung Shan) – The third-highest peak on Lantau; the grassy slopes here are a favourite for camping and sunset photography.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most hikers split the full loop into two days, staying overnight at one of the trailside campsites or at a village hostel. Day-trippers can tackle the challenging 9-km Section 2 (from Pak Kung Au to Ngong Ping) in 4–5 hours, which includes Lantau Peak. For a shorter taste, the 4.5-km walk from Ngong Ping to Tai O takes about 1.5 hours and mixes mountain views with cultural stops. Allow at least a full day if you plan to combine a hike with visits to Po Lin Monastery and Tai O.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Discovery Bay – A waterfront resort community with restaurants and a beach; accessible by ferry from Central or from the trail’s northern end.
• Mui Wo – The trail’s main gateway; a laid-back village with ferry connections to Central, plus a few cafés and a night market on weekends.
• Hong Kong Disneyland – Located on northern Lantau; a fun contrast to the trail’s natural serenity, reachable by MTR from Sunny Bay.
• Tung Chung – The modern town at the trail’s start/end point; has a large outlet mall and easy links to the airport and city.
• Peng Chau Island – A tiny, car-free island a short ferry ride from Mui Wo; explore its fishing harbour and family-run seafood restaurants.

Please check official sources for current details.