Photo: Underwaterbuffalo / CC BY-SA 4.0
Lantau North Country Park sprawls across the rugged northern slopes of Lantau Island, offering a wild escape from Hong Kong’s urban buzz. This park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with trails that wind through dense woodlands, past ancient monasteries, and up to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the South China Sea. The park’s remote feel is punctuated by the occasional clatter of a bamboo grove or the calls of exotic birds, making it a serene counterpoint to the nearby Disneyland and Tung Chung development.
Highlights & What to See
- Sunset Peak (869m): Hong Kong’s third-highest peak, offering a challenging hike and breathtaking sunset views over the island chain.
- Lantau Trail (Section 1 & 2): The park is traversed by the first two sections of this iconic 70-km trail, passing through shady forests and open ridgelines with sea views.
- Po Lin Monastery & the Big Buddha: While located just outside the park boundary, the monastery and its towering bronze Buddha are a must-see cultural stop, easily combined with a hike.
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car: Glide over the park’s hills on this scenic cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, offering aerial views of the park and the airport.
- Ancient Lantau Tea House: A restored 1950s tea house in the hills, where you can sample traditional Chinese teas and snacks in a tranquil garden setting.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors dedicate a full day to Lantau North Country Park. Half-day hikers can tackle a single section of the Lantau Trail (allow 3–4 hours), while those wanting to bag Sunset Peak and visit the monastery should start early and plan for 6–8 hours. Overnight camping is possible at designated sites, allowing a two-day itinerary to explore the park more deeply. Combine with a morning at Tai O fishing village or Cheung Chau Island for a complete Lantau experience.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Tung Chung: Gateway to the park, with the cable car, a shopping mall, and ferry connections to Central.
- Tai O Fishing Village: A historic stilt-house village on Lantau’s west coast, famous for its seafood and sunset views.
- Cheung Chau Island: A short ferry ride away, this car-free island offers beaches, hiking, and the famous bun-snatching festival.
- Hong Kong Disneyland: Just a few minutes from the park’s entrance, perfect for a family day out before or after hiking.
- Mui Wo: A laid-back coastal town with a beach, restaurants, and ferry to Central, ideal for a post-hike meal.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car — Fitri Agung aka fitri.agung on Flickr. / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Po Lin Monastery & Big Buddha — Fitri Agung aka fitri.agung on Flickr. / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Hong Kong Disneyland — kevgibbo / CC BY 2.0
- Lantau Trail — CC BY-SA 3.0