Field guide
Options for running in Hong Kong’s parks and trails
A practical guide to running in Hong Kong. Find information on the wide, level Lugard Road path and the strenuous, undulating Dragon's Back trail.
Hong Kong provides distinct environments for running and hiking. Visitors can choose between level, circular paths with city views or more demanding ridgetop trails in country parks.
For a challenging trail run, Dragon's Back offers an undulating path with a strenuous ascent. For a more controlled run or walk, the Hong Kong Trail includes a wide, level section with harbor overlooks.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon's Back | Not listed | Not listed | Ridgetop path cuts through some treacherous terrain |
| Lugard Road and Hong Kong Trail | 2.2 km; 7 km | Not listed | Wide level walk |
Dragon's Back
This trail is an undulating ridgetop path located in Shek O Country Park. The route cuts through some treacherous terrain and the ascent to Shek O Peak is quite strenuous. The trail offers views of Shek O, Big Wave Bay, Tung Lung Chau, and the Red Hill Peninsula.
Shek O Country Park contains facilities including public toilets, barbecue areas, and rain shelters. These are located near the Big Wave Bay Picnic Area, Shek O Cape Picnic Area, and Shek O Beach.
- Type of place
- Undulating ridgetop trail
- Location
- Between Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak, within Shek O Country Park
- Associated peak
- Shek O Peak
- Terrain type
- Ridgetop path cuts through some treacherous terrain
- Difficulty of ascent to Shek O Peak
- Quite strenuous
- Public toilets
- Available in Shek O Country Park (near Big Wave Bay Picnic Area, Shek O Cape Picnic Area, Shek O Beach)
- Trail description
- Rolls up and down like the back ridge of the legendary beast
- Views from vantage point
- Splendid vistas across Shek O, Big Wave Bay and Tung Lung Chau
Source: Shek O (afcd.gov.hk). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Running and hiking the Dragon's Back trail
Lugard Road and Hong Kong Trail
This circular hill path includes sections of the Hong Kong Trail. Stage 1 of the trail is a 7 km route that takes about 2 hours to complete. The Lugard Road section of Stage 1 is a wide level walk with views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline. Stage 2 is 4.5 km and takes about 1.5 hours.
The end of Harlech Road on Stage 1 provides panoramic views of Lamma Island and southwestern Hong Kong Island. The area also includes the Pok Fu Lam Tree Walk, which is 2.2 km and takes about 45 minutes to finish.
- Type of path
- Circular hill path
- Pok Fu Lam Tree Walk length
- 2.2 km
- Hong Kong Trail Stage 1 length
- 7 km
- Hong Kong Trail Stage 2 length and time
- 4.5 km, takes about 1.5 hours
- Hong Kong Trail Stage 1 (Lugard Road section) surface
- Wide level walk
- Pok Fu Lam Tree Walk completion time
- About 45 minutes
- Hong Kong Trail Stage 1 completion time
- About 2 hours
- Views from Harlech Road (Hong Kong Trail Stage 1)
- Spectacular view of Victoria Harbour
Source: Pok Fu Lam (afcd.gov.hk). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Assess the difficulty of the trail, as some ascents are strenuous and terrain can be treacherous.
- Plan your route distance and expected time using the provided trail stage information.
- Choose a path based on its surface, from wide level walks to undulating ridgetop paths.
- Note the location of public toilets and rain shelters, particularly within Shek O Country Park.
- Be aware of other park users near facilities like barbecue and picnic areas.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.