Field guide
Running and hiking the Dragon’s Back trail
Official information for runners and hikers on the Dragon's Back trail in Hong Kong. Learn about the terrain, views, and facilities in Shek O Country Park.
The Dragon's Back is an undulating ridgetop trail located within Shek O Country Park. The path runs between Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak, with a course that rolls up and down.
This guide covers official details about the trail's terrain and difficulty. It also includes information on the views and public facilities available in the park.
Official facts at a glance
- 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
- Views from uplands
- Dreamy landscapes and seascapes of Big Wave Bay and Shek O
- Overlooks
- Red Hill Peninsula
- Other facilities in Shek O Country Park
- Barbecue and picnic areas, rain shelters, barbecue stoves
Source: Shek O (afcd.gov.hk). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The trail and its terrain
The route is a ridgetop path that cuts through some treacherous terrain. The ascent to the associated Shek O Peak is officially rated as quite strenuous, which runners and hikers should factor into their plans.
Views from the trail
From vantage points along the trail, there are vistas across Shek O, Big Wave Bay, and Tung Lung Chau. The uplands provide landscapes and seascapes of Big Wave Bay and Shek O, and the route also overlooks the Red Hill Peninsula.
Facilities in Shek O Country Park
Public toilets are available in the park near the Big Wave Bay Picnic Area, Shek O Cape Picnic Area, and Shek O Beach. Other facilities include barbecue and picnic areas, rain shelters, and barbecue stoves.
Before you go
- The ascent to Shek O Peak is officially described as quite strenuous.
- Be prepared for a ridgetop path that includes some treacherous terrain.
- The trail is an undulating route that rolls up and down.
- Public toilets are located in specific areas of Shek O Country Park.
- Rain shelters are available within the park for public use.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Hong Kong. All cities: City running and hiking guides.