Tai Mo Shan – Conquering the Highest Peak in Hong Kong

Rising 957 metres above sea level, the frequently cloud-covered Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak and is visible from many parts of the city. Despite its elevation, Tai Mo Shan is accessible by foot, with several hiking trails meandering around the summit. Climb up for panoramic views, a sea of clouds, winter frosts, and colourful seasonal blooms of flowers. Hiking Tai Mo Shan once isn’t enough as the view changes according to seasons, and there are many different trails you can take – each offering its own unique experiences.

I only managed to hike Tai Mo Shan once during my previous trip to Hong Kong in May, so I did the most straightforward route up to the peak. If you are there around February or early March, check out the Rotary Park near the entrance of Tai Mo Shan Country Park before you hike uphill on Tai Mo Shan Road. This park features groves of cherry blossom trees from Taiwan during these two months.

Before beginning your hike, you can also check out the exhibition gallery at the visitor centre. The information helps you explore more about Tai Mo Shan’s forests and climate change issues, and offers different hiking trails that you can experience.

I followed the gentle ascent on a paved path that winds up the southern slope of Tai Mo Shan and continued uphill on Tai Mo Shan Road until I arrived at the Tai Mo Shan Lookout. If the weather is clear, you will be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding hillsides as well as the plains to the west. I’ve heard that if you hike this part of Tai Mo Shan in autumn, you can see beautiful silvergrass and aromatic madder that grow along the slope.

Tai Mo Shan is topped by the Hong Kong Observatory’s weather radar station. When its gigantic sphere comes into sight, you’ll know that you’re almost at the peak. At 950 metres, this is also the highest overlook in Hong Kong. On a clear day, it offers expansive views in all directions.

Remember to bring extra clothes as the temperature on the windy peak is about 5 to 6 degrees Celsius cooler than the city. Don’t forget to pack sufficient snacks and drinks before going for the hike. If you are lucky, you might see a sea of clouds from the mountaintop in spring. Such phenomenon usually occurs just after rain, or about two hours before sunrise.

If you do not have enough time for many hikes in Hong Kong, or if it’s your first visit to Hong Kong, I highly recommend just conquering the Tai Mo Shan hike.

Tai Mo Shan
Directions: From MTR Tsuen Wan Station Exit A, walk to the bus stop on Tai Ho Road North. Take bus 51 to the Country Park stop. The entrance of the country park is on Tai Mo Shan Road.
Duration of Hike: Approximately 4 hours (for the route that I took)
Level of Difficulty: 2/5 (It can get pretty hot because the trail is not sheltered.)