Lion Rock, Hong Kong: Address, Lion Rock Reviews: 4.5/5
Lion Rock
4.5
About
At 1624 feet tall this is one of Hong Kong's most recognizable landmarks.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Wong Tai Sin District
How to get there
- Lok Fu • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,973 within 3 miles
Neighbourhood Cafe
2
0.2 mi$ • Chinese
Lion Rock Bistro
46
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • European
Xia Mian Guan (Lok Fu Shopping Centre)
23
0.4 mi$
Yo Li
16
0.5 miAsian • Korean
Morse Food Plaza
2
0.4 mi$ • Chinese
Oyster Station Snack & Oyster Bar (Lok Fu)
12
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Diner
Sidewalk Cafe (Lok Fu)
13
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Pizza • Cafe
Euro Go Go
12
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Pizza • Cafe
Kam Kee Cafe (Franki Centre)
5
0.4 miChinese • European • Central European
Itamama Bistro
2
0.4 miCentral-Italian
Attractions
587 within 6 miles
Lion Rock Country Park
101
0.5 miParks
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
1,605
0.5 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Lok Fu Plaza
47
0.4 miShopping Malls • Farmers Markets
Star Ferry
24,467
Ferries
Nan Lian Garden
4,155
1.3 miParks
Hong Kong Skyline
14,725
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Chi Lin Nunnery
3,345
1.3 miArchitectural Buildings • Gardens
Wong Tai Sin Temple Spring Festival Ceremony
94
0.6 miCultural Events
Kowloon City
332
0.9 miNeighborhoods
Festival Walk
211
0.8 miShopping Malls
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
104 reviews
Excellent
63
Very good
35
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mairwen1
United Kingdom5,152 contributions
Mar 2021
What an amazing walk – this has to be the most stunning walk in Hong Kong. The stark granite peak is incredibly striking and the views from this 495 metre point over Hong Kong, Kowloon, Shatin and the New Territories are just breathtaking. It’s like standing on top of the world.
An added fun aspect to the walk was seeing macaque monkeys along the way.
Overall, it’s a challenging walk and you definitely want to do it in the cooler months if you can, not in the middle of summer. You also want to do it on a clear day because there’s no way you want to sweat your way to the top and find those incredible views obscured by haze or fog.
Most importantly, go prepared. Water, snacks, hat and sunscreen are absolute essentials. Be aware that there is nowhere to refill water bottles so take enough with you. You also want good shoes with grip because some of the paths are steep and rocky and have loose gravelly, slippery surfaces. Allow yourself around 3-4 hours.
GETTING THERE:
From Wong Tai Sin MTR, there are a couple of ways to start the walk. The most common starting point is Jong Fat Temple and Shatin Pass Rd but this involves a long stretch of uphill road and then killer stairs to the ridge. I prefer to start at Lion Rock Park on Lion Rock Rd (near the BBQ area and archery club). It’s a much shorter trail through bushland. We caught a taxi from Wong Tai Sin MTR ($24HKD) to here, then walked past the boom gate on our right and almost immediately, there are stairs on your left with a makeshift sign saying ‘Lion Rock’. This path will take you all the way up to Lion Rock via the Reunification Pavilion and you can continue along the ridge before heading down to join Shatin Pass.
An added fun aspect to the walk was seeing macaque monkeys along the way.
Overall, it’s a challenging walk and you definitely want to do it in the cooler months if you can, not in the middle of summer. You also want to do it on a clear day because there’s no way you want to sweat your way to the top and find those incredible views obscured by haze or fog.
Most importantly, go prepared. Water, snacks, hat and sunscreen are absolute essentials. Be aware that there is nowhere to refill water bottles so take enough with you. You also want good shoes with grip because some of the paths are steep and rocky and have loose gravelly, slippery surfaces. Allow yourself around 3-4 hours.
GETTING THERE:
From Wong Tai Sin MTR, there are a couple of ways to start the walk. The most common starting point is Jong Fat Temple and Shatin Pass Rd but this involves a long stretch of uphill road and then killer stairs to the ridge. I prefer to start at Lion Rock Park on Lion Rock Rd (near the BBQ area and archery club). It’s a much shorter trail through bushland. We caught a taxi from Wong Tai Sin MTR ($24HKD) to here, then walked past the boom gate on our right and almost immediately, there are stairs on your left with a makeshift sign saying ‘Lion Rock’. This path will take you all the way up to Lion Rock via the Reunification Pavilion and you can continue along the ridge before heading down to join Shatin Pass.
Written April 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BradJill
Hong Kong, China141,575 contributions
Apr 2021
Lion Rock is a geological landmark in the Country Park by the same name in an area that is essentially a rural boundary between the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. In this manner, it feels like you are right in the centre of Hong Kong from atop of Lion Rock as you can see the city in pretty much all directions from here. Naturally, this unique landmark and location makes Lion Rock one of the most popular hiking spots in Hong Kong for residents and tourists alike.
What you will find at Lion Rock is a ridged hilltop that from a distance is said to resemble a sitting lion. It is shrubby with numerous stacks of boulders which provide numerous clearings. At a height of 495 metres at the head of the lion, visitors are rewarded with full views of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island to the south and southwest as well as much of the New Territories East and West in the opposite directions.
Views can be remarkable at Lion Rock, particularly when skies are clear and air visibility is favourable. Lion Rock is also a popular place to watch the sunset and take in views of the city at night when Hong Kong is lit up like the night's stars.
There are several hiking routes leading up to Lion Rock. The most convenient and easy to follow is from the Lion Rock Country Park entrance along Sha Tin Pass Road north of the Wong Tai Sin MTR Station. From the Station it is quite an urban uphill climb to the park entrance. From the country park entrance, you hike a rather steep and mostly upward climb along an easy to follow 1.8 km trail until you reach Lion Rock. Note: You may want to take taxi up to the country park entrance from the MTR Station if you prefer to save your energy and strength for hiking within the park.
Further, if you are hiking the MacLehose Trail Section #5 in either direction through Lion Rock Country Park, you will pass by Lion Rock and be able to conveniently and quickly add a stop here to your hike across the country park. There are several other approaches to Lion Rock from the south as well as the north along the Shatin Pass if you were coming from Amah Rock for example.
Overall, Lion Rock is a treasure here in Hong Kong. Even on days with poorer visibility, it is remarkable looking over the city from atop the lion. You can see and identify so many landmark skyscrapers, bodies of water and peaks throughout the territory. Bring a pair of binoculars with you if you want to really scout around the city to see places you are familiar with and enjoy.
What you will find at Lion Rock is a ridged hilltop that from a distance is said to resemble a sitting lion. It is shrubby with numerous stacks of boulders which provide numerous clearings. At a height of 495 metres at the head of the lion, visitors are rewarded with full views of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island to the south and southwest as well as much of the New Territories East and West in the opposite directions.
Views can be remarkable at Lion Rock, particularly when skies are clear and air visibility is favourable. Lion Rock is also a popular place to watch the sunset and take in views of the city at night when Hong Kong is lit up like the night's stars.
There are several hiking routes leading up to Lion Rock. The most convenient and easy to follow is from the Lion Rock Country Park entrance along Sha Tin Pass Road north of the Wong Tai Sin MTR Station. From the Station it is quite an urban uphill climb to the park entrance. From the country park entrance, you hike a rather steep and mostly upward climb along an easy to follow 1.8 km trail until you reach Lion Rock. Note: You may want to take taxi up to the country park entrance from the MTR Station if you prefer to save your energy and strength for hiking within the park.
Further, if you are hiking the MacLehose Trail Section #5 in either direction through Lion Rock Country Park, you will pass by Lion Rock and be able to conveniently and quickly add a stop here to your hike across the country park. There are several other approaches to Lion Rock from the south as well as the north along the Shatin Pass if you were coming from Amah Rock for example.
Overall, Lion Rock is a treasure here in Hong Kong. Even on days with poorer visibility, it is remarkable looking over the city from atop the lion. You can see and identify so many landmark skyscrapers, bodies of water and peaks throughout the territory. Bring a pair of binoculars with you if you want to really scout around the city to see places you are familiar with and enjoy.
Written April 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DimitriosMP
Hong Kong, China42 contributions
Nov 2019
As with most hikes in HK, Lion Rock was challenging, and being at the top can be scary, but definitely worth it.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
benji
Hong Kong, China70 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
If you think the Peak is the most iconic mountain in HK, then you are wrong! We even have a song about the Lion Rock!
You can enjoy amazing scene from the lion rock!
You can enjoy amazing scene from the lion rock!
Written November 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Texgal2017
San Angelo, TX95 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
Hike was very strenuous. If you are in less than average shape I don’t recommend it. Views were spectacular!! We also saw monkeys!!
Written October 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter B
Norsborg, Sweden169 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Just a short MTR trip away from the city and such a great place. You can also combine it with the spectacular Wong Tai Sin Temple which is right by the MTR station where you get off. We chose to walk up to the park which takes about twenty minutes before you reach the start of the trail. The trail itself is nice and scenic. It gets steeper the higher you go though so you need a basic level of fitness for this one. But the reward is fantastic views over Kowloon and beyond. Well worth the sweat to get to the top. And if you’re lucky as we were, you get to see the monkeys too.
Written October 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gwyneth
Reading, UK60 contributions
Sep 2019
Hike for only 1-1.5 hours then you can see the spectacular city scenery of Kowloon and a little bit of Hong Kong island, also with the hills as background. Easy hiking trail. If you can only spare one day for hiking in Hong Kong, the Lion Rock is where you should visit.
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michelle K
London, UK342 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
This is truly the best view of Hong Kong, absolutely breath-taking and you work hard for it! Steep hike but made easier with the wooden stairs and trees you can use to assist you as you stop for a break and get passed by very healthy elderly Hong Kongers!
On the way up, it took us 2 hours starting from Wong Tai Sin Station. You can take a bus from the station up to Temple Hill Fat Jong Temple (10 min ride) which will reduce the hike by around 20 minutes and bypass a very large hill.
I would recommend bringing plenty of water and some snacks to celebrate getting to the top. The way down took about 1 hour and 30 minutes back to the station. Overall I would set aside at least 4 hours for the whole thing (medium fitness level).
On the way up, it took us 2 hours starting from Wong Tai Sin Station. You can take a bus from the station up to Temple Hill Fat Jong Temple (10 min ride) which will reduce the hike by around 20 minutes and bypass a very large hill.
I would recommend bringing plenty of water and some snacks to celebrate getting to the top. The way down took about 1 hour and 30 minutes back to the station. Overall I would set aside at least 4 hours for the whole thing (medium fitness level).
Written July 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NG101
Bay Area, CA36 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
I arrived on business on Friday and had the Saturday free and wanted to see a different part of Hong Kong. Lions Head is accessible from many different starting points and I chose to start at Lion Rock community garden (15 Chuk Yuen Rd). I took a taxi from my water front hotel for $80 HK and set off.
The start is easy and well maintained but don’t be fooled, after 0.5km the flag stone path gives way to rough paving which then gives way to rough track and a 1.5km set of rough steps.
Beware - in the summer it is hot, I am used to hiking in California weather but here the humidity is draining. I took plenty of water and used it all up in the 1.5 hour 5km hike. It is about a 1300 ft climb in 2.5 km so prepare your self.
Most of the trail is in the shade but the last section was exposed and very hot until I broke out at the top and got a slight very welcome breeze.
The view from the peak is spectacular and probably one of the best in Hong Kong/Kowloon and well worth the effort.
The trail is very well marked and so I chose the same way down but you could choose many different routes.
The hardest part was finding a taxi on the way back, but this is HK and so I walked down the road a little and one came past dropping another hiker!!
Great way to spend and different afternoon from the normal HK. Also look out for the wild monkeys in the trees at the base!
The start is easy and well maintained but don’t be fooled, after 0.5km the flag stone path gives way to rough paving which then gives way to rough track and a 1.5km set of rough steps.
Beware - in the summer it is hot, I am used to hiking in California weather but here the humidity is draining. I took plenty of water and used it all up in the 1.5 hour 5km hike. It is about a 1300 ft climb in 2.5 km so prepare your self.
Most of the trail is in the shade but the last section was exposed and very hot until I broke out at the top and got a slight very welcome breeze.
The view from the peak is spectacular and probably one of the best in Hong Kong/Kowloon and well worth the effort.
The trail is very well marked and so I chose the same way down but you could choose many different routes.
The hardest part was finding a taxi on the way back, but this is HK and so I walked down the road a little and one came past dropping another hiker!!
Great way to spend and different afternoon from the normal HK. Also look out for the wild monkeys in the trees at the base!
Written June 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Adsey World Adventurer
Sydney, Australia416 contributions
May 2019 • Family
If you are keen to get out and challenge yourself to take in some iconic views of Hong Kong, then the Lion Rock hike is for you. Some advice - ensure you go on a clear day so that when you finally make it to the peak the juice will be worth the squeeze. This hike is tough and not to be taken lightly. I highly recommend starting at the Sha Tin Pass end of the track and finishing 8km later at Lion Rock Park. It took us about 2 hours and the trek down is just as tough as the steep often endless ascent on the way up to the 500m peak. Some guides suggest you can walk from the station however be prepared to add many additional km to the hike and it’s all up hill to get there. Take a taxi and save your energy for the track - trust me you’ll need it.
Written May 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mbetowler
Wakefield, UK853 contributions
Can anyone suggest the best way to get here from central Hong Kong? Also, my partner and I do lots of walks, and I wouldn't say we are unfit, but we definitely aren't fitness mad - will we be able to do this if we take it slow?
jvankl
Toronto, Canada338 contributions
From Central just get on the MTR Tsuen Wan Line, change to the Kwun Tong Line at one of the interchange stations and then get off at Wong Tai Sin (25 minutes in total). The hike to Lion Rock Peak isn't easy, but if you take your time it's doable for most people (according to the reviews already posted).
Frequently Asked Questions about Lion Rock
- We recommend booking Lion Rock tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Lion Rock tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Lion Rock:
- (1.60 mi) Royal Plaza Hotel
- (1.99 mi) Lodgewood by Nina Hospitality I Mong Kok
- (1.69 mi) The Mahjong
- (2.10 mi) Cordis, Hong Kong
- (1.07 mi) Pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon
- Restaurants near Lion Rock:
- (0.15 mi) Neighbourhood Cafe
- (0.45 mi) Lion Rock Bistro
- (0.43 mi) Xia Mian Guan (Lok Fu Shopping Centre)
- (0.38 mi) Morse Food Plaza
- (0.46 mi) Yo Li