The Hong Kong Trail - Section 8: From To Tei Wan to Big Wave Bay
Hong Kong Trail | Section 8 | 7.7 km | Difficult
Welcome to the last and final section of the Hong Kong Trail! Section 8, also affectionately known as the Dragon's Back, is breathtakingly scenic. Stretching from To Tei Wan to Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay), this 7.7-kilometer trail is an exciting adventure with 490 meters of elevation gain. Typically, it takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete, though runners complete it in a fraction of this time.
The path follows distance markers H084 to H100, the final distance marker of the Hong Kong Trail. With its dramatic ridges, lush vegetation tunnels, and panoramic views of the city's outskirts and islands, this section embodies the essence of Hong Kong's beautiful outdoor escapes and was selected by CNN as one of the world's 23 best trails.
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Hong Kong Trail - Section 8 - Key Facts
| From | To Tei Wan |
|---|---|
| To | Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay) |
| Difficulty | ⛰️⛰️⛰️ (Difficult) |
| Distance | 7.7 km |
| Recommended Time | 2.5 hours |
| Distance Marker Start | H084 |
| Distance Marker End | H100 |
| GPX & Map | Click Here |
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Why Hike Hong Kong Trail - Section 8
Hiking Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, also known as the Dragon's Back, is a great experience. Section 8 comes with breathtaking views combined with a challenging elevation gain of 490 meters. The route traverses through Shek O Country Park, granting hikers extensive vistas of Shek O and Big Wave Bay. This makes it one of the most visually appealing sections of the trail.
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Section 8 or the Dragon's Back is a Popular Spot for Paragliders
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Due to its steep inclines and (sometimes) demanding terrain, this section is considered relatively difficult. However, its accessibility via public transport makes it a favorite among both locals and tourists. The well-marked trail and clear signage ensure that it can be navigated with ease.
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If starting from Big Wave Bay, follow the signs to the trailhead of the Hong Kong Trail
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Overall, Section 8 is one of Hong Kong Island's iconic hikes—but it’s not for everyone.
The undulating, dragon-spine-like trail offers 360° coastal views of Shek O, Tai Long Wan, and the South China Sea. It’s arguably Hong Kong’s most photogenic stretch of trail. The mix of shaded dirt paths, open ridges, and a final descent through forests keeps things interesting, certainly in comparison to Section 7 of the Hong Kong Trail. Last, ending at Big Wave Bay with its surf-friendly shores and casual eateries is a perfect reward.
However, this is Hong Kong’s most popular hike, so expect weekend crowds—especially at viewpoints! The ridge section is also very exposed, making midday hikes brutal in summer. For less experienced hikers, the stone-step descent to Big Wave Bay is tough on the knees.
Overall, it is a great hike for first-time hikers wanting big views without extreme difficulty. However, for those seeking solitude, it is not the right choice. Other hikes in Hong Kong, for example, in the New Territories along the Wilson or MacLehose Trail, are less well-trodden!
If running the entire Hong Kong Trail on a weekend, Section 8 is the grand finish. Our recommendation is to start early to try to avoid the masses.
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Hong Kong Trail Section 8 - Dragon's Back - The Final Descent into Big Wave Bay
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Hong Kong Trail - Section 8: Public Transport Options
To reach the start of Hong Kong Trail Section 8 at To Tei Wan, you can take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station and, from there, catch bus number 9 towards Shek O and alight at To Tei Wan Stop. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
To return home after completing the section at Big Wave Bay, you can take bus number 9 from Big Wave Bay back to Shau Kei Wan Station for the MTR.
Alternatively, taxis and mini buses are available, though the latter might require cash as they don't always accept the Octopus Card.
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Hong Kong Trail: Sections, Distance, and Difficulty
The total distance of the Hong Kong Trail is approximately. 45km with more than 1,500 cumulative elevation gain. If starting from the Peak, it is generally descending with a few large ascents. It is overall very runnable and can easily be finished in a single day, even at a slow pace. The trail is divided into eight sections:
Section 1: From The Peak To Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
- Distance: 7 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Learn More About Section 1
Section 2: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir To Peel Rise
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Learn More About Section 2
Section 3: Peel Rise To Wan Chai Gap
- Distance: 5.4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Learn More About Section 3
Section 4: Wan Chai Gap To Wong Nai Chung Gap Road
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Learn More About Section 4
Section 5: Wong Nai Chung Gap to Mount Parker Road
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Learn More About Section 5
Section 6: Mount Parker Road to Tai Tam Road
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Learn More About Section 6
Section 7: Tai Tam Road to To Tei Wan
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Learn More About Section 7
- Just a trail along a catchwater: Skip this section unless you run the entire Hong Kong Trail
Section 8: To Tei Wan to Big Wave Bay ⭐
- Distance: 7.7 km
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Learn More About Section 8
- Also known as the Dragon's Back, one of Hong Kong's most iconic hikes
