Dragons Back

This holiday weekend has been full of exploration and green surroundings. Begining with a wonderful not too streneous hike up the famous Dragons Back which is stage 8 of the Hong Trail. The Dragons Back has been hailed by Time as Asia's best urban hike "the city's finest and most surprising ramble". Located on the Southeastern part of Hong Kong Island, it is 8.5 km long and takes a little under 3 hours to complete. There are the most fantastic views from the ridge of the coast and sea, including the dynamic south coast of the Hong Kong peninsula. Starting from Tei Wan, passing between Pottinger Peak and Mount Collision with the trail ending at Tai Long wan. The name Dragons Back derives from the shape of the ridge that rolls up and down like the back ridge of the legendary beast. When the northeast monsoon is blowing, Dragon's Back is popular with paragliders who climb up with their heavy packs, then launch themselves from grassy slopes, hang in the air, and eventually drift down to a beach at Shek O. And birds of prey like the rising air currents too - you can often see Black Kites here, and could spot a White-bellied Sea-Eagle. The path takes you through bamboo forests to areas with trees that are covered with Painted Ladies, the local butterfly.
At the end of this trail you are on the beach, you exit at Big Wave Bay a popular surfing spot or further south at the well known, preferred by the locals beach called Shek O. In the past a fishing community, Shek O is now quite mixed with luxury houses. For amazing views and a great ending, this is the hike for you!