Hiking Lantau Peak: Hong Kong’s Ultimate Sunrise Adventure (2025 Trail Guide)

Andrew Spires
Jul 2
3 min read

Your step-by-step journey from Tung Chung to the clouds and back via Ngong Ping

Why Lantau Peak? Hong Kong’s Sky-High Escape

Rising 934 meters above sea level, Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan) isn’t just Hong Kong’s second-highest summit—it’s a rite of passage for adventurers. In 2025, trail traffic surged by 30% as hikers chase its legendary sunrise views over the South China Sea and the Big Buddha’s silhouette. For locals and expats alike, this hike delivers unmatched thrills without leaving the city.

Step 1: Getting There

📍 Starting Point: Tung Chung Bus Terminal (Next to MTR Exit B)🚌 Bus Route: Take New Lantao Bus 3M, 11, or 23 toward Ngong Ping/Mui Wo.⏱️ Timing: For sunrise, catch the 4:50 AM bus (confirm schedule via NLBus app).💸 Fare: HK$17.2 (Octopus card accepted).🚏 Stop: Pak Kung Au (25 mins from Tung Chung). It's the stop at the very top of Tung Chung Road before the bus descends into South Lantau.

“Sit on the LEFT side for early glimpses of Lantau Peak glowing in dawn light.”

Step 2: Finding the Trailhead at Pak Kung Au

🚦 Alight & Cross: Exit the bus cross the road. Be careful as it's a blind top and cars drive super quick.🔍 Trail Start: Look for the Lantau Trail Section 3 marker (stone plaque) and steep stairs beside a guardrail.⛰️ First Challenge: A grueling 1.2 km ascent (45–60 mins) of rocky stairs through the woods.

Step 3: Hiking Lantau Peak

🌄 Sunrise Sprint: From Pak Kung Au, push non-stop for 90–120 mins to summit before dawn.🌡️ Conditions: Expect 10°C cooler temps at the top—pack a windbreaker!⚠️ Danger Zones:

Rocky Scrambles (final 200m): Use both hands.
Fog Traps: Common before 7 AM—check HK Observatory app.
Endless false summits

Watching the sun ignite the Pearl River Delta from 934m—with planes gliding into HKIA below—is pure magic.

Step 4: What to Expect at the Summit

🏞️ 360° Views:

East: Hong Kong Island’s skyline.
West: The silvery ribbon of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.
North: Tai O’s stilt houses and the Big Buddha.
Summit Plaque: “Fung Wong Shan 鳳凰山” marker for proof of conquest!

Step 5: The Descent – Wisdom Path to Big Buddha

⬇️ Route: Follow signs to Ngong Ping (Lantau Trail Section 4).⏱️ Time: 1.5–2 hours of rocky downhill paths and massive stone steps. These make your thighs vibrate by the end! The start of the trail is hard to find as it looks like you're going to walk straight off the side of the mountain. The trail leads you past the Wisdom Trail and into Ngong Ping Village.

🚡 Return to Tung Chung:

Cable Car: 25-min scenic ride (book online for 15% discount) but be sure to get to the last journey which leaves at 6pm.
Bus 23: Direct to Tung Chung Terminal which takes about 40 minutes. The bus station is half-way up the village. It's a horrible ride with many twists and turns so if you get coach-sick, bring a bag!

Essential Gear & Safety Tips

🎒 Must-Pack List:

Headlamp (critical for pre-dawn hikes)
2L water as there are no refill stations
Hiking poles if you're that way inclined
Windproof jacket (summit gusts hit 50km/h)

⚠️ Critical Advice:

Avoid weekends: Trails jam by 5 AM Saturdays.
Monsoon season (May–Sept): Skip if thunderstorms forecast.
Rescue info: Dial 999 + quote “Lantau Trail Marker L031”.

Why This Hike Dominates Hong Kong Bucket Lists

“Lantau Peak isn’t just a climb—it’s a spiritual reset. Where else can you watch the city wake from the clouds, then sip tea beside a 34-ton bronze Buddha by breakfast?”

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