Hong Kong’s 'Three Sharp Peaks': What You Need to Know
Contents
- Castle Peak Hike Information
- Castle Peak Views
- Sharp Peak Hike Information
- Sharp Peak Views
- High Junk Peak Hike Information
- High Junk Peak Views
1. Castle Peak (青山) (杯渡山)
Castle Peak is a striking mountain that is easily discernable because of the large transmission tower on its summit. Given that the hike is situated in Tuen Mun, not a lot of people know about it, which makes it a relatively quiet hike.
Getting to the top of Castle Peak is essentially one long, endless staircase, but this also makes it the safest among the Three Sharp Peaks of Hong Kong to hike since there’s barely any technical or rough terrain to cover.
Quick Details:
- District: Tuen Mun (New Territories)
- Duration: 3 hours there and back
- Distance: 7-8km (assuming you return the same way)
- Highest Elevation: 583m
- Difficulty: 3.5/5
- Facilities: None. So, use the toilet and stock up on water and food beforehand.
3 Facts About Castle Peak
- Castle Peak is the tallest of the three peaks, standing at 583 meters above sea level.
- It is located in Tuen Mun and is the highest granitic mountain in Hong Kong.
- The name Castle Peak was given to the mountain during the British colonial era and the name. stuck with expats even though locals call Castle Peak Tsing Shan or Pui To Shan.
Views from Castle Peak
Castle Peak has one of the best comprehensive, uninterrupted views of the western part of Hong Kong!
The summit affords hikers expansive views of Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau Island, Tuen Mun, The Hinterlands (a sea of low mountains often called Hong Kong’s Grand Canyon) and even views across to Zhuhai and Shenzhen.
2. Sharp Peak (蚺蛇尖)
Sharp Peak is generally considered the hardest of the three peaks to hike up because of its remoteness and steepness. Located in Sai Kung, it’s tricky to get to, but rewards brave hikers with the type of views you’d find in a postcard.
Of all the Three Sharp Peaks, this one is the toughest. Though it’s only the second-tallest, the terrain is especially tricky when descending because of loose rocks and slippery, sandy debris. Definitely approach this climb with respect.
Quick Details:
- District: Sai Kung, New Territories
- Duration: 3-7 hours depending on your start and end point
- Distance: 7km from Ham Tin Wan, 19km as part of MacLehose Stage 2 starting from Sai Wan Pavilion
- Highest Elevation: 468 meters
- Difficulty: 4.5/5 Sharp Peak
- Facilities: Food, drinks and toilet available at Ham Tin Wan
3 Facts About Sharp Peak
- It is located in Sai Kung and stands at 468 meters above sea level.
- Sharp Peak is one of the best vantage points to see more than 5 pristine, white sand beaches in Hong Kong
- It can be combined with Stage 2 of the MacLehose trail for a long, brutal workout
Views from Sharp Peak
Sharp Peak rewards hikers with incredible views of vibrant coastlines, white sand beaches and turquoise waters. You’ll be able to see all the four major beaches of Tai Long Wan, which are: Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan and Tung Wan.
You’ll also be able to see several smaller, remote beaches that most Hong Kongers have never laid eyes upon. Finally, views of other famous mountains like Ma On Shan are also visible from the summit.
3. High Junk Peak (釣魚翁)
High Junk Peak, located in Clear Water Bay, is the shortest of Hong Kong’s Three Sharp Peaks. Despite this, it is also the most dramatic looking of the bunch. Even from a distance, you can see it jutting out of the landscape, a triangular behemoth just daring hikers to attempt to reach its summit.
The terrain of this hike combines stone steps with a few sections of traditional earth paths (which is sadly becoming rarer in Hong Kong). This is the best of the Three Sharp Peaks for beginners to try out since uphill sections are almost always followed by a good amount of flat walking before the next ascent.
Quick Details:
- District: Clear Water Bay (NT)
- Duration: Easy Route: 1 hour, Medium Route: 1.5-2 hours, Tough Route: 3-3.5 hours
- Distance: 4.5-6.7 km depending on which route you take
- Highest Elevation: 344 meters
- Difficulty: Easy Route: 1.5/5, Medium Route: 2.5/5, Hard Route: 3/5
- Facilities: No facilities on the hike. Bring drinks and food with you.
3 Facts About High Junk Peak
- High Junk Peak is a relatively quick summit to conquer since it stands at a very manageable 344 meters above sea level
- The peak is the highest accessible point on the Clear Water Bay Peninsula, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
- There are three different ways to hike High Junk Peak, which makes it suitable for hikers of all skill levels
Views of High Junk Peak
High Junk Peak delivers unforgettable panoramic views of Eastern Hong Kong as it looks over Clear Water Bay, Po Lam, Tseung Kwan O, Lohas Park, The Clear Water Bay Golf and Country Club, Steep Island, the Ninepin Islands and even parts of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
It’s a dizzying blend of ocean views on one side with mountain and city views on the other. On a clear day, the sparkling blue of the sea contrasted with the deep greens of the hills are just breath-taking!
Lace Up Your Hiking Boots and Get Ready for a Steep Challenge
The Three Sharp Peaks of Hong Kong offer a unique hiking experience for those who have a sense of adventure and love a good workout. These mountains are not only known for their difficulty but also for their stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Hiking to any of these summits is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Hong Kong while also challenging yourself physically and mentally.
