HERITAGE TRAILS TO VISIT IN HONG KONG

Hong Kong has a rich history and offers several historic trails for visitors to explore. These trails offer a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, providing a unique way to explore Hong Kong beyond its modern skyline. Whether you're interested in ancient villages, colonial history, or cultural landmarks, these trails offer a fascinating journey through Hong Kong's past. There’s something incredibly freeing about being in the boundless nature and away from the narrow streets of urban city living. Thanks to the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the LCSD, which has designed several heritage over the territories, intended for people to discover more about the past and stories behind the environment around them. Some notable trails include the Hong Kong Trail, Ping Shan Heritage Trail, Dr.Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail, Lugard Road Heritage Trail, Old Town Town Central Heritage Trail, Cheung Chau Island Heritage Trail, and Tai O Ancient Trail. 

Hong Kong Trail

The Hong Kong Trail is a 50-kilometer trail that takes you through diverse landscapes, including historical sites. Section 5 of the trail passes through the Peak, offering stunning views and historical insights into the area. The trail offers a wide variety of terrain — it can be steep in some parts, flat in others, with both gradual ascents and descents. The trail takes a very indirect route; termination points Victoria Peak and Big Wave Bay are less than 11 km apart. Because the trail is composed of eight sections, much shorter runs or hikes are possible. The popular running path on Bowen Road connects to Sections 3 and 4 via the steep ascent up the Wan Chai Gap Trail. You will also pass some nice waterfalls, Jardine’s Lookout, Mount Butler, Tai Tam Reservoir, and Dragon’s Back.

Lugard Road Heritage Trail

This trail is part of the Hong Kong Trail and takes you along Lugard Road on Victoria Peak. It offers panoramic views of the city and provides information about historical landmarks, including the Governor's summer residence. Lugard Road is home to several private houses that feature an interesting range of historical architecture, from turn-of-the-century Scottish Baronial to the Art Deco and Bauhaus styles of the 1930s to 1950s. Lugard Road lies approximately 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level. It is a semi-circular 2.4-kilometer road on Victoria Peak that mainly follows the contours of the hillside, connecting Victoria Gap in the east to the Hatton Road-Harlech Road junction in the west. The views of the city below from Lugard Road are variously described in travel guides as "stunning" and "spectacular"

Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Located in the New Territories, the Ping Shan Heritage Trail takes you through ancient villages with well-preserved historic buildings. Highlights include the Tang Ancestral Hall, Sheung Cheung Wai, and other traditional  Chinese structures. From Tin Shui Wai MTR station, take the Light Rail 701P one stop to Hang Mei Tsuen, then change to the 761P service and alight at Ping Shan Light Rail station. Follow signs to the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre. This is the start of the trail and is the Old Ping Shan Police Station. The building itself was constructed in 1899 and had also served as the headquarters of the Police Dog Unit before being restored into a center for the trail. Points of interest along the trail include the Shut Hing and Kun Ting study halls, and the Tang and Yu Kiu ancestral halls, both traditional three-hall structures with two courtyards. The Hang Tat Tsuen old well lies between Yeung Hau Temple and Sheung Cheung Wai, and is supposedly two centuries old and once served as the main source of drinking water for the area. Don’t miss Sheung Cheung Wai, the only walled village on the trail; much of it has been replaced, but the old gatehouse, shrine, sections of the wall, and a few old houses inside still remain. The ending point of the trail is the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, the only ancient pagoda in Hong Kong. This hexagon-shaped three-story structure was built for feng shui reasons to ward off evil spirits and also houses a statue of Fui Shing, the deity who bestows success in examinations. Tin Shui Wai MTR station is then only a minute’s walk away.

Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail

Similar to the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, Lung Yeuk Tau is traditionally another Tang Clan-dominated area. This trail is located closer to Fanling and bears a name derived from the nearby Lung Yeuk Long mountain range. In Cantonese, this translates to the Mountain of the Leaping Dragon, so named due to a legend about a dragon once seen leaping in the vicinity. From Fanling MTR station, come out of Exit C and go to the minibus terminus (not to be confused with the other minibus terminus near Exit A!). Take minibus 54K, and after about a 10-minute ride, alight at the first stop after crossing the Ma Wat River. The start of the trail is at Tsung Kyan Church on Lok Tung Street. Built-in 1926, this is a church of the Basel Mission and was the central landmark around which a village gradually developed. This is now private property and not open to the public, so head east to reach Shek Lo. This old private residence was built by the founder of the Wah Yan College in 1936 and is interesting for its mix of Chinese and Western colonial styles of architecture. The trail then continues on to a few walled villages. Ma Tat Wai was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736 to 1795), but it is Lo Wai which holds the title of the first walled village built by the Tang clan. The raised platform on the north wall serves as a watchtower, and the village well stands just outside the entrance gate. Other locations to look out for along the trail include the Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, the exquisitely decorated main ancestral hall of the Lung Yeuk Tau Tangs, and Tung Kok Wai, a walled village constructed on a raised platform by a thirteenth-generation Tang and originally surrounded by a moat. Further on, past Wing Ning Tsuen, the trail crosses a major road—Shau Tau Kok Road—so just keep forging ahead until you reach the Sin Shut Study Hall, built in 1840 for ancestral worship and a study hall. Admire the exterior of San Wai, also known as Kun Lung Wai, a walled village built in 1744 with watchtowers on each of the four corners of its walls. Finally, northwest of San Wai lies Siu Hang Tsuen. Its distinctive semi-circular archway was built to attract better feng shui for more male offspring. From this village, you can hop on minibus 56K back to Fanling MTR station.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail

This trail traces the footsteps of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a key figure in the Chinese revolution. It includes landmarks associated with him, such as the University of Hong Kong and the Former Kowloon British School. Renowned as the father of the Chinese revolutions of the last century and one of the founders of the Republic of China, Dr Sun Yat-sen is an important figure in modern Chinese history. The Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail not only commemorates the formative years Dr Sun spent in Hong Kong but also his historical legacy and achievements. Dr Sun arrived in Hong Kong during his teens. Throughout the next nine years, he received secondary and tertiary education here and made friends with many who shared his political persuasions and aspirations. Committed to strengthening the nation for the betterment of the people, they eventually staged uprisings to overthrow the Qing government. Hong Kong provided much inspiration for Sun’s ideas. Most of his activities at that time were based in the Central and Western Districts. The places on the following trail are all featured in those formative years, and the plaques are designed by local artists to showcase the rich history and culture of the city.

Central and Western Heritage Trail

The Central and Western Heritage Trail is a long series of trails split into sections that will bring you past some of Hong Kong’s most historic buildings and landmarks. The trail starts at Government House on Upper Albert Road, the official residence of the Chief Executive. Head towards the direction of Central instead of Admiralty, and stop by the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Caine Road. This Grade I historic building is hidden from plain view behind a row of uninspiring-looking windows of Caritas House, but once you turn the corner on Glenealy onto St Joseph’s Terrace, you’ll be greeted with the late nineteenth-century Gothic revival church. Victoria Prison, the Former Central Magistracy, and the Central Police Station—now all part of the Tai Kwun cultural destination—are interesting looks into our penal system, and the complex also has regular art and entertainment events. The Old Dairy Farm Building on Lower Albert Road is a striking brick and stucco building that was used by Dairy Farm as a cold storage warehouse, a dairy shop, a meat-smoking venue, as well as the residence for the general manager. It now houses the Foreign Correspondents’ Club and the Fringe Club. On the same road, Bishop’s House—as the name might suggest—is the residence and office of the Archbishop of Hong Kong. Nearby at the end of Duddell Street are the famous Duddell Street steps and gas lamps, These are the city’s last remaining gas lamps and are declared monuments. Three of the four sustained extensive damage in 2018 during Typhoon Mangkhut but were thankfully repaired and reinstalled 15 months after they were destroyed. The old site of the Pedder Street Clock Tower was on the junction of Queen’s Road Central and Pedder Street and was demolished in 1913. Pedder Building itself is also of interest as a Grade II historic building done in the Beaux-Arts style. Head towards the waterfront to reach the ending point of the trail, which is the old site of the General Post Office. Sitting between Connaught Road Central, Pedder Street, and Des Voeux Road Central, the old post office used to sit on the waterfront before land reclamation and was demolished in the 1970s. World Wide House now sits on the premises, and the General Post Office has shifted to the nearby Connaught Place.

Wan Chai Heritage Trail

As one of Hong Kong’s earliest settlements, Wan Chai has several historic buildings from different periods of history. Formed by the Old Wan Chai Revitalisation Initiatives Special Committee, this trail features 15 sites of interest, categorized into architectural and cultural heritage. Begin the trail at Mallory Street, where what used to be called the Green House is located. Now known as 7 Mallory Street, these four-story tenements from the early twentieth century interestingly combine both Chinese and Western architectural influences, such as pitched Chinese tiled roofs with French windows and iron balustrades. This building has also once housed the famous Yau Chai Kee Restaurant and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Another famously colorful building sits on Stone Nullah Lane. The Blue House was the original site of the Hua Tuo Temple and Hospital, and when it was renovated in the 1920s, the government painted it over using some surplus blue paint. The Hong Kong House of Stories is now located there, a community project where craftsmen, artists, farmers, and more instruct willing learners so disappearing cultures and crafts can be preserved. The Pak Tai Temple is nearby, built in 1862 in a Chinese courtyard style. Look out for the Shiwan pottery on its roof depicting scenes from Cantonese opera. On the main road of Queen’s Road East, you’ll find the Former Wan Chai Post Office; though it is now an environmental resource center, they’ve preserved the letter pigeon holes in the original building. The small Hung Shing Temple sits conspicuously on the same road and is particularly interesting as far as temples go because it was built against a boulder that they decided not to (or could not) move; the stone now protrudes into the building and is used as an altar table. Nam Koo Terrace is located on the upper section of Ship Street, reached by a long flight of stairs. This mansion was built by the tycoon To Chun-man and has been vacant since his death. There are several local stories about how it is haunted and has driven mad people who dared to illegally venture inside! Down on Johnston Road, the most prominent landmark is definitely the Guangzhou verandah shophouse which now houses The Pawn restaurant. Head back up the hill and towards the direction of Admiralty as you near the end of this urban trail. Because of the presence of the St Francis Church in the Star Street precinct, the area near the steep slope of St Francis Yard used to be a gathering place for Catholics. In 1890, Hong Kong’s first power plant was built above St Francis Lane. Before you veer off into one of the many trendy eateries in the precinct, keep an eye out for 31 Wing Fung Street, which is a residential building built in the Art Deco style.

Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail

Of the 41 historic waterworks structures declared by the Hong Kong Antiques Authority as monuments, 21 are located within the Tai Tam group of reservoirs. This group includes Tai Tam Upper, Byewash, Intermediate, and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoirs, along with various dams, pumping stations, valve houses, aqueducts, and bridges. The Upper Reservoir Masonry Bridge and Aqueduct are both built between 1883 and 1888, with molded corbels and columns. Eventually, you’ll reach the Upper Reservoir Dam, an imposing structure with granite walls 100 feet high, 400 feet long, and 60 feet wide. From the dam, water travels through a 2.2-meter-long tunnel through the surrounding mountains and down to Central. After making your way past the Byewash and Intermediate Reservoirs, you’ll soon come across the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Masonry Bridge, one of four masonry bridges along the reservoir’s western shore. The most famous landmark along the trail is likely the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Dam, with its ornamental parapets. Built above the spillways is a road supported by 12 arches and granite columns, part of the busy road running from Stanley to Chai Wan. Finally, the last landmark is the Tai Tam Tuk Raw Water Pumping Station, constructed to pump water from this catchment to the tunnel inlet in the middle of the hill. The warehouse has a red-brick exterior and Chinese tiled pitched roofs. The trail ends on the scenic shore of Tai Tam Bay. 

Tai O Ancient Trail

From Tung Chung MTR, come out of Exit A, then make your way to the Yat Tung Shopping Centre. On the far side of the buildings, look out for the stairs that lead down to Hau Wong Temple. This temple marks the start of the trail, which is easy to follow as it hugs the coast of Tung Chung Bay, Hau Hok Wan, Sha Lo Wan, San Shek Wan, and Sham Wat Wan, before arriving at the destination. Along the way, you’ll be able to see the land reclamation along the coast of the Tung Chung development. There will also be some shanty town settlements, creating an interesting juxtaposition with the expansive residential complexes also in the area. Eventually, you’ll pass by the tiny village of San Shek Wan, with village houses, shrines, and small farm allotments nestled among the greenery, and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car running along the mountain range in the distance. Past Sham Tat Wan, the surrounding foliage clears to reveal views of the coast, and soon you’ll arrive at the fishing village of Tai O. With its waterways, small vessels, and houses on stilts, it’s all too easy to forget that you’re still within the boundaries of Hong Kong. Make sure you check out the salted fish, shrimp paste, fishballs, and doughnuts that are famed in the area before calling it a day.

Cheung Chau Island Heritage Trail

Cheung Chau Island has a Heritage Trail that takes you through historic temples, traditional fishing villages, and landmarks like Pak Tai Tempe. The small, dumb-bell-shaped island of Cheung Chau, or ‘long island’, covering almost 3 sq km is well known for its waterfront, crammed with gently rocking moored fishing boats and seafood restaurants. The island’s sandy beaches and scenic family-friendly hiking trail have always been appealing to those keen to escape the hectic city life. It’s no surprise that the last couple of years have seen younger people moving to the island to call it home, bringing with them a demand for contemporary, Instagrammable cafes. These vibrant new, hip joints sit in harmony alongside the island’s timeless, laid-back charms such as Pak Tai Temple — established in the 18th century by fisherfolk to honor the Taoist ‘God of the Sea’-which is the traditional venue for the Island's vibrant annual Cheung Chau Jiao Festival. 

 Why visit Heritage Trail in Hong Kong

Many heritage trails in Hong Kong feature historical landmarks, buildings, and sites that played pivotal roles in the city's development. These places offer a glimpse into Hong Kong's past, from its colonial history to its transformation into a modern metropolis. The heritage trails often showcase a diverse range of architectural styles, from traditional Chinese structures to colonial-era buildings. Exploring these architectural wonders allows visitors to appreciate the city's architectural evolution. Some heritage trails are set in picturesque natural surroundings, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Visitors can enjoy scenic landscapes, parks, and waterfront views along these trails. In summary, exploring heritage trails in Hong Kong provides a multifaceted experience that combines cultural enrichment, historical discovery, architectural appreciation, and opportunities for outdoor activities. It's a way to connect with the city's roots and gain a deeper understanding of its unique identity.