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Nestled on Lantau Island, alongside its famous neighbour Lantau Peak, is the third-highest peak in Hong Kong. Keep reading to discover why Sunset Peak (AKA Tai Tung Shan) is a hiker’s paradise!
Sunset Peak (大東山, Tai Tung Shan) is the third-highest peak in Hong Kong, offering stunning panoramic views, mesmerising sunsets and a challenging yet rewarding trail. Feeling daunted? Don’t fret — this guide covers everything you need to know about hiking Sunset Peak, from starting points to trail tips, and answers common questions like difficulty, duration and the best time to visit. Whether you’re an avid trekker or just seeking a break from bustling city life, Sunset Peak needs to be on your hiking trail bucket list!
Read More: Hiking Tai Mo Shan — Easy, Medium & Difficult Trails
Jump To
Why We Love Sunset Peak
Sunset Peak vs. Lantau Peak
How Difficult Is Sunset Peak?
Overview & Quick Facts
Sunset Peak Hiking Routes
FAQs About Sunset Peak
Why Hike Sunset Peak?
One of the most striking features of the Sunset Peak hike is the abundance of silvergrass, which transforms the landscape into a shimmering sea of gold in the autumn months. These swaying fields of grass, combined with granite boulders and the historic Lantau mountain huts, create an iconic setting loved by local photographers. At 869 metres, Sunset Peak is the third-highest peak in Hong Kong, after Tai Mo Shan and Lantau Peak, and offers breathtaking views of rolling hills and the South China Sea. We recommend hiking at sunset, when the golden hues illuminate the silvergrass!
Sunset Peak vs. Lantau Peak
While both Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak are iconic hikes on Lantau Island, they offer distinct experiences:
- Sunset Peak: Known for its silvergrass fields, historic mountain huts and breathtaking sunsets.
- Lantau Peak: Famous for its sunrise views and more challenging ascent.
Hikers often compare Sunset Peak with Lantau Peak, as both offer incredible views and are located on Lantau Island. However, Sunset Peak provides a quieter, less crowded alternative to the more popular Lantau Peak sunrise hike. If you prefer a quieter hike with fewer crowds and a golden-hour vibe, Sunset Peak is the better choice.
Read More: The Best Shaded Hikes In Hong Kong
How Hard Is The Sunset Peak Hike?
The Sunset Peak hike is considered moderately difficult. With a total ascent of about 800 metres and a trail length of approximately six to eight kilometres, it requires a good level of fitness. The hike involves steep climbs, uneven terrain and a mix of shaded and exposed sections. While the difficulty is manageable for intermediate hikers, beginners may find the incline challenging.
Challenges:
- No shade on upper sections (bring sunscreen & hat).
- Strong winds near the summit.
- Rocky descent — hiking poles help.
Beginner Tips:
- Start early to avoid hiking in the dark.
- Bring 2L water, snacks and electrolytes.
- Wear proper hiking shoes (trails can be slippery).
- Download an app like AllTrails to manage expectations and receive detailed offline routes.
Read More: The Hardest Hong Kong Hikes To Tackle This Year
Overview & Quick Facts
Can’t be bothered to read all that? We get it, here’s a condensed version of everything you need to know before hiking Sunset peak:
What To Know Before Hiking Sunset Peak
Location: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Height: 869m (third highest in HK)
Hike Duration: three–five hours (depending on route)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best Times To Hike Sunset Peak
- Autumn (Oct–Dec): Peak silvergrass season—golden fields glow at sunset.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cooler, but foggy at times.
- Spring (Mar–Apr): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
- Avoid summer (May–Sep): Extreme heat, thunderstorms, and high humidity make hiking dangerous.
How To Get To Sunset Peak — Detailed Hiking Routes
There are multiple routes to reach Sunset Peak, but the most popular trail begins at Pak Kung Au (Tung Chung Gap) and ends at Nam Shan or vice versa. Another commonly chosen route starts at Tung Chung and joins the Lantau Trail (follow the Wong Lung Hang Country Trail to connect with the Lantau Trail), but is longer and less popular. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most typical hiking routes, including pros and cons of each.
Sassy Tip: Start three–four hours before sunset to catch golden hour while allowing enough time to descend safely.
Read More: Hikes With A History – The Best Historic Walking Trails In Hong Kong
1. Classic Route: Pak Kung Au → Sunset Peak → Nam Shan
Distance: ~7km | Duration: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
- Start: Take Bus 3M/11 from Tung Chung to Pak Kung Au.
- Trail: Follow Lantau Trail (Section 2) → ascend stone steps → pass Yi Tung Shan Viewpoint (747m) → reach Sunset Peak summit.
- Descent: Continue to Nam Shan exit → take Bus 11/3M back.
Pros: Most scenic, best for photography.
Cons: Steep initial climb.
2. Alternative Route: Tung Chung → Wong Lung Hang Trail
Distance: ~10km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Difficulty: Harder
- Start: From Tung Chung MTR Exit B
- Trail: Follow Wong Lung Hang Country Trail (shaded forest) → merge with Lantau Trail Section 2 → reach Sunset Peak summit.
- Features: Forested paths, fewer hikers, longer but quieter.
Pros: Less crowded, shaded sections.
Cons: Longer distance, less direct.
3. Loop Hike: Pak Kung Au → Sunset Peak → Lantau Peak → Tung Chung
Distance: ~12km | Duration: 6–7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
- Combines Sunset Peak + Lantau Peak (934 metres) for a full-day adventure.
- Only for experienced hikers!
FAQs About Sunset Peak
1. Can beginners hike Sunset Peak?
Yes, but prepare properly — bring water, wear good shoes and start early. We recommend downloading offline maps and avoid hiking in poor weather conditions, including extreme heat, strong rain or heavy fog.
2. Is camping allowed on Sunset Peak?
No, wild camping is illegal in Hong Kong country parks. Click here for a full list of our top 10 camping spots, or here for luxurious glamping sites!
3. Are there toilets on the trail?
Only at Pak Kung Au and Nam Shan — go before hiking!
4. Can I hike Sunset Peak at night?
Not recommended — no streetlights, high winds and steep drops.
Read More: The Best Hong Kong Hikes That End With A Meal
Featured image courtesy of Tim Cheung, second image courtesy of Q, third image courtesy of Kai Chui, fourth image courtesy of Q, fifth image courtesy of Tim Cheung, sixth image courtesy of Big Dodzy, seventh image courtesy of Red John, all via Unsplash.
