Cheung Shan via Sze Shan | Tai O

The hike is very enjoyable. Although it is not a popular route, yet it is easy to find and follow.

 

It is considered to be a bit challenging climb in some parts but does not require overcoming sheer cliffs.

 

However, there are sections along the way that require bushwhacking and a few missing paths along the trail can be experienced.

 

The summit of Cheung Shan offers an amazing panoramic and stunning 360-degree view of Lantau and its neighboring mountains; Lantau Peak, Nei Lak Shan, Ngong Ping Big Buddha, and HK Zhuhai Macau Bridge are attractions to name a few.

 

Getting to the starting point - Take bus No.11 from Tung Chung Bus Terminal to Tai O, and get off at Ling Yan Temple bus stop.

 

Right next to the bus stop is a huge Lantau Country Park signage, from there walk back for a few meters to Ling Yan Temple road entrance.

 

Locate the staircase on the left to start the hike up towards Cheung Shan.

 

Continue to follow the stairs up until an obvious dirt trail entrance on the right, follow along this trail and it leads towards the first mountain, Sze Shan.

 

The trail section now is quite overgrown and open from here on out then gradually turns to rocky sections.

 

Once you reach the rocky section, look up to Sze Shan and you will see a pile of rock formations.

 

Head up and pass through the huge rocks then look back to locate the Chicken Rock on the right side of the rock formations.

 

Be careful while climbing on top of the rock formations, remember safety first.

 

Continue the climb until you reach a small plain, where you can see the Tai O panorama.

 

Follow along the ribbons, as this part gets tricky. There are several obvious paths along the way, some lead to the same location but some off path.

 

We recommend following the path leading much closer to Cheung Shan direction.

 

You will enter a section where the grass is denser while paying attention to the ribbons, also check the map to see if the direction is correct.

 

Once the grass begins to clear, the trail gradually inclines heading up Cheung Shan.

 

The uphill is a bit challenging to some, but take your time and try to look back on the beautiful views along the way.

 

Finally, once at the summit of Cheung Shan, it is time to enjoy the views from the climb.

 

After enjoying the views, continue to follow the trail heading down.

 

The trails are obvious, but there are forks along the way. We stayed on the left side trail and continued to head down, the trail slowly turned from dirt to gravel.

 

Follow the trail to the rocky sections, this time the descent is quite steep along stones and uneven terrain.

 

Continue down until the bottom to merge onto the official trail at North Obelisk.

 

Head down a few more steps to connect to Tung O Ancient Trail. Follow the direction towards Tai O, through the Sun Ki Bridge, passing a few houses on stilts.

 

Once you reach the Tai O Bridge, follow the signs toward the Bus Terminal or enjoy some food at the local restaurants in Tai O.

 

Overall, the most challenging part of the hike was traversing through the overgrown sections and the last descent towards Tai O.

 

Although the trail is not official, it is still easy to follow and there are plenty of ribbon markers along the way.

 

We recommend bringing at least 1-2 liters of hydration and a few snacks, wearing long pants helps when traversing through the overgrown section of the trail.

 

Put on sunscreen or wear sun sleeves during sunny days and wear comfortable hiking shoes.

 

Trekking poles can also be a huge help during the climb and descent.