“Steep,” is the word that comes to mind as we approach Castle Peak. This isn’t just another hill. Castle Peak is a challenging climb that rewards you with amazing views.
Castle Peak rises 583 meters. It is one of Hong Kong’s “Three Sharp Peaks”. The hike begins on Yeung Tsing Road in Tuen Mun. Look for the Tsing Shan Monastery sign.
Once, Castle Peak was known as Tuen Mun Island. It stood guard over an important sea route.
The climb can take about 70 minutes. The trail starts with a paved road to the monastery. Sir Robert Ho Tung and Lady Clara Ho Tung rested here in 1922. Exhausted, Sir Robert built Yup Hiu Pavilion in 1932 for hikers.
Just before the monastery, a staircase begins on your left. The stair section is long and exhausting. Pass behind the first pavilion and keep going. Take the right stairs at the junction. You will pass the second pavilion. The stairs continue and get steeper.
The stairs turn into rocks. Then, very steep rocks zig-zag upwards. This section to the summit of Castle Peak is the most challenging.
The summit offers incredible views. On a clear day, you can see Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macau. A transmission station marks the top.
There’s a pavilion near the radio transmitting station. From here, you can see Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai, and Yuen Long. The coastline stretches out below. You can spot the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel entrance.
Hikers can continue past the summit. But, the route is steep and slippery. The safest way is to return down the stairs.
Castle Peak is not always green. Its granite surface has suffered from weathering. But, its rugged beauty remains.
Much of the area around Castle Peak is a firing range. It is used by the People’s Liberation Army and police forces. Check the Hong Kong Government website for open days. Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays are usually open.
Monk Pui To Sim Shi gave Castle Peak another name. Legend says he traveled over water in a cup. He established a monastery on the hill. It is now the Tsing Shan Monastery. Castle Peak’s alternative name is Pui To Shan. Pui means “cup”. To means “water-crossing”. Sim Shi means “Monk of Zen”.
Whether you seek a workout or panoramic views, Castle Peak offers a memorable experience. It’s a testament to nature’s power and human resilience. A hike up Castle Peak reveals Hong Kong’s beauty. It shows you that even the steepest challenges are worth the climb.