Rising 869 meters above sea level Sunset Peak Viewing Point No. 1 offers you a mesmerizing experience. It is also known as Tai Tung Shan or Big East Mountain. Welcome to one of the most popular hiking destinations on Lantau Island.
Sunset Peak is the third tallest summit in Hong Kong. Lantau Peak is just to the west of it. This place is perfect to experience a sunset. The fall and winter seasons are especially beautiful. The hillsides are covered with Chinese silvergrass.
Many hikers come to Sunset Peak. They want to see the 360-degree panoramic view. You can see the city, airport, and ocean from here.
There are three main ways to reach Sunset Peak. All are clearly marked as official hiking trails. The shortest route starts at Pak Kung Au mountain pass. This western approach involves the least climbing. Another option is from the east. You can start at Nam Shan Campsite near Mui Wo town. Follow Stage 2 of the Lantau Trail. A third choice is from the north. Take the Wong Lung Hang Country Trail. This involves climbing over a thousand stone steps.
The Wong Lung Hang Country Trail starts opposite Wong Lung Hang Picnic Site. It is a short walk from Chep Lap Kok New Village. This is near Tung Chung town center. The trail is a seemingly endless stone staircase through thick forest. You can see Tung Chung behind you as the trees clear. You also see the impressive Lin Fa Shan ridge to the east. This part of the hike is a good cardio workout. The country trail is a steep 2.3km. It connects to Stage 2 of the Lantau Trail.
Once on the Lantau Trail turn west. Head towards Sunset Peak Viewing Point No. 1. You can explore the valley to Yi Tung Shan. It is also known as Second East Mountain. Here, you can see stone cabins dotting the landscape. These are known as the Lantau Mountain Camp. They were built as summer retreats by foreign missionaries in the 1920s. These structures have become iconic.
The Lantau Trail skirts south of Sunset Peak. To reach the summit follow any side trail to the top. Weekends especially can be crowded with hikers. You will not get lost. Arriving at the mountaintop you will see the sun setting behind Lantau Peak. Lantau Peak is easily recognizable by its double-crested apex. You can also see great views of Hong Kong International Airport north of Tung Chung.
To continue simply go west on the Lantau Trail. Descend the many steps down to Pak Kung Au. From there you can catch a bus back to Tung Chung.
The Sunset Peak hike from Tung Chung Station to Pak Kung Au is challenging. As you climb you have incredible views. You might see Hong Kong International Airport, nearby islands, and the sea. The Sunset Peak hike is about 9km long. It takes around 4 hours.
The trail starts with a steep climb into the hills of Lantau Island. After that you will meander through the rugged mountainside. You will gradually work your way higher. About three-quarters of the way through the hike you reach Sunset Peak. From there it is a steep descent to the Pak Kung Au bus stop.
While hiking to Sunset Peak you will see structures dotting the hillside. These 20 stone chalets are known as Lantau Mountain Camp. They were built by local stone cutters in the 1920s. They used them as summer retreats.
To meet back up with the Lantau Trail after Sunset Peak follow a tiny trail. This leads down the opposite side of the peak. Eventually you will reach the well-maintained Lantau Trail again.
Sunset Peak is arguably the best sunset and sunrise viewpoint in Hong Kong. Being nearly 900 meters above sea level is mesmerizing. You have a 360-degree panoramic view.