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Tung Chung Loop via Ngong Ping 360
This is a pleasant hike for Tung Chung residents who may be bored of the limited hikes in the area. Predominantly downhill, this hike has great views of the Buddha, the airport, and of Tung Chung itself. On this hike we take the easy way up the mountain to Ngong Ping Village via the Ngong Ping 360 cable cars and then walk back down to Tung Chung.
| Quick Stats: | |
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| Enjoyment: |  |
| Difficulty: | |
| Hike Type: | Loop |
| Distance: | 14km (6km on cable car) |
| Maximum Height: | 554 metres |
| Total Ascent: | 796 metres (650 metres on cable car) |
| Total Descent: | 796 metres (146 metres on cable car) |
| Duration: | 2hrs 30mins (including 25 mins on cable car) |
| Trail Composition: | 75% Concrete, 25% Wood |
| Date Reviewed: | 5th December 2009 |
| Date Updated: | 27th August 2010 |
| Transport Start: | |
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| Transport End: | |
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This hiking trail scores 3 stars for enjoyment as, although offering good views of Tung Chung and the airport, it consists mainly of paved footpaths, with the only alternative being wood decking, which is actually quite pleasant. Difficulty also ranks in at 3 stars as it consists of some short steep inclines along the predominantly downhill stretch.
Please note that on the GPS map below, we ride on the cable car from about 250 meters to 6.25km, a total of 6km in length. Therefore the majority of ascent is carried out while on the cable car.
Starting from the Tung Chung MTR station, head toward Exit B. You will find a map on the wall just to the right, showing you where the escalator is to get to the Ngong Ping 360 cable cars.
So head out of Exit B of the Tung Chung MTR station and across the plaza area around the left of the cinema complex. Before you head up to the cable car, stop off at the 7-11 near the Post Office to pick up some water and snacks for the hike.
I decided to treat myself on this occasion and purchased a one way ticket on the crystal cabin - this is the one with the see-through bottom. Although I am afraid of heights, I figured that it couldn't be too bad and if I didn't like it, well then I'd never do it again. As it turned out, it was the best decision to make as there was quite a lengthy queue for the standard cabin cable cars... and only a few people waiting in the queue for the crystal cabin. So, if you arrive to find very long queues, I would strongly recommend forking out the extra cash so that you can jump to the front of the queue.
If you are afraid of heights, you will be pleased to know that these things are very sturdy and feel very safe. I too am afraid of heights and had no problems what-so-ever... apart from one point at the top of the hill. On a windy day the cable car can blow from side to side a little in the valley just over the highest point. This is a little daunting, but since it is a short section in which this happens, it is bearable.
As you can see from the picture above, it is best if you go out on a day with acceptable visibility. Unfortunately, the day that I went out wasn't the best and so these pictures are the result.
Surprisingly, I found that I was so busy admiring the (all be it polluted) views that I forgot to look down. Here is the view from below my feet in the crystal cabin cable car.
The Big Buddha becomes visible through the murky air that has become a Hong Kong trademark.
When you make it to the end of the Cable Car ride, make your way through the tourist shops and head towards Ngong Ping Village. The trail is quite difficult to spot and is not signposted well. Keep to the left as you exit.
Take the ramp which leads down onto a road. Turn right onto the road and find a trail signposted at the end, to the left as the Ngong Ping 360 rescue trail.
Follow this trail underneath the cable cars until it veers off to the right through the trees.
This hiking trail offers some unique views of the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Cars spanning the gaps through the mountains. To begin, the trail is paved and is quite flat, making it an easy start.
Looking to the right you may see the Big Buddha popping up to say hello if you are tall enough.
The trail is signposted most of the way with Distance Posts every 250 metres or so marking the Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail. The trail meanders through the mountainside along a relatively flat section.
Looking back occasionally, you can spot glimpses of the Big Buddha.
The cables bridge the gap between the mountain peaks.
Up ahead you can see the first uphill section that veers off to the left, following the cable cars.
Ahead, keep straight, past the Nei Lak Shan Country Trail which also leads off to the left. The Nei Lak Shan Country Trail crosses over and follows the Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail for a short distance.
This trail has been affected by many landslides caused by a certain black rain storm in June 2008. The trail is perfectly fine to hike, but it is interesting to see the power that rain can leash out. These landslides can be seen all across the mountains in the distance to the left also.
Ahead, keep to the concrete trail and head up these stairs toward the cable car pylon.
Being the first decent lot of stairs to climb, this section seems a little daunting at first, however it is quite achievable.
When you reach this top point you will more than likely run into this group of wild dogs. I have seen them since they were pups about a year ago (early 2009), and they are still residents here. In my experience, they have been quite safe to pass by, without showing any signs of attack. In fact, they will generally move out of your way when approached. Never-the-less, please do be careful as you never know what they may be thinking.
Follow the stairs down towards the next cable car pylon.
Ahead, the trail moves off the concrete and onto a wooden path which protects the nature below.
On a less polluted day, one can see the airport below and in the distance. Today was not one of those days, needless to say!
After signpost number C16, there is an incredibly steep section of the trail which is very daunting for those afraid of heights - this would be me. Take care when passing this section as, I imagine, it would be very dangerous should you miss a step!
Over the next peak, you can see what lays ahead. Be sure to enjoy the long downhill, as the uphill portion at the end of it is a bit of a challenge. Though to encourage you to keep going strong, this is the last uphill section that you will need to pass.
The airport really isn't looking too good today. It seems the closer I get, the less I can see.
The downhill is over. Get prepared to head up to the final Ngong Ping 360 pylon.
At the top follow the hiking trail around the right of the last pylon. and down the right side of the mountain.
You can see our destination off in the distance - if you are lucky enough - Tung Chung.
This lovely blue bird sat on the path ahead and posed for me for this photograph:
The Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail comes to an end at a road. Turn right onto this road and head towards Tung Chung.
Follow the trail ahead that zigzags through some wetlands. Up ahead is the Tung Chung Outdoor Recreation Camp, followed by Hau Wong Temple on the left by the water. If you are interested in temples, do take a look; otherwise head on along the path, keeping straight.
After passing the newly built playground, keep to the left when you reach the fork in the path.
Ahead, go straight, then follow the concrete path to the right along side the canal.
At the end of the fence, turn left up the slope and continue left onto the main road.
Enter the footbridge ahead, which crosses the main road. Keep going straight until you get to a tunnel.
Enter the following tunnel and follow the arrow pointing to the right.
At the end of the tunnel turn left and follow the walking trail down and turn left into the next tunnel.
As you exit this tunnel, turn right, and follow the path until you reach the Tung Chung MTR station.
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© 2012 Created by Michael Pieper.
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