Lantau Peak

Lantau Peak AKA 鳳凰山 (Phoenix Peak) is simply one of the best day hikes in Hong Kong.
Getting here can be a bit confusing. The optimal route is to head to the Tung Chung MTR (not to be confused with the Airport Express MTR) and take the 3M bus to to 伯公坳 (Pak Kung Au) and then cross the street and follow the signs.
No individual step on this hike is particularly difficult… but there is an abundance of such steps and it can quickly become tiring. This is going to be much more exhausting than 龍脊 (Dragon’s Back) which is a quick jaunt in comparison. Allow extra time, extra water and extra snacks if you’re into that from what you’d normally allot for a ~4km hike.
Don’t forget to look back periodically as you climb, both on your accomplishment and the beautiful mountain path and view on both sides.
The four payoffs are worth it:
1) The peak itself (360 degree view of Lantau and potentially further depending on the fog)
2) The carvings at the Ngong Ping base on the far side
3) A chance to pay one’s respects to the Tian Tan Big Buddha
4) Perhaps most importantly, bragging rights that while most tourists were taking the cable car up to Ngong Ping to see the Buddha you hiked *down* to it
If you’re at all into the outdoors, the weather is cooperative and you want a bit of solace away from the crowds, your decision to climb Lantau Peak has already been made.