Lion Rock Country Park — Local services in Hong Kong

This is one of Hong Kong's first designated country parks (1977) and part of a rural mountainous area that separates the Kowloon Peninsula from the New Territories. The country park covers approximately 550 hectares of hilly woodlands sandwiched in between the Ma On Shan Country Park to the east and Kam Shan Country Park to the west.

This country park is where you find the famous Lion Rock, a 495 metre granite boulder covered hilltop that looks like a Lion's head when seen from a distance. Lion Rock is Hong Kong's most famous geographical landmark on the Kowloon side and a very popular destination for day hikers for its remarkable views of the city down below. The park is home to another interesting but less well known landmark called Amah Rock and more outstanding city views are found at places like the Beacon Hill Viewing Point around 45 hike west of Lion Rock.

In addition to the popular hike to Lion Rock. The park is where you find the MacLehose Trail Section 5 which spans the width of the park from Tate's Cairn in the east to Tai Po Road in the west. There is an informal War Relic trail (17 different war time ruins along the Gin Drinker's Line that follows the Section #5 trail. The Wilson Trail Section #5 also cuts through the park before winding in and out of the northern boundary.

There are a couple of popular short trails that are quite easy and family friendly as well. These include Eagle's Nest Trail that covers the area between the western end of the park and Beacon Hill and Hung Mui Kuk Nature Trail in the north that includes a stop at Amah Rock.

Lion Rock Country Park has nice woodlands and the trails are in pretty good condition. Wildlife spotting mainly includes watching out for the groups of macaques that roam free in the area. These are mostly in the western half of the park. You won't see many around Lion Rock but as you approach the western end past Beacon Hill, they start to appear. By the time you are at Tai Po Road and the boundary with Kam Shan Country Park, they can be everywhere. Wild pigs can be spotted in the area at times, key your eye out for lizards, skinks and geckos and larger birds, particular our Common Black Kites are found in abundance.

In the end, Lion Rock Country Park is good little country park, nicely located for the vast majority of Hongkongers. You can access the park fairly quickly from most locations around the city and expect to be rewarded with some incredible viewpoints of the city from its higher...

"Lion Rock Spirit" has become a symbol of cultural identity of Hong Kong people.

Of one mind in pursuit of our dream, All discord set aside, with one heart on the same bright quest, Hand in hand to the ends of the Earth.

Solidarity is upheld by Hong Kongers. They would disregard of social classes and ethnic differences, so as to collectively overcome the adversaries "on the same boat" (同舟共濟). For instance, the whole family worked together to produce plastic flowers or to put stickers on toys to sustain the family's living.

Fearless and valiant inside, Rough terrain no respite. Side by side we overcome ills, As the Hong Kong story we write.

Perseverance of Hong Kong people is reflected. Hong Kong people weigh upon the motto of "never give up" (永不放棄) in the face of challenges. They believed they could "create miracles from the impossible" (化腐朽為神奇) as long as they worked hard and supported each other to fulfill their life goals.

Hong...

I have relatives who live in the New Territories who are accustomed by this great granite formation. As I visit regularly from the U.K., it is a wonderful change of scenery for me and it take approximately 2-3 hours to reach the top (wear suitable footwear and remember to stay hydrated!).

When you reach the top, you are rewarded with one of the most beautiful views of Hong Kong. If you are into your bird watching, please note that Black Kites usually nest nearby so you maybe able to spot them in flight.

Despite not being easy-going for new hikers, I highly recommend this challenging hiking trail as it gives you a decent break away from walking inside of the city and a new perspective from the outside.

Remember to prepare yourselves with the correct footwear, stay hydrated, sun-tan lotion, stay safe, clean up after yourselves (carry your own litter!!!) and go have...