Best Places for Sport Climbing in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is home to a diverse range of sport climbing crags, offering everything from seaside cliffs to urban walls and mountain peaks. The city's high-quality granite, well-bolted routes, and scenic locations make it a fantastic destination for climbers of all levels. Here’s a guide to the best places to go sport climbing in Hong Kong.
1. Tung Lung Chau – The Ultimate Climbing Island
Why Climb Here? Tung Lung Chau is Hong Kong’s most famous climbing destination, offering solid granite, well-bolted routes, and stunning sea views. With a mix of beginner-friendly and advanced climbs, it’s a must-visit.
Location: Tung Lung Chau Island (off the coast of Clearwater Bay)
How to Get There:
Take a ferry from Sam Ka Tsuen (Lei Yue Mun) or Sai Wan Ho to Tung Lung Chau.
A 20–30-minute walk from the pier to the climbing areas.
Best Routes:
Big Drum (6a) – A classic warm-up route.
Gladiator (6b+) – One of the island’s most well-known climbs.
Baby Face (7b) – A technical face climb with small crimps.
Difficulty Range: 5c – 8a
Highlights: Beautiful ocean scenery, multiple climbing sectors, and great camping spots nearby.
2. Beacon Hill – The Urban Crag
Why Climb Here? One of the most accessible crags in Kowloon, Beacon Hill offers short, well-bolted sport routes perfect for a quick session.
Location: Near Lion Rock, Kowloon
How to Get There:
Take the MTR to Kowloon Tong and hike about 15 minutes from the trailhead near Lion Rock Park.
Best Routes:
Momentary Lapse of Reason (6b) – A fun technical challenge.
Lost Arrow (6c) – A pumpy climb with good holds.
Difficulty Range: 5c – 7b
Highlights: Easy access from the city, well-protected routes, and good for beginners to intermediate climbers.
3. Central Crag – Climbing with a City View
Why Climb Here? The closest crag to Central, this spot provides great climbing with a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. It’s a popular after-work climbing destination.
Location: Above Hong Kong Park, Central
How to Get There:
Take the MTR to Admiralty, then walk through Hong Kong Park.
A 20-minute steep hike leads to the crag.
Best Routes:
Ego Trip (6a+) – A fun, well-bolted line.
Blow My Whistle (6c) – A tricky slab with small holds.
Difficulty Range: 5c – 7a
Highlights: Stunning cityscape views and convenient access from the urban center.
4. Cape Collinson – A Coastal Climbing Adventure
Why Climb Here? Located near Chai Wan, this sea-facing crag offers excellent routes with a mix of sport and trad climbing options.
Location: Cape Collinson, Hong Kong Island
How to Get There:
Take the MTR to Chai Wan, then hike 30 minutes down a steep trail.
Best Routes:
Sea Breeze (6b) – A stunning climb with exposure.
Collinson Arete (6c) – A sharp arete with great moves.
Difficulty Range: 6a – 7c
Highlights: Beautiful sea cliffs, adventurous approach, and high-quality granite.
5. Lion Rock – The Iconic Climbing Spot
Why Climb Here? One of Hong Kong’s most famous peaks, Lion Rock offers incredible views over Kowloon and some of the best multi-pitch sport climbs.
Location: Near Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon
How to Get There:
Take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin and hike about 45 minutes.
Best Routes:
White Wall (6b+) – A steep, pumpy classic.
Pride (7a) – A tough climb on the famous Lion Rock face.
Difficulty Range: 5c – 7c
Highlights: Legendary Hong Kong climbing spot with epic city views and long routes.
6. Black Crag – Cool Weather Climbing
Why Climb Here? Located near Tai Mo Shan, this crag is higher in elevation, making it cooler in the summer. The granite quality is excellent.
Location: Tai Mo Shan, New Territories
How to Get There:
Take a taxi to the Tai Mo Shan Country Park entrance.
Hike 1 hour to reach the crag.
Best Routes:
Black Rain (6b) – A fun, technical climb.
Into the Black (7a) – A steep, pumpy challenge.
Difficulty Range: 6a – 7b
Highlights: Cooler temperatures, solid granite, and quiet surroundings.
7. Shek O Crag – Climbing by the Beach
Why Climb Here? A beginner-friendly crag located near Shek O Beach, making it perfect for a relaxed climbing day followed by a swim.
Location: Shek O, Hong Kong Island
How to Get There:
Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan, then a minibus to Shek O.
Walk 10 minutes to the crag.
Best Routes:
Lazy Sunday (5c) – A nice warm-up climb.
Shek O Classic (6a) – A juggy, fun climb.
Difficulty Range: 5c – 6b
Highlights: Perfect for beginners, short approach, and near Shek O Beach for post-climb relaxation.
Climbing Tips for Hong Kong
Best Season: October to March (cooler and drier). Summer is too hot and humid for climbing.
Gear Required:
60m rope and 12-15 quickdraws for most crags.
Helmet is highly recommended due to loose rock at some sites.
Guidebook: Hong Kong Rock Climbing Guidebook (by the Hong Kong Climbing Community) is a must-have for route details.
Safety Notes:
Some crags have loose rock, so always check holds.
Check weather conditions, especially for sea crags that can get slippery.
Avoid climbing alone, and make sure you know the descent routes.
Hong Kong has some of the best sport climbing in Asia, with easy access to crags, a passionate local climbing community, and a variety of routes for all levels. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-work climb in Central or a full-day adventure on Tung Lung Chau, there’s a climbing spot for you.
So grab your harness, chalk up, and start exploring Hong Kong’s incredible climbing scene!
