Wisdom Path. Photo: Rommel Dalupan
Wisdom Path. Photo: Rommel Dalupan

North Phoenix Track, one of the most challenging hiking paths in Hong Kong, is a paradise for users as it provides them with not only spectacular scenery but also strange rocks to enjoy.

North Phoenix Track_v01
Photo: Google Maps

The starting point of this track is not far from the Tian Tan Buddha in Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. People can get there by taking bus route No 2 from Mui Wo or route No 23 from Tung Chung.

Taking the Ngong Ping Fun Walk, hikers can see a group of 38 wooden pillars at the Wisdom Path. The pillars, engraved with Buddhist texts, have been suffering from a pest problem since the opening in 2005, according to media reports.

Phoenix Statue
Phoenix Statue. Photo: Google Maps

Starting from the Phoenix Statue, hikers will be able to see the Overturned Cliff, followed by the Overturned Blow Rock River, along the North Phoenix Track. Dripping Cliff is a tall overhanging cliff, which looks like a cave with some water dripping from above.

YouTube video

Before reaching the bottom of the Lo Han Tower, people can see the One-Tree Cave, which does not actually have a tree. They will have to climb 80 meters to the top of the Lo Han Tower, which has an altitude of 820 meters.

Lo Han Tower
Lo Han Tower Photo: Rommel Dalupan

Hikers will descend a little bit to the North Heaven Gate and then climb through the Passage of the Heaven, a narrow rocky passage in the middle of a giant vertical cliff, to reach the Lantau Trail, a conventional hiking path.

North Heaven Gate
North Heaven Gate. Photo: Rommel Dalupan

Going west of the Lantau Trail, hikers can reach the Lantau Peak and see some more strange rocks before returning to Ngong Ping. They can also go east and visit the South Heaven Gate or end their journey on Tung Chung Road.

Mouse trap rock
Mouse Trap Rock. Photo: Rommel Dalupan

Special thanks to Rommel Dalupan for providing a video taken with his drone.

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