Sai Kung, dubbed as the "back garden" by Hong Kong people, offers the most spectacular highland viewing experience in Hong Kong. Unlike the urban night scenes at Victoria Peak, Sai Kung's highland viewpoints showcase the pristine beauty of mountain-and-sea integration. From the hexagonal column stone walls of High Island Reservoir to the unbeatable sea views of Tai Long Wan, every spot is a paradise for photography enthusiasts and hikers.
Featured Highlights
The charm of Sai Kung's highland views lies in the perfect combination of geological wonders and coastline. Here lies Hong Kong's only UNESCO World Geopark core zone, with hexagonal basalt column groups serving as witnesses to volcanic activities 140 million years ago. Unlike the artificial brilliance of Victoria Harbour's night views, Sai Kung's viewing experience is closer to pristine nature, especially at sunrise when golden sunlight spreads over the South China Sea – many local photographers call it "the most beautiful sunrise in Hong Kong."
Benefiting from the 2025 trail system upgrade in Sai Kong East Country Park, routes to major viewpoints are now more well-established with significantly improved safety. Plus, with the recent surge in demand for natural scenery among mainland Chinese tourists (175 million outbound trips from China in 2026), Sai Kung has become the second largest highland viewing hotspot after Victoria Peak.
Recommended Viewing Spots
High Island Reservoir East Dam
The signature attraction of Hong Kong Geopark, featuring globally rare large-scale hexagonal column stone walls. Standing on the East Dam levee, on one side lies the emerald green reservoir, on the other the endless sea – the visual impact is extremely strong. The best viewing time is 4-6 PM when the light is soft and the stone wall textures are clearest. This is also the best spot to view the Po Pin Chau sea erosion column.
Tai Long Sai Wan Viewing Platform
Known as "the Maldives of Hong Kong," from the viewing platform, the entire Cheung Sha Wan presents a perfect arc, with seawater transitioning from light blue to deep blue. The best viewing period is 6-8 AM when there are few tourists, allowing you to exclusively enjoy this tranquil beauty. Unlike other beaches that are commercialized, Tai Long Sai Wan maintains its original character.
Sharp Peak Summit
Hong Kong's third highest peak, known as "the Mount Fuji of Hong Kong." Reaching the summit requires some体力, but the 360-degree panoramic views are absolutely worth it. On clear days, from the summit you can see Tap Mun, Tung Ping Chau, and even the city skyline of Shenzhen in the distance. Many hikers specifically start climbing 1 hour before sunrise just to welcome the first light at the summit.
Wong Shek Pier Sunrise Pavilion
A relatively轻松 viewing option suitable for tourists who don't want long treks. The Sunrise Pavilion is located on a small hill near Wong Shek Pier, reachable in a 15-minute walk. This is the best spot to view the entire Pak Sha Chau, especially at dusk when the setting sun dyes the entire sea area golden – the scenery rivals any paid viewing platform.
Sai Wan Ting Viewing Point
A hidden viewing point within Sai Kung East Country Park, known by few but with first-class scenery. From here you can overlook the entire Sai Wan, including panoramic views of three bays: Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, and Tai Long Wan. The biggest feature is being able to see three landscape layers simultaneously: distant mountains, nearby sea, and beaches – extremely rich in composition.
Practical Information
Transportation:
Take bus 92 from Diamond Hill MTR Station to Sai Kung Bus Terminal (about 45 minutes, HK$10.3), then transfer to a minibus to various attractions. For High Island Reservoir East Dam, take minibus 9A (frequent departures on holidays); for Tai Long Sai Wan, transfer at Pak Tam Au and walk approximately 2.5 hours. It is recommended to use an Octopus card – all public transport accepts it.
Budget:
Transportation costs approximately HK$30-50 (round trip), and most viewing spots are free to access. If hiring a local guide, the cost is approximately HK$500-800 per day. It is recommended to bring your own lunch and sufficient drinking water, as dining options in Sai Kung's countryside are limited.
Opening Hours:
Country parks are open all day, but it is recommended to visit from after sunrise to before sunset for safety. High Island Reservoir East Dam is sometimes restricted for access due to maintenance works – it is recommended to check the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website for the latest information before departure.
Travel Tips
Choosing the right season is important. November to April is the best viewing season with high visibility and comfortable weather. While summer is lush and green, thunderstorms and light mist often affect visibility.
For equipment, wearing anti-slip hiking shoes is essential, as some mountain trails in Sai Kung are quite steep. Sun protection and sufficient drinking water are indispensable, as there is limited shade in the countryside.
Photography enthusiasts should bring a wide-angle lens – the viewing视野 in Sai Kung is vast, making standard lenses unable to fully capture the magnificent scenery. Additionally, tripods are very useful for shooting sunrises and sunsets.
Considering that regional political dynamics may affect South China Sea island tourism, it is recommended to focus on Sai Kung's local attractions as the main itinerary, avoiding tour projects that require going out to sea.
