Garden Hill (嘉頓山) is one of Hong Kong’s most popular places for photographers and hiking (more like morning hike 晨運). You can almost imagine TVB shows where the uncles and aunties go to this place for 晨運.
The unqiue thing about this place is that it is right in the Kowloon city and you don’t have to go very far to get a simple hike in the morning or in the night. This hill provides stunning views of the Kowloon city and its skyline.
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What is Garden Hill
Garden Hill is a cool natural spot at the hill top, tucked away in Shek Kip Mei estate.
It stands tall at 90 meters above sea level, making it a great pick for a laid-back hike. If you’re short on time or not up for a hardcore hiking (you know those that require you to go out to Lantau or Dragon Back or whatever Hong Kong difficult long hikes, this is your go-to place for just a quick 20 mins to 30 mins up and down hike. Right in the Kowloon City. Simple and easy to go from your hotel in Kowloon.
And to be frank, it is not easy for an uncle like me to go up the stairs to the top. I had to take a break once a while. It was a great little hike to start my day in Hong Kong.
What is Shek Kip Mei
Shek Kip Mei 石硤尾 is a neighborhood in Kowloon, Hong Kong. It gained significance due to a devastating fire in 1953 that left thousands of people homeless. This event led to the development of public housing in Hong Kong. Shek Kip Mei Estate, built in the aftermath of the fire, was the city’s first public housing estate. Today, Shek Kip Mei is a vibrant residential area with a mix of public and private housing. It is known for its cultural diversity, with a significant population of ethnic minorities. The neighborhood offers various amenities, including shopping centers, schools, parks, and community facilities.
How to get to Garden Hill
To reach Garden Hill, you’ve got a couple of easy options. Take a chill walk from Shek Kip Mei MTR (exit A) – it’s about 650 meters, or if you’re closer to Sham Shui Po MTR, just stroll 450 meters from exit D2 to the YHA Mei Ho House.
Here’s a map of how to get to Garden Hill from Sham Shui Po MTR.
As I was staying at Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui, I took the early morning MTR train to Sham Shui Po MTR. I then exit at Exit D.
You will want to choose Exit D2 specifically.
Once you are out, the famous Golden Computer Arcade will be on your left. Just walk straight up.
You just need walk a bit (crossing one street) and you will hit Castle Peak Road.
Walk across this “road” and you will see an ORANGE colour building. Ths is the Mei Ho House.
Cross the road (using the traffic light crossing) and walk in front of Mei Ho House to reach Sham Shui Po District Council Po Leung Kuk Shek Kip Mei Community Services Centre (such a long name). You will notice a cafe called “No Milk Shake No Life : Morning Queue“. I will want to come here one day for the milk shake :). Anyway you will want to go to this cafe… or at least the direction of the cafe.
This street is called “Berwick Street”. I also noticed a lot of local food (Cha Chan Teng) at this building. Must come back lah !!
Right next to the “Milk Shake” cafe, you will see this sign. Path Up Hill. 晨運徑. See, I really say got 晨運.
And you might be worried when you look into the “path”. It looks very modern 🙂
Just walk down this stairs into the “lane” and at the end of the lane, you will reach the foot of Garden Hill.
Walking up Garden Hill
It’s a smooth ride with concrete steps and a paved path leading you up the hill. In just 10 mins or so, you’ll be soaking in the killer views from the top of Garden Hill. But uncle here takes a little longer as he needs to stop for a while.
Will this ever end…
As you walk up (and rest like me), you can see the famous Hong Kong apartments. Tall, small and many..
View at the top of Garden Hill
And when you reach the top, it is not exactly Peak at Hong Kong Island.. it is just a simple little garden at the top.
Some Photos from the Top of Garden Hill
Actually you will not be able to get good views from the park at the top of the Garden Hill as it is pretty covered up by trees. You will need to go down a little to the sides of the hill to get the views.
Like these.
I believe at night, it will be even nicer. I hope to come back one day at night !
And somehow the walk DOWN is so much easier 🙂
Some Videos from the Top of Garden Hill
Three Videos
Conclusion : To Hill or Not To HIll
Yes, if you wake up in the morning and want a short simple exercise and hike. And catch some fresh air or stretch your legs before a day of shopping.
Yes, also if you are a photographer (or Youtuber) and want some different types of Hong Kong skyline (not the usual Peak or the usual Hong Kong island skyline). And morning (when the sun is just coming up) or sunset will be nice too.
I loved my little hike that day.
And if you are going to Lantau Island, do consider the Wisdom Path and how to walk it correctly (if you care about such things).
