Best heritage trails to explore in Hong Kong

The Shing Mun War Relics Trail, situated on the northern part of Smugglers' Ridge, is packed with tunnels and trenches from World War II. The highlights of this trail are the tunnels dug by the British named after the streets of London. Who would have thought you could find Regent Street buried in Hong Kong? The war relics trail is part of the Gin Drinkers Line, a British military defensive line built as a defence against the Japanese invasion.  

Those looking for a longer excursion could consider extending their journey by travelling to the sixth section of the MacLehose trail, where one can spot numerous wild macaques roaming.

Inaugurated in 1993, the Ping Shan Heritage Trail stretches just 1.6 kilometres in length. Brief though it may be, this quiet stretch in Yuen Long district is home to a rich cultural history that's well worth exploring. The trail takes visitors through ancestral villages belonging to the Tang Clan – one of the five main clans of the New Territories – which first settled in the area in the 12th century. 

Most visitors start at the end of the trail closest to Tin Shui Wai MTR station, a short walk from Tsui Shing Lau Pagoda. The only ancient pagoda still standing in Hong Kong today, it stands 13 metres tall and is said to have been completed as early as 1486. Nearby, the walled village of Sheung Cheung Wai still boasts the remnants of its original gatehouse, and a shrine dedicated to the god She Kung, the protector of the village.

While modern developments do make up parts of the trail, several of the original ancestral halls and study halls remain, providing a glimpse into the lives of the New Territories' earliest settlers. The former police station now houses the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery and visitors centre, which offer ample information and maps to help navigate the heritage trail.

In the eastern part of the New Territories, near Fanling, the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail spans 2.6 kilometres and was established in 1999. The name of the trail is said to derive from local lore that details the journey of a dragon leaping across the nearby mountain range. Lung Yeuk Tau is another stronghold of the Tang Clan, whose ancestors arrived from China's Jiangxi province.

Connecting the Five Wais (walled villages) and Six Tsuens (villages), Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail is surrounded by many traditional Chinese buildings which enable a glimpse at the life of early inhabitants in the New Territories. The Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall built during the early 16th century still stands today. Make sure to pay attention to the roofs of temples and study halls decorated with ornate carvings.

Devil's Peak earned its name from the pirates who once occupied the hill during the Ming Dynasty. It has been used as a strategic military station with fortifications and two gun batteries – Gough and Pottinger. Although the Pottinger Battery is mostly covered by vegetation, the other military station is still visible today. Many take this hike near sunset hours to immerse themselves in the enchanting scenery of the Victoria Harbour bathing in sunlight.

There are 41 historic waterworks among Hong Kong's many declared monuments which vary from aqueducts to dams and masonry bridges. More than half of these are located within Tai Tam and make up this heritage trail.

The trail begins at the Tai Tam Country Park entrance near Parkview and ends in Tai Tam Bay. The trail takes place mostly along paved walkways that are well-signposted, making it easily accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. There are 10 information stations located along the trail, shedding light on the historical and present value of the sites. There are also several barbecue pits and a seating area located near Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, making it the perfect spot to end the day.

The Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail is challenging, but the thrilling exploration of abandoned World War II bunkers and pillboxes, and a picturesque view of Stanley is well worth the trip. The battlefield trail is littered with fascinating remnants from the Second World War. Nature and history intertwine on the route, which stretches from Tai Tam Reservoir Road to Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, where the West Brigade Headquarters stand.

Along the trail, expect sites of historical interest relating to the brutal struggle that led British troops to surrender to the Japanese on Christmas Day of 1941. For example, you'll find anti-aircraft gun platforms situated by the first and second station posts. Lying in ruins, these notable sites are where allied personnel shot down a Japanese aircraft during the height of the battle. Further exploration along the trail reveals several machine-gun posts (aka pillboxes), many of which are now further concealed by overgrown vegetation.

The Tung Chung to Tai O hike features many historical sites, most of which have stories that can be traced back to the Song Dynasty. Tung Chung Bay is where the last emperor of the Song Dynasty took refuge when fleeing the Mongol army in 1278. Here you will also find the Hau Wong Temple, built in 1765, commemorating the prince marquis Yeung Leung-jit who protected the emperor. Along the trail, expect scenic seascapes before descending to the end of the trail at Tai O, a unique village of stilt houses where generations of fisherman have lived in.