Best places to catch the sunrise in Hong Kong

Cape D’Aguilar is an easy reach as the route is mostly paved – so it’s more of an adventure walk rather than a full-on hike. For the best vantage point, walk on the adjacent lawn once you've reached the radio station (it's a restricted area so don't attempt to enter); turn right at the end of the path and go up a set of stairs that will lead you to a cliff looking out to the historic lighthouse. This is a popular spot for sun chasers so be sure to get there early to bag a prime space.

Ma Wan Beach is an idyllic spot to catch the sunrise if you're looking to avoid the crowd. Treat yourself to a grand view of both the Tsing Yi coastline and the Tsing Ma bridge, and watch the sky morph into a calming shade of violet at the break of dawn. Stick around for a little longer to capture the sun as it rises above the hills of Tsing Yi and plays a striking backdrop to the Tsing Ma bridge.

Literally meaning Big Hat Mountain, Tai Mo Shan is the highest peak in Hong Kong at 957m. The trails will vary in difficulty and length depending on which route you take, so plan ahead and choose if you want to take it easy or give yourself a challenge. Whatever you decide, the view up there during sunrises is incomparable.  

As the name suggests, The Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and offers the best panorama of the city, the view stretching from the skyscrapers of Central to the mountains of the New Territories. Find your way to Lugard Road for one of the best sunrise views in Hong Kong. You can even pack refreshments and perch on the lawns of the Victoria Peak Garden to enjoy a delightful morning picnic.

If hiking up mountains in the wee hours of the morning is not for you, consider heading to Sai Kung Pier for a more accessible way to watch the sunrise. The sun will rise in the direction of Kau Sai Chau, and though nearby islands may block the first rays of gold, watching it rise over the peaks of the islands is just as magnificent of a sight. Grab some breakfast in Sai Kung's town centre afterwards and take a walk around the neighbourhood for an idyllic day out.

Feast your eyes on the unobstructed coastline at Shek O Beach and marvel at the majestic sky as the sun appears over the South China sea. Be sure to bring a camera as the beach’s picturesque orange and purple-tinted horizon is just begging to be captured. Better yet, have yourself an overnight camping trip for the full experience!

From awe-inspiring rock formations to scenic coastlines, Tap Mun has it all. Visitors can set up camps around the island’s many expansive verdant plains, and admire the dazzling night sky as it transitions to a radiant glow at dawn. While you bask in the golden hues, don't forget to watch out for the island's very 'friendly' cows. They're quite nosey and love to have a poke around every tent, so keep an eye on your belongings and don't feed them!

This one requires a bit more effort but the astounding view is highly rewarding. Make your way up to Tin Ha Shan from a small entrance right outside The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club. After around 15 to 20 minutes of trekking, you'll eventually find yourself in an open space with an expansive view of the entire Po Toi O bay and the country club's golf course. Be on the lookout for the area’s gorgeous orange-painted lakes as the sun melts into the dawn sky like a warm egg yolk. The incline and terrains may be difficult for less experienced hikers, so be prepared!