Rising in a perfect dark spike above the Clear Water Bay peninsula, High Junk Peak — Tiu Yue Yung in Cantonese — is one of Hong Kong’s most photogenic small mountains. At 344 metres it is modest in height, yet its sharp profile and airy ridge have earned it a place among the city’s celebrated “three sharp peaks”.
This is a ridge walk with a thrill: a moderately strenuous outing rewarded by sweeping, almost 360-degree views over the sea, the outlying islands and the green folds of Clearwater Bay Country Park. With easy transport from the city and a manageable length, it’s one of the most accessible “big view” hikes in the whole Sai Kung district.
One of the “three sharp peaks”
High Junk Peak is grouped with Sharp Peak (Nam She Tsim) in eastern Sai Kung and Castle Peak in the far west as Hong Kong’s “three sharp peaks” — a trio of pointed summits famed for their steepness and views. Of the three, Tiu Yue Yung is the most accessible and the shortest, making it the ideal introduction to this style of sharp, rocky ridge walking. The final pull to the very summit is genuinely steep and exposed, but the bulk of the route is far gentler.
The walking: Tree Walk and Country Trail
There are two complementary ways to enjoy the area, and many visitors combine them.
The Clearwater Bay Tree Walk
The Clearwater Bay Tree Walk is a short, gentle nature trail with labelled trees and interpretive signs, ideal for families, casual strollers and anyone wanting a relaxed taste of the landscape without the climb. It threads through cool woodland and makes a pleasant warm-up or an easy outing in its own right.
The High Junk Peak Country Trail
The main event is the High Junk Peak Country Trail, which runs along the spine of the peninsula with the open sea on either side. Most of the trail is well-defined and moderate, climbing and dipping over the ridge with constant views. As you approach High Junk Peak itself, a short but steep, exposed scramble branches up to the summit. This final section has loose ground and real drops — it is optional, and walkers who prefer to stay safe can bypass the very top while still enjoying the ridge.
What you’ll see
The reason hikers keep coming back is the panorama. From the ridge and summit you can take in:
- Clear Water Bay itself, with its gazetted swimming beaches far below.
- The Tin Ha Wan, Tai Miu and Joss House Bay coastline, with the historic Tin Hau temple at Joss House Bay.
- A scatter of islands across the eastern waters, with High Junk Peak’s own dark pyramid framing the foreground.
- On clear days, the towers of Tseung Kwan O and the distant ridges of the MacLehose Trail to the north.
The light is especially good in the late afternoon, when the sea turns silver and the ridge throws long shadows.
A little history and lore
The peninsula around High Junk Peak has long been more than a hiker’s playground. Its slopes once supported small Hakka farming communities, and the surrounding waters were busy with fishing junks — the very craft that, in local lore, lend the peak its evocative Cantonese name, Tiu Yue Yung, “the place where fish are angled”. Below the ridge at Joss House Bay (Tai Miu Wan) stands one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most important Tin Hau temples, dedicated to the goddess of the sea and still the focus of a great annual festival. Walkers who add the temple to a High Junk Peak outing get a richer sense of how sea, faith and community have shaped this corner of Sai Kung for centuries.
Routes at a glance
| Tree Walk | Country Trail (no summit) | Full ridge + summit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Moderately strenuous |
| Terrain | Woodland path | Undulating ridge | Steep, exposed scramble at top |
| Suitable for | Families | Regular walkers | Fit, confident hikers |
| Highlight | Labelled trees | Continuous sea views | The 344m summit |
Getting there
Clear Water Bay is one of the easier corners of the Sai Kung district to reach. The peninsula is served by bus 91 and by green minibuses running along Clear Water Bay Road; alight near Tai Au Mun or Ng Fai Tin for the trailheads. From the city you typically connect through Diamond Hill or Hang Hau MTR stations before catching the bus or minibus toward the bay. The full transport guide has the details, including how to reach the wider Sai Kung area.
If you are driving, there is limited parking near the country park entrances, which fills quickly on fine weekends.
Best time to go
- Autumn and winter (October–March) are ideal: cool, dry and clear, with the best long-range views.
- Spring can be misty, which softens the panorama but adds atmosphere.
- Summer is hot and exposed — the ridge has little shade. If you go, start early, carry extra water and avoid the midday sun.
- Aim for a clear, low-humidity day to make the most of the island views, and weekdays for fewer crowds.
Safety and practical tips
While friendlier than Sharp Peak, High Junk Peak still demands respect:
- The summit scramble is steep and exposed, with loose footing and no railings. Don’t attempt it in the wet, and turn back if you’re not comfortable.
- Carry plenty of water — there are no shops on the ridge.
- Wear proper hiking shoes with grip, not sandals.
- Bring sun protection; the exposed ridge offers almost no shade.
- Check the forecast and avoid the trail during thunderstorm or strong-wind warnings.
- Take all litter home and stay on the marked paths to protect the country park.
How long does it take?
Allow roughly two to four hours for the High Junk Peak Country Trail, depending on which sections you tackle and how long you linger over the views. The gentle Tree Walk on its own can be done in under an hour, while the full ridge with the summit scramble and photo stops easily fills half a day. Most fit walkers complete a satisfying round in a morning, leaving the afternoon free for the beach or a meal in town.
Nearby and itinerary ideas
High Junk Peak pairs beautifully with the rest of the Clear Water Bay peninsula. After the hike, cool off at the gazetted beaches of Clearwater Bay Country Park, or detour to Silverstrand Beach on the way back toward town. History lovers can visit the Tin Hau temple at Joss House Bay, while keen hikers might string the ridge together with a wider exploration of the peninsula’s coastal paths. Energetic visitors can combine the ridge with a coastal stroll and a seafood meal in Sai Kung Town to round off a classic day out in the southern reaches of the district. However you plan it, High Junk Peak delivers a big mountain experience in a compact, accessible package — one of the most rewarding short hikes anywhere in Hong Kong.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the High Junk Peak hike?
It’s moderately strenuous. The High Junk Peak Country Trail is mostly manageable, but the optional scramble to the 344m summit has steep, exposed sections that demand care, sure footing and a head for heights.
How do you get to High Junk Peak?
Take bus 91 or a green minibus toward Clear Water Bay along Clear Water Bay Road, alighting near Tai Au Mun or Ng Fai Tin. From the city, first reach the area via Diamond Hill or Hang Hau — see the transport guide.
Can families do the Clearwater Bay Tree Walk?
Yes. The gentle Clearwater Bay Tree Walk and the lower stretches of the country trail suit most walkers and families, while only confident hikers should tackle the exposed summit scramble itself.
