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Grassy Hill
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peak
Grassy Hill, rising to an elevation of 647 meters, is a prominent flat-topped peak situated in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It is a key waypoint on the famous MacLehose Trail, marking the transition between Section 7 and Section 8. The hill's name accurately reflects its landscape, which is dominated by expansive montane grasslands and low shrubs rather than the dense forests found at lower altitudes. From the summit area, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Shing Mun Reservoir to the south and Tai Po to the north. One of the most unique features of Grassy Hill is the resident population of feral cattle, which are frequently seen grazing peacefully on the upper slopes. The area is also home to a fire lookout station, used to monitor the surrounding country parks during the dry season. The climb to the top is challenging but popular, offering a sense of openness and tranquility rare in the urban environment.
- Location: Hong Kong SAR China
- Top sights: Yin Ngam Peak · Shing Mun Arboretum · Grassy Hill
- Nearby: Mong Kok Retail District (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 35 | 29 | 69 | 109 | 231 | 288 | 197 | 234 | 173 | 56 | 29 | 21 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Approached via long-distance hiking trails in the New Territories, the journey usually starts from established nature reserves or reservoir areas at lower elevations.
Best season
Late autumn and winter are the optimal seasons to visit, as the cooler temperatures make the long ascent manageable and the extensive grasslands turn a beautiful golden hue.
Terrain & paths
The hike involves a steady and demanding ascent up to the 647-meter flat-topped summit, featuring a challenging mix of paved access roads and rugged dirt trails.
What to bring
Good hiking boots, ample hydration, and wind-resistant clothing are highly important, as the wide-open grassy summit can be quite breezy and thoroughly exposed to the elements.
Parking
Most hikers park at major country park centers or take public transport to the main trailheads, as direct vehicle access to the higher slopes is completely restricted.
Safety
Navigation can be quite tricky in heavy fog on the extensive grasslands, so it is crucial to stick to the main paths and check local weather forecasts before attempting the ascent.
Time needed
Depending on the chosen starting point, reaching the summit and safely hiking back down generally requires a full half-day commitment of roughly four to six solid hours.
Geography
Facts
- Elevation: 647 m (2,123 ft)
- Metamorphic quartzite and schist
- MacLehose Trail Stage 7 (12 km)
- Average annual rainfall: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
- Popular for kite flying
- Historic aqueduct from 1930s Shing Mun project
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Grassy Hill (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there really grass on Grassy Hill?
Yes, the summit is covered with wide grassy slopes, unusual for HK mountains.
Can you see animals there?
You can often see feral cattle grazing peacefully there.
How do I get there?
It is on MacLehose Trail Section 7, between Needle Hill and Lead Mine Pass.
Is the trail hard?
The path to the summit is mostly a wide, easy concrete road.
What do you see towards Tai Po?
You get a great overview of Tai Po and Tolo Harbour.
Grassy Hill: where is it located?
Grassy Hill is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Grassy Hill: what is there to see?
Highlights include Yin Ngam Peak, Shing Mun Arboretum, Grassy Hill.
Grassy Hill: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Grassy Hill: why is it worth visiting?
Grassy Hill, rising to an elevation of 647 meters, is a prominent flat-topped peak situated in the New Territories of Hong Kong.
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