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Mount Collinson
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peak
Mount Collinson rises to an elevation of 348 meters on the eastern end of Hong Kong Island, serving as a prominent backdrop to the high-rise district of Chai Wan. The mountain is named after Captain Thomas Bernard Collinson, a British Royal Engineer who carried out the first comprehensive survey of Hong Kong's terrain in the 1840s. Its slopes are notably home to the Cape Collinson Cemetery, where terraced burial plots are intricately carved into the steep hillsides, creating a striking visual pattern visible from the sea. Hikers frequent the area for its scenic trails, which link up with Pottinger Peak and the world-renowned Dragon's Back coastal path. From the summit, one can enjoy expansive views of the Tathong Channel, the Clearwater Bay Peninsula, and the constant stream of maritime traffic entering Victoria Harbour. The mountain’s lush subtropical greenery and rugged rock formations provide a refreshing natural escape from the urban density below, blending spiritual significance with outdoor recreation.
- Location: Hong Kong SAR China
- Top sights: Obelisk Hill · Obelisk (North) · Lin Hook Sin Koon
- Nearby: Tseung Kwan O (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 17 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 31 | 85 | 112 | 247 | 294 | 216 | 253 | 195 | 69 | 32 | 26 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The mountain is typically accessed via trails starting from the Chai Wan area or the Dragon's Back hiking network. Public transport to Chai Wan is the usual starting point.
Best season
The cooler, drier months from October to March offer the best conditions for ascending this peak. Summer months can be very hot and humid, making the climb difficult.
Terrain & paths
The hike involves steep sections and dirt paths that wind through the rugged terrain above the city. Some parts of the trail can be overgrown or rough.
What to bring
Sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water are essential for this trail. A map or offline GPS is recommended for navigating less marked paths.
Parking
Parking near the trailheads in Chai Wan is very limited. Visitors generally rely on Hong Kong's extensive public transit options to reach the starting areas.
Safety
Stay on the established paths and be aware of steep drop-offs along the ridges. Heat exhaustion is a genuine risk during the sweltering summer months.
Time needed
A typical hike covering the peak and surrounding trails usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the chosen route and resting times.
Geography
Facts
- Mount Collinson is 351 meters high.
- It is located in Shek O Country Park.
- The trail is 1.8 kilometers long.
- The mountain offers views of 5 islands.
- The gradient reaches up to 30 degrees.
- The summit is only 150 meters from the sea.
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 Mount Collinson (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mount Collinson?
It is located in the east of Hong Kong Island, above Chai Wan and Big Wave Bay.
What is known about this mountain?
It is named after a British officer and today mainly hosts radio and radar stations.
Can you hike to the summit?
Yes, there are paths, but some areas are fenced off due to technical installations.
What do you see from up there?
Views of the South China Sea, Tung Lung Chau island, and the eastern beaches.
Are there cemeteries there?
Yes, the Cape Collinson Chinese Permanent Cemetery is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
Mount Collinson: where is it located?
Mount Collinson is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Mount Collinson: what is there to see?
Highlights include Obelisk Hill, Obelisk (North), Lin Hook Sin Koon.
Mount Collinson: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Mount Collinson: why is it worth visiting?
Mount Collinson rises to an elevation of 348 meters on the eastern end of Hong Kong Island, serving as a prominent backdrop to the high-rise district of Chai Wan.
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