Designed by Wildrik de Blank, The Northern Passage is a difficult trail which skirts the border of Shenzhen in the North New Territories. The trail offers 70km of continuous views over Shenzhen which progress as you traverse from Sha Tau Kok in the East to Ha Pak Nai in the West, incorporating some great individual hikes such as Robin's Nest, Rooster Ridge, HK Wetlands and the Grand Canyon. The trail brings you close to several different border crossings, so at the end of each day, why not take advantage and hop over the border for a massage, great food and a cheap hotel for the night. For the hardcore purists, there are some camping spots out there, and some opportunity for resupply on the way. And for the military history buffs, there is enough on the route to intrigue you to distract from the gruelling elevation you will endure on this great thru-hike across the northern New Territories.
Section |
Difficulty |
Distance (km) |
Start/End |
Border Crossing at end |
Tranfer to Port |
1 |
*** |
10.4 |
Sha Tau Kok - Ping Che (Robin's Nest) |
Heung Yuen Wai |
Taxi |
2 |
** |
5.4 |
Ping Che - Hung Kiu San Tsuen (Wa Shan Military Road) |
Heung Yuen Wai / Lowu |
59S GMB to Heung Yuen Wai or 73K Bus and MTR to Lowu |
3 |
*** |
8.3 |
Hung Kiu San Tsuen - San Tin (She Leng) |
Lok Ma Chau (Huangang) / Lok Ma Chau |
Huanggang Shuttle Bus to Lok Ma Chau (Huanggang) or 75 GMB to Lok Ma Chau |
4 |
***** |
11.4 |
San Tin - Park Yoho (Kai Kung Leng) |
Lok Ma Chau / Shenzhen Bay |
78 GMB to San Tin (Lok Ma Chau) |
5 |
* |
8.1 |
Park Yoho - Long Ping (Nam Sang Wai) |
Lok Ma Chau |
75 GMB or 79S GMB overnight service |
6 |
** |
7.5 |
Long Ping - Mong Tseng Tsuen |
Shenzhen Bay |
35 GMB to Fung Kong Tsuen Road then 618 GMB |
7 |
** |
7.5 |
Mong Tseng - Ha Tsuen Road |
Shenzhen Bay |
618 GMB |
8 |
***** |
10.8 |
Ha Tsuen Road - Ha Pak Nai (Castle Peak Basin) |
Shenzhen Bay |
33 GMB to Fung Kong Tsuen Road then 618 GMB |
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Section 1 Sha Tau Kok to Ping Che
10.4 km
Border crossing: Heung Yuen Wai
Border crossing: Heung Yuen Wai
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The Northern Passage begins in Sha Tau Kok, in the far North East New Territories. It begins steeply up some steps to an old Japanese military pillbox where you can pause for breath and take in the first of many views over Shenzhen, in particular East Shenzhen, Yantian district. Following this first climb, the trail levels out before bringing you back up towards the highest point on this section near Robin's Nest.
Admiring the views of Shenzhen near Robin's Nest
Once up on the ridge the trail levels our somewhat
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Clouds beginning to clear to reveal Shenzhen in the distance
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At the time of writing, the trail down was blocked with some construction work going on so take care on this part. You will eventually reach a concrete road which you follow to Ping Che road. Go under the highway and follow the trail along the filthy River Ganges and past some warehouses made from corrugated iron (also, look out for the goats). The far north of Hong Kong is very rough around the edges, and it is not uncommon to pass by fly tipping sites, landfills, makeshift warehouses, old washing machines or burnt out cars. Try to embrace this aspect of Hong Kong, a fascinating and unique northern New Territories aesthetic which will greet you, for better or for worse, on many parts of the trail.
The northern New Territories are home to some unique formations
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Embrace these northern aesthetics to fully enjoy the trail
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Sinister warehouses and junk are all part of the charm
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You will finish up the section on Ping Che Road. If you are heading across the border then snag a taxi here and it's a quick five minutes to Heung Yuen Wai crossing, the newest and usually busiest of all the ports into Shenzhen.
Section 2 Ping Che to Hung Kiu San Tsuen
5.4 km
Border crossing: Heung Yuen Wai or Lowu
Border crossing: Heung Yuen Wai or Lowu
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Section two is the shortest section on the trail, however the meandering inclines of the Wa Shan Military Road bring the total elevation gain to a decent 400m and some of the ascents and descents are steep enough to cause issues particularly if it is wet. Dubbed the 'Great Wall of Hong Kong' this winding concrete road will take you over numerous hills towards Hung Kiu San Tsuen. This section is very pleasant, and will give you great views of Shenzhen the whole way. If you are camping, you can choose one of many flat spots with makeshift shelters and seats as a base for the night.
There are several flat areas which can be used to pitch a tent
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The military road is easy walking for the most part, although some sections of the road are very steep
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This section finishes on Man Kam To Road. Despite being so close to Lowu crossing, it's impossible to walk there as the entrance is controlled by the police, and likewise taxis can not take you to the crossing. If Lowu is your destination to cross to Shenzhen then the only option is a bus to Sheung Shui then the MTR back up to Lowu. Otherwise, a 59S green minibus or a taxi will take you back to Heung Yuen Wai port.
Meandering military road with great views to the north
Section 3 Hung Kiu San Tsuen to San Tin
8.3 km
Border crossing: Lok Ma Chau or Lok Ma Chau (Huanggang)
Border crossing: Lok Ma Chau or Lok Ma Chau (Huanggang)
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Section three is a fairly difficult section due to the elevation and some tricky descents. You will ascent Tai Shek Mo (also known as Crest Hill) to the helipad and the closest you will get to Shenzhen on the Northern Passage. From here you will descend into Ma Tso Lung then back up over She Leng finishing at San Tin public transport interchange with easy access to Lok Ma Chau port.
Begin the section by walking through Fu Tei Au, past the Big Water Pipes which bring water from China into Hong Kong, under the East Rail line and over the bridge. Take a right, and you will pass a small restaurant selling tofu pudding and other Hong Kong favourites. This is where the steepness begins. As the route up to the top of Tai Shek Mo is on concrete, you will really feel the burn in the calf muscles as the road is extremely steep for 1 km.
Begin the section by walking through Fu Tei Au, past the Big Water Pipes which bring water from China into Hong Kong, under the East Rail line and over the bridge. Take a right, and you will pass a small restaurant selling tofu pudding and other Hong Kong favourites. This is where the steepness begins. As the route up to the top of Tai Shek Mo is on concrete, you will really feel the burn in the calf muscles as the road is extremely steep for 1 km.
This start of the section will take you in amongst the Big Water pipes of Sheung Shui
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The concrete road up to Tai Shek Mo is steep at 40 degrees in some parts
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The trail here will take you up some steps through some abandoned military barracks to the helipad at the top of Crest Hill. There is an interesting former Ghurka observation post here with incredible views over Ma Tso Lung fishponds and over to Shenzhen. You are so close the Shenzhen here you can see the cars in the streets.
With greater integration of China and Hong Kong, military installations such as this lookout point at the top of Crest Hill are now abandoned
The trail down from the summit of Tai Shek Mo is broken in places and quite steep. When you reach the bottom, turn left on Liu Pok Road through Ma Tso Lung and along the Border Road. Take a left off this road past a grave and then up onto the ridge. Tit Hang Shan and She Leng are 134 meters and 143 meters respectively. Once part of the heavily restricted Hong Kong Frontier Closed Area, this zone opened up in 2013, granting access to five previously off-limits border villages. However, traces of the old border fences with barbed wire from that era still remain on the mountains, and act as a reminder of past restrictions.
The old border fence remains on parts of this section
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 The beautiful meandering trail over the hills with Tit Hang Shan seen in the distance
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Once down from the ridge take a left along Lok Ma Chau Road to San Tin Public Transport Interchange. You can cross Lok Ma Chau into Shenzhen at two different crossings into Futian. The 75 Green minibus will take you the usual Lok Ma Chau crossing where the MTR line ends, however there is another less busy option; The Lok Ma Chau - Huanggang shuttle bus from San Tin is an efficient method for crossing the border, and will take you to the Huanggang control point beyond which you will find line 7 on the Shenzhen metro.
The Lok Ma Chau - Huanggang shuttle bus is a quick and easy way into Shenzhen
Section 4 San Tin to Park Yoho
11.2 km
Border crossing: Lok Ma Chau
Border crossing: Lok Ma Chau
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At 11.4km Section four is the longest section on the Northern Passage and packs a whopping 1100m of elevation gain, making it easily the toughest section of the lot. This route takes you up the monster Kai Kung Leng mountain range (aka Rooster Ridge), not only that...it takes you up the hard way; forcing you onto steep overgrown ascents and descents over two hefty hills in Ki Lun Shan (220m) and Ngau Tam Shan (340m) before a brutally steep ascent to the main ridge. On a clear day you'll be rewarded with incredible views to Shenzhen in the north with Tai To Yan and Tai Mo Shan to the south.
Begin the section in San Tin, easily reached from Lok Ma Chau port. Cross under the highway and up Kwu Tung road until you see steps on your right. The steps will bring you onto the trail, overgrown for the most part and bringing you steeply up to the first peak at Ki Lun Shan. Rest here and enjoy the views.
Begin the section in San Tin, easily reached from Lok Ma Chau port. Cross under the highway and up Kwu Tung road until you see steps on your right. The steps will bring you onto the trail, overgrown for the most part and bringing you steeply up to the first peak at Ki Lun Shan. Rest here and enjoy the views.
Much of this section is overgrown and steep. The first climb will get you acclimatised for the section as a whole
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The top of the first peak Ki Lun Shan (222m)
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Following the first peak, follow the trail downhill. The trail can be steep and at times there is some construction waste that needs to be navigated. You will eventually emerge through a gate at Saddle Pass and directly cross the road back onto the trail. It's another steep ascent now, towards the second peak, Ngau Tam Shan.
When you reach this flat platform, make sure you take the correct trail south
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The descents are difficult on loose rocks and gravel
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After Ngau Tan Shan it's another steep, slow descent, this time steeper and precarious than previously. The loose rocks and gravel are very difficult to manage and it's sometimes easier and safer to crouch and slide down the trail. The trail will eventually even out before the final monster ascent up an exposed sandy trail to Kai Kung Leng ridge. This trail is something else, it's a direct route straight up 400 metres. This is the toughest part of the section and will leave you winded with the climb, mostly using hands as well as feet.
The final ascent up to the ridge is insanely steep
Looking back on the sandy trail towards Shenzhen
When you eventually reach the ridge there are incredible 360 degree views with Shenzhen to the north and Kam Tin, Tai To Yan and Tai Mo Shan south. The ridge itself is not particularly difficult, and as you will begin on the higher eastern side, it is generally downhill. Kai Kung Leng is scorched due to it's type of grassy, woody vegetation, which gets hit hard with hill fires, and much of the ridge is an otherworldly brown tinge. Follow the ridge for it's extent until a final short climb up Kai Kung Leng Shan. The descent is steep, but fortunately easier going due to some steps on the way down.
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There are some camping opportunities on Kai Kung Leng if you are crazy enough to carry a tent on this section
Once off the trail, it's a short walk through the village of Sha Po. There are some buses at park Yoho, however you can cross the main road and catch the 78 Green Minibus back to San Tin for the border crossing at Lok Ma Chau.
Section 5 Yoho Mall to Long Ping
8.1 km
Border crossing: Lok Ma Chau
Border crossing: Lok Ma Chau
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Following the brutality of section four, section five offers some light relief and a break from the elevation. The route begins in Park Yoho where you will cross the bridge and immediately take a right under the highway and onto Nam Sang Wai Road. This road skirts the fishponds all the way around until entering the forested area on the west side of Nam Sang Wai. This large flat area can be busy at times and is used by locals for picnics and remote controlled helicopter practice. However if you are discreet enough you could find a spot for camping easily here. The forested path here is very pleasant, offering great views back to the east over swaying reeds and the fish ponds towards the towering monstrosity of Kai Kung Shan you have just conquered.
Nam Sang Wai is an easy flat walk with great views back towards Kai Kung Shan
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There are some oddities around Nam Sung Wai, including this wigwam setup
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You will pass a restaurant at the south end of Nam Sung Wai where you will need to take a short boat trip over Kam Tin river to Shan Pui village. Walk through the industrial area to Long Ping Estate where the section ends. There is a Green Minibus 79S here directly back to Lok Ma Chau, however this only runs overnight beginning early morning. For most, the Green Minibus 75 is a better option, however this will require a walk back through Long Ping Estate to the bus stop.
Section 6 Long Ping to Mong Tseng Tsuen
7.5 km
Border crossing: Shenzhen Bay
Border crossing: Shenzhen Bay
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Section six is a varied and interesting route - over some hills then down through the fish ponds and ending with an overgrown trail over more hills to Mong Tseng. Beginning in Long Ping, find the trail up through various allotments and graves to the first hill Nga Tsin Shan, then down again and steeply up Kai Shan on a sandy trail. The views on this overlooked hike are glorious with some 360 degree panoramas of Shenzhen, Tin Shui Wai and Yuen Long. If you are camping, take your time exploring a little off the main trail and you will be rewarded with some incredible pitches for your tent.
The rolling hills and panoramas on section six are very special
Great views south from Kai Shan
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There are some fantastic pitches for tents along this section
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Views over the fish ponds towards Shenzhen
After descending Kai Shan into the quiet village of Shing Uk Tsuen there is a pizza restaurant. It opens at 11.30am, so if it suits your schedule, stop here for a bite before heading through the fishponds. The path through the fish ponds is lovely, and will give you that wetlands nature reserve vibe, without the entry fee.
Reflection of Tin Shui Wai on the fish ponds of Fung Lok Wai
The fish ponds are home to a large array of wildlife
You will exit the fish ponds at Border Fence Road which separates Hong Kong and the mainland. Follow the road for around 1.5km and it will start going up and round the corner. Look for the steps up to the pavilion off the road. At the pavilion on the right hand side look for the trail, it is marked with ribbons. Hop over the fence and follow the trail, overgrown in places, over some more hills with more outstanding views. The trail will eventually meet a road, follow this road into the village of Mong Tseng Tsuen where the section ends. For Shenzhen Bay, you can catch the only Green Minibus here, number 35 to Fung Kong Tsuen where you can alight and switch to the Green Minibus 618 which will whisk you straight across the bridge to Shenzhen Bay checkpoint and access to the Nanshan district in west Shenzhen.
The final part of the section is overgrown in places, but worth it for yet more outstanding views
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Section six finishes in the quaint village of Mong Tseng Tsuen
Section 7 Mong Tseng Tsuen to Ha Tsuen Road
7.5 km
Border crossing: Shenzhen Bay
Border crossing: Shenzhen Bay
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Begin section seven by walking west out of Mong Tseng until you reach Deep Bay Road. Turn left and walk along Deep Bay Road and switch to a small maintenance path running almost parallel to the main road. Take this maintenance path up the side of a metal wall through the forest until the views open up and the trail becomes more sandy towards the first of a series of small hills. Each of these hills is worth a look and all of them offer great views in different directions over to Shenzhen. There are also a plethora of small shelters with flat areas and seats, any of which would make a great camping spot.
One of many great areas for camping on section seven
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There are shelters and seats around with great views
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The highest peak in this series is Lam Hang Shan, and at 75m high presents few difficulties. Follow the path down through some graves and you will exit on a road. Follow the route through several non-descript villages and industrial areas for around 3km. This section reveals another layer of Hong Kong’s identity - a working-class world of factories, workshops, and warehouses that support the city’s economy behind the scenes. It’s a gritty, unpolished landscape, but one that offers an authentic glimpse into the everyday lives of those who live far from the city centre.
The glimpses of Shenzhen’s towering skyline rising just across the border acts as a surreal juxtaposition of two worlds. On one side, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world; on the other, a community holding onto its traditions while adapting to the pressures of modernity. This stretch of the trail may not be picturesque, but it’s an eye-opening reminder of Hong Kong’s diversity and the resilience of its people.
The section concludes near Ha Tsuen Road, just below the speedway connecting Hong Kong to Shenzhen via the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. To cross the border, hop on the handy Green Minibus 618, which will take you across the bridge and into Shenzhen in no time at all.
The section concludes near Ha Tsuen Road, just below the speedway connecting Hong Kong to Shenzhen via the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. To cross the border, hop on the handy Green Minibus 618, which will take you across the bridge and into Shenzhen in no time at all.
Section 8 Ha Tsuen Road to Ha Pak Nai
10.8 km
Border crossing: Shenzhen Bay
Border crossing: Shenzhen Bay
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Section eight, as a concluding section to the Northern Passage will rip every last ounce of energy from you as you ascend and then traverse the exposed sandy paths of Hong Kong's spectacular Great Canyon. Begin the section under the Kong Sham Western Highway which connects Hong Kong to Shenzhen via Shenzhen Bay. Walk through the restaurant towards the highway and you will exit the path underneath. Walk for a couple of minutes under the highway until you see a road winding up to your right. Follow the road to the gorgeous Ling To monastery.
Ling To monastery
Find the trail which starts in the field next to the monastery and follow this up as it becomes steeper. Keep an eye on the GPS and take a side trail running off up to the ridge, This trail becomes extremely steep and you will need to use your hands at times as you ascend towards the electricity pylon at 250m which is your first checkpoint and a chance to take in the views and get your breath back.
Continue along the ridge until the path once again rises steeply, this time with a chain rope to help you pull yourself up to the first major peak on this ridge - Yuen Tau Shan at 370m.
Continue along the ridge until the path once again rises steeply, this time with a chain rope to help you pull yourself up to the first major peak on this ridge - Yuen Tau Shan at 370m.
Looking back along the trail towards Shenzhen Bay bridge
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Castle Peak Basin is a vast network of difficult sandy trails
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This section is rated as very difficult for good reason - there’s nothing easy about hiking in the Castle Peak basin. The trails are steep, and the loose gravel offers little traction, especially on the descents, making every step a challenge. The trail is completely exposed, so with the sun beating down, proper sun protection and plenty of water are essential - there are no refill points along the way. It’s a tough, relentless climb up and down the peaks, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views stretching across the northern New Territories and into Shenzhen.
Some parts of the trail are quite dangerous, with steep drops into canyons
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If you approach one of these, it's best to take a short detour rather than risk your life.
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Follow the trail carefully, but keep an eye on your GPS as it’s easy to accidentally veer onto one of the sandy side paths branching off the main route. Eventually, you’ll reach the final climb of this section: Kin Shan, standing at approximately 400 meters. Once you’ve conquered the summit, the descent is relatively straightforward, leading you back down to a concrete road. Be sure to take a moment to stop at the Grand Gully along the way - it’s the perfect spot for a scenic photo.
There is little need for a camping spot this far into the trail, but some spots do exist
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The Grand Gully
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Follow the concrete road down to Nim Wan Road, then cut through the farmland to reach Ha Pak Nai. Here, you’ll find a great kiosk where you can reward yourself with a cold beer or some food after this demanding final stretch. Consider hopping back over to Shenzhen one last time for a well-deserved massage and a comfortable bed. Simply take Green Minibus 33, followed by the 618, and you’ll be there in no time.
Suggested 5 day itinery
Day 1:
Sha Tau Kok to Ping Che - Section 1
Cross at Hueng Yuen Wai Port into Liantang
10.3km
Day 2:
Ping Che to San Tin - Sections 2 and 3
Cross at Lok Ma Chau Port into Futian
13.7km
Day 3:
San Tin to Park Yoho - Section 4
Cross at Lok Ma Chau Port into Futian
11.2km
Day 4:
Park Yoho to Ha Tsuen Road - Sections 5,6 and 7
Cross at Shenzhen Bay Port into Nanshan
23.1km
Day 5:
Ha Tsuen Road to Ha Pak Nai - Section 8
Cross at Shenzhen Bay Port into Nanshan
10.8km
Day 1:
Sha Tau Kok to Ping Che - Section 1
Cross at Hueng Yuen Wai Port into Liantang
10.3km
Day 2:
Ping Che to San Tin - Sections 2 and 3
Cross at Lok Ma Chau Port into Futian
13.7km
Day 3:
San Tin to Park Yoho - Section 4
Cross at Lok Ma Chau Port into Futian
11.2km
Day 4:
Park Yoho to Ha Tsuen Road - Sections 5,6 and 7
Cross at Shenzhen Bay Port into Nanshan
23.1km
Day 5:
Ha Tsuen Road to Ha Pak Nai - Section 8
Cross at Shenzhen Bay Port into Nanshan
10.8km