【Hong Kong】Easy hike to take postcard photos of Hong Kong – High West Peak sunset and Lugard road night view(with photography tips)

Due to Covid-19, it is impossible to travel safely abroad in the short term, during this period, when there are not many local cases, it is the best time to explore Hong Kong without tourists. Because it is full of tourists normally in Hong Kong, in contrast, many places now have become very peaceful. The Peak, which is usually crowded with people, now seems very deserted. It was a quiet hike and was very comfortable.

Lugard Road on the Peak is one of the best places to see the aerial scenery of the famous Victoria Harbour, and the nearby High West Mountain is known as the most beautiful sunset spot in Hong Kong. So I started from Lugard Road, taking daytime photos of the harbour, then went to the High West Peak for sunset, and then returned to Lugard Road to shoot the magnificent Hong Kong night view.

From the Peak to High West Peak via Lugard Road

It is hot in summer, so it is best to start in the evening or hiking at night. At about four o’clock, I departed from the Peak Plaza and headed to High West Peak from Lugard Road. It was a beautiful day with a clear sky and white clouds, so I could take some beautiful photos even with my iPhone.

Lugard Road is a concrete road, a very relaxing flat walking route, really suitable for novice hikers. Along the road, you can enjoy the city scenery of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour.

About 45 minutes later, I arrived at the junction of Harlech Road. On the other side of the pavilion, there is a mountain trail to climb up the High West Peak. The High West Peak is located in the western part of Hong Kong Island, between the Central and Western District, and the Southern District. It is the fourth highest peak on Hong Kong Island, with an altitude of 494 meters.

At High West Peak

After climbing for more than 600 steps, which takes about 30 minutes, you will reach the summit and the High West Peak viewpoint. From there, you can see Lamma Island, Ting Kau Bridge, Victoria Harbour, Central and Wan Chai, overlooking the high-rise buildings in Hong Kong. The unobstructed open view is first-class. The sunset view is really picturesque!

The High West Peak is indeed a great place to shoot sunset. From the beginning when the sun is setting, to after the sun has disappeared, into the colorful twilight, and then the sky turns completely dark, and finally all of the thousands lights of the city sparkles. It is definitely one of the best places to shoot sunset in Hong Kong. If you like to shoot sunset, don’t miss it!

The hiking route is not illuminated and it is pretty dark after sunset. Remember to bring a flashlight or headlight with you. There was a breeze after sunset, and it is quite cool at the viewpoint when the sun was gone. If you plan to stay until the sunset is finished before leaving, I would recommend to bring a wind jacket (OK, I’m afraid of the cold!), just don’t get sick!

The Hong Kong postcard night view

Same way back to Lugard Road, you will find Hong Kong has put on its spectacular dress in the dark, dancing and sparkling. This is the iconic night view of the Victora’s harbour. When shooting night scenes, long exposure and a tripod are required. It was my first time I to bring a tripod to the Peak, I found out… the tripod was not high enough! 🤣 There is a fence along Lugard Road, and unfortunately, it is taller than my tripod. If you want to bring a tripod, check that the tripod is at least 1.5 meters high. Luckily I was still able to shoot with a little tricky.

I have been to more than 50 countries, and have to say my most favorite night view is this one in Hong Kong overlooking Victoria Harbour. I am proud as a Hongkonger! 🇭🇰

Photography tips：

When shooting a sunset, in order to avoid excessive exposure of the sun, you need to adjust the aperture to the smallest (F16 or smaller, note that the larger the F number, the smaller the aperture. F22 aperture is smaller than F16). You can also use ND filters.
If you want to make the sun looks larger in your photo, you need a long-focal-length lens, at least 200mm or more is recommended.
When shooting night scenes, long time exposure is required. It is recommended that the exposure be longer than 0.5 seconds and a tripod is required to avoid any movement.
If you want to use a tripod on Lugard Road, make sure it is at least 1.5 meters high.

Hiking information on Lugard road and High West Peak

Difficulty：Low - 3/10 
Toilet en route: No
Supplies en route: No

Angel’s Tips:

Protect nature
Keep nature as clean as it is and do not leave any trash near the bath or along the hiking route.
Walk on marked paths only to protect vegetation.
Bring some food and drink to enjoy as there is no supply on the route after enting Lugard Road.
Bring enough water to stay hydrated in the summer.

【Hong Kong】Easy hike to take postcard photos of Hong Kong – High West Peak sunset and Lugard road night view(with photography tips)