Overview & fast facts
Suitable for even the most junior of hikers, Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path winds along the western side of Violet Hill, passing above Repulse Bay before turning inland and ending at the Tai Tam Reservoirs. This hill is named after the Hong Kong iris (Iris speculatrix), a violet-coloured blossom that is rare and protected, but can be found growing on its slopes.
If you’re intimidated by the famously arduous hike along the Wilson Trail into Stanley via Violet Hill and The Twins, then the Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path provides a lesser-known and much easier hiking alternative in the area. This trail is shaded about two-thirds of the way, and is either flat or gradually downward sloping pretty much the whole way, with only two small flights of stairs. It may not be a particularly short hike but because of how easy-going it is, it doesn’t feel like a long trek that leaves you weak-kneed at all. Grab your family and your pets, and head out to this scenic hike along Hong Kong Island’s southside!
Distance: 6.7 kilometres approx.
Difficulty: Beginner
Total ascent: None to speak of
Total time: 3 hours approx.