8 best places to go moongazing in Hong Kong

Photo: Grace Chong

Hands down, Hong Kong’s outlying islands are the best locations for moongazing. Catching the full moon at one of these islands typically involves an overnight stay, as most ferries stop service after sunset, but what better way to take advantage of the consecutive public holidays than with an overnight camping trip?

Po Toi Island is a known favourite among adventurous astronomy enthusiasts. Far away from the city glare at the southernmost tip of Hong Kong, this secluded island is well-recognised for its unpolluted skies and remarkable geology. Spend the day exploring the rocky landscape and indulging in some local seafood, then when darkness settles, chill out, unwind, and marvel at the moon’s luminous beauty.

Sparsely populated and largely free of light pollution, the moon will appear bright and full no matter where you stand on the island, but the Nam Kok Tsui Lighthouse, which stands on an elevated headland, will guarantee the most phenomenal view of the moonlit heavens.

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Just as the name hints, this small, remote island lying north of Sai Kung is a lush green escape from the city. It is a popular camping and picnic destination, but the open expanses of rolling grassland that slope towards the seashore just as well create a comfortable and serene setting for soaking in the full moon.

Adding to the pastoral feel of the environment are the large population of cows that inhabit the island. You may find yourself in the company of a few of them leisurely grazing on the green grass and feel as though you have been transported thousands of miles away from the buzzing city. Reached only by ferry, Grass Island is admittedly quite a way out for most of us urban dwellers, but its distance from any considerable sources of light is what makes for the clearest skies and the most optimal moongazing experience.

Photo: @jessica_lkw (via Instagram)

When it comes to an all-rounded experience of nature’s beautiful display, it doesn’t get much better than taking a stroll along a sandy beach under the rising moon. Situated on the south of Lantau Island, this stretch of coastline is one of the best spots for beachside moongazing. Tranquil and tucked away, there is minimal light pollution so you can enjoy a front-row seat of the full moon in all its glory. Arrive at dusk and watch as the moon rises over the ocean, illuminating the night skies and casting a trail of shimmering light onto the water’s surface.

Photo: Joseph Chan (via Unsplash)

This windswept corner of Shek O consists of rugged cliffs, rock-strewn shores, and strong seas that make for an ideal backdrop to admire the Mid-Autumn lunar spectacle. Getting into the stony area requires a bit of hiking, taking a little under an hour from the Cape D’Aguilar Road bus stop, but the walk is pleasant throughout. After reaching the coastline, you will be greeted with open-air panoramas of sky and sea that allow for unobstructed views of the hanging moon, as well as the gentle lull of lapping waves that goes perfectly with the scenery.

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Part of the Clear Water Bay Country Park, Tai Au Mun is a great site for kite-flying, picnicking, hiking, and barbequing with family and friends. When night falls, the area becomes a hotspot for stargazers who come for a stellar view of glimmering stars dotting the night sky. But during Mid-Autumn, it’s the moon that grabs all the attention.

Tai Au Mun boasts dark skies and grassland that provide outstanding moongazing conditions for amateur observers and seasoned astrophotographers alike. No fancy equipment is needed, so just roll out your blanket, settle back, and bask in the glowing moonlight.

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Besides the two-kilometre dam that stretches across the Tolo Harbour in the northeastern New Territories, Tai Mei Tuk also caters to a whole host of outdoorsy activities including hiking, cycling, kite-flying, kayaking, and gazing at cosmic wonders! Head to the Plover Cove Reservoir for moongazing.

If you are up for a bit of exercise, we recommend heading there by bike, as the long, straight cycling path following the reservoir makes for a blissful ride. With pristine views of the full moon looking over the vast expanses of water on either side of the magnificent dam, it’s easy to see why this idyllic spot is so beloved among residents of New Territories.

Photo: Wpcpey (via Wikimedia Commons)

Maybe you don’t want to stay out late with little ones or you just don’t want to make the trek—it’s not always viable to venture far out of the city for a celestial sighting. Fortunately, thanks to Hong Kong’s mountainous terrain, it’s possible to get an up-close view of the moon even within the confines of the city—you just have to find a nice elevated spot. We can think of no place better than the highest peak on Hong Kong Island, the famous Victoria Peak.

Despite its proximity to bustling Central, Victoria Peak Garden has some of the best vantage points for moongazing, given a clear night. The quaint garden setting has well-maintained grass lawns, tables and benches, and a nice pavilion that complement the moongazing experience. Not to mention, if you climb to the summit and look down, you can also drink in splendid views overlooking Hong Kong and Kowloon!