How To Hike To The Twin Peaks & Violet Hill

If you’re looking for a challenging hike in Hong Kong, the Twin Peaks and Violet Hill is not to be missed. This rewarding trail offers stunning sea-to-sky views over Stanley, Repulse Bay and the South China Sea and will give you the ultimate cardio workout.

Also known as Ma Kong Shan or Hong Kong Island’s Stairway Workout, the Twin Peaks hike is a must-do for anyone seeking epic panoramic views of Stanley, Repulse Bay and the South China Sea. Nicknamed The Terrible Twins for its relentless stone staircases, this trail will have your glutes and thighs burning and your heart pumping while rewarding you with some of the most dramatic hillside panoramas on the Southside. Challenging yet unforgettable, it’s the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, fitness and breathtaking scenery — far better than any stairmaster in our opinion! Keep reading for all the details on how to get to Twin Peaks, what to bring and insider tips to make the most of your hike.

Why Is It Called Twins Peak?

Less ominous in name than Devil’s Peak, Twin Peaks still packs a serious punch and isn’t for the faint-hearted!

Historically, Twin Peaks was part of Hong Kong Island’s strategic ridges, with its high ground offering prime lookout points over Stanley Bay and the Southside coastline. This vantage made it invaluable for monitoring shipping and defending the island. The nearby ridges around Stanley and Tai Tam were also integrated into colonial defensive networks, and today hikers can still spot old trail markers and remnants of lookout posts that hint at the area’s historic significance.

These days, the peaks are defined by steep stone staircases with very little flat ground between them. The trails run back-to-back, which is how the hike earned its fearsome nickname: The Terrible Twins.

Quick Facts About Twin Peaks Hike: Trail Difficulty, Elevation & Duration

Trail Length: ~6 km.
Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on your pace and photo breaks
Difficulty: Difficult (lots of steep stairs and ascents).
Elevation Gain: ~500–600 metres.
Highest Point: 386 metres.
Highlights: Stunning views over Stanley Bay, Repulse Bay, Tai Tam Reservoir and the South China Sea
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and spectacular sunrise/sunset views.

How To Get To Twin Peaks

Getting to the Twin Peaks hike is convenient, with the most popular starting point near Wong Nai Chung Reservoir. This route is straightforward, clearly signposted and sets you up perfectly for the full Violet Hill and Twin Peaks experience.

From Wong Nai Chung Gap Road to Violet Hill Trailhead

Take bus 6 or 66 from Queen’s Road East in Central. To access the bus, you can use an Octopus card or online payment (like Alipay or Apple Pay).
Exit at the Wong Nai Chung Gap Road; Hong Kong Tennis Centre stop, and you will see a marked path approximately three minutes away — this is your trailhead.
Start your hike!

Although this path is well-maintained and easy to follow, be prepared for a steep hike ahead!

Twin Peaks Hike: Step-by-Step

1. Starting Point: Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park

Your hike begins at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park, just off Wong Nai Chung Gap Road. From the bus stop, it’s a short, gentle walk along Tai Tam Reservoir Road to reach the clearly marked trailhead for Violet Hill. This initial stretch is calm and shaded, easing you in before the real climbing begins — think of it as a warm-up before leg day officially starts!

2. Ascend Via Violet Hill Trail

Follow the Violet Hill trail as it winds steadily uphill through lush greenery and open ridgelines. This section features a mix of paved paths and stone steps, with plenty of scenic pauses along the way. As you climb, you’ll start to catch views of:

Wong Nai Chung Reservoir and surrounding greenery
The Southside coastline and distant city skyline
The Tai Tam Reservoir nestled between rolling hills

This ascent is challenging but manageable, offering a good rhythm before the toughest part of the hike.

3. Crossing Tze Kong Bridge

After descending from Violet Hill, you’ll reach Tze Kong Bridge, a popular rest point and visual midpoint of the hike. Many hikers pause here to hydrate, regroup and mentally prepare for the most intense section of the trail.

4. Climbing The Twin Peaks (AKA The ‘Terrible Twins’)

From the bridge, the infamous Twin Peaks rise sharply ahead. This section is made up almost entirely of steep stone staircases, climbing two peaks back-to-back with very little flat ground in between. As tough as it is, the payoff is huge and will feel like a workout that will count for the whole week!

The highest point of the hike sits at around 386 metres above sea level, making it one of the most physically demanding hikes on Hong Kong Island.

4. Descent Toward Stanley

Once you’ve conquered the second peak, the trail begins its descent toward Stanley Gap Road. The stairs ease slightly here, and the views open up toward the sea and Stanley Village below. This final stretch feels like a well-earned victory lap, ending close to transport links — or a beachside meal if you decide to treat yourself after the climb.

Hiking Tips For Twin Peaks

Footwear: Wear hiking shoes or trainers with a solid grip, as the trail includes steep stair climbs and uneven stone steps. For those with knee mobility issues, consider bringing a knee bandage brace in case of difficulty.
Timing: Start early to catch the sunrise or head up in the late afternoon for magical sunset views.
Essentials: Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
Weather: Avoid hiking on rainy days as the stone steps can get slippery.
Photography: Don’t forget your camera — this hike has gorgeous views!

Explore More: Nearby Attractions

After conquering Twin Peaks and Violet Hill, why not extend your adventure and explore some nearby spots on Hong Kong Island’s Southside?

Tai Tam Country Park

About: A lush, expansive nature reserve famous for its green trails, reservoirs and scenic viewpoints.
Why Visit: Perfect for hiking, trail running or a peaceful promenade, the park offers a tranquil atmosphere and photogenic reservoir views, plus shaded spots to rest or picnic for post-hike recovery.
Getting There: Easily accessible, just a short walk from the Twin Peaks and Violet Hill trailhead if you’re taking a round trip.

Stanley Village & Stanley Market

About: A charming seaside village known for its relaxed atmosphere, colonial-era architecture and bustling weekend market.
Why Visit: Browse local handicrafts, quirky souvenirs and fashion stalls, or unwind at one of the many cafés and waterfront restaurants.
Getting There: A 10–15 minute stroll downhill from the Twin Peaks trail exit at Stanley Gap Road.

Murray House & Blake Pier

About: Historic colonial buildings relocated to Stanley from Central, offering a glimpse of Hong Kong’s 19th-century heritage.
Why Visit: Enjoy scenic views of Stanley Bay, take photos on the restored pier and soak up the seaside vibe.
Getting There: Walkable from Stanley Village, just a few minutes from the market.

Sassy Tip: If you’ve still got the energy, Murray House often hosts unique evening events well-worth the exploration!

St. Stephen’s Beach & St. Stephen’s College

About: A picturesque stretch of beach and a historic educational site with beautiful colonial architecture.
Why Visit: Perfect for a relaxed swim or sunbathing after the hike.
Getting There: From Stanley Village, head along the waterfront promenade toward St. Stephen’s College and the beach.

Stanley Promenade & Waterfront Cafés

About: A scenic stretch along the coast with plenty of spots to sit, sip and enjoy views of the South China Sea.
Why Visit: Ideal for a celebratory post-hike drink or snack, with amazing sunset views and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
Getting There: Accessible from the Stanley Market area, just a short walk from the trail’s end.

Why Twin Peaks Should Be Your Next Hike

The Twin Peaks and Violet Hill hike is the ultimate mix of challenge, scenery and Southside rewards. From climbing the infamous Terrible Twins stairs to taking in gorgeous views over Stanley, Repulse Bay and the South China Sea, this trail delivers rewards for every step. With its lush greenery and a satisfying sense of accomplishment at the summit, it’s easy to see why this is a trail Hong Kongers return to again and again — despite its killer step elevation!

Cover image courtesy of Wikipedia. Image 1 & 2 courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Image 3 courtesy of Hong Kong Living, Image 4 courtesy of Canva.