Ma On Shan

Ma On Shan is a hike-to launch on Hong Kong's east-wind ridge system, reachable in about 30 to 40 minutes on foot from either the Ma On Shan or Sai Kung side of the mountain, and it favors wind from northeast through southeast. Top landing here is generally straightforward, though pilots are advised never to approach any further back than the tree line behind takeoff. Because the mountain is a popular hiking area, the landing zone gets genuine foot and animal traffic — hikers, dogs and cattle all use the same ground, alongside other pilots on a busy day, so a careful, alert approach matters more here than at a quieter site. Airspace rules and access details for Hong Kong sites can change, so check current regulations with the local paragliding association before you fly rather than relying on older information.

Launch & conditions

Reached on foot in about 30–40 minutes from either the Ma On Shan or Sai Kung side of the ridge, favoring wind from northeast through southeast.

Getting there & local rules

Access is on foot only, via marked hiking routes from either side of the mountain; check current airspace and access rules with the local paragliding association before flying, since these can change.

Local rules & hazards

Top landing is generally easy, but don't approach any further back than the tree line behind takeoff. The landing area shares ground with hikers, dogs and cattle, plus other pilots on busy days — keep a careful, alert approach.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Ma On Shan, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Ma On Shan with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.