Shek – O (Dragon's Back)

Dragon's Back at Shek-O is one of the most beautiful soaring sites anywhere and Hong Kong's most popular. The ridge has two sections meeting at the Shek-O Peak Trig Point (284 m — a black-and-white concrete marker, the highest point of the Dragon's Back trail): a northeast-facing section and a southeast-facing section. Top-landing is possible almost everywhere along the ridge, easiest on the south side of the Trig Point. On the right day, pilots cross the gap south to Cape D'Aguilar — smooth strong lift when it's working, but be aware of the venturi effect between the two headlands and make sure you can get back. Watch for strong winds that can blow pilots over the back of Dragon's Back ridge into serious rotor. Winds can gust during top-landings, blowing pilots back into the bushes. A small hillock at the north end of the landing beach can generate rotor in north wind. Maximum flying altitude: 1,300 ft (425 m).

Launch & conditions

The most popular take-off is a steep grassy slope with a windsock, about a five-minute walk north of the Trig Point. You can also launch from the Trig Point itself or from a small grassy slope one minute walk south — use these two when the wind has more southerly component. The Hong Kong Paragliding Association's detailed site briefing is essential reading: hkpa.net.

Getting there & local rules

MTR to Shau Kei Wan, then Bus No. 9 or a red minibus to Shek-O; get off at the Dragon's Back trailhead (about 15 minutes — every driver knows it). Walk up the main Dragon's Back / Hong Kong Trail, staying high at any fork, to reach the Trig Point in ~25 minutes; the main launch is 5 minutes further. Alternatively, a steep overgrown but short trail leads directly from the road to the main launch (~15 minutes). Landing is at Rocky Bay Beach between the golf course and Shek-O main beach — take the path between the Shek-O bus stop and the golf course, past a basketball court. Ben's Backstreet Surf Bar is the landmark for the correct beach — landing area is at the north end. Landing on Shek-O main beach or the golf course is PROHIBITED except in a genuine emergency.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Shek – O (Dragon's Back), 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 Shek – O (Dragon's Back) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.