How long does it take to walk the Kennedy Town sunset path?

The full walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to explore the temple, walk along the promenade, and wait for the sunset at the swimming shed.

Is the Sai Wan Swimming Shed worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly worth it for the views and the nostalgic atmosphere. It is the last remaining swimming shed in Hong Kong and offers one of the best sunset vistas on the island.

When is the best time to start this walking route?

Start about two hours before sunset. This allows you to see the Lo Pan Temple before it closes at 5:00 PM and reach the Swimming Shed just as the golden hour begins.

Are there many stairs on this Kennedy Town walk?

Yes, Kennedy Town is quite hilly. You will encounter several flights of stairs at Sands Street (near the start) and a steep descent to reach the Sai Wan Swimming Shed.

Can I swim at the Sai Wan Swimming Shed?

While some locals still swim there, it is not recommended for visitors due to strong currents, sharp rocks, and heavy boat traffic nearby. Most people visit purely for the scenery.

Is this walking route suitable for families?

It is suitable for active families with older children. However, the stairs and uphill sections may be challenging for strollers or very young children.

Where can I find food along the route?

Smithfield is the best spot for food. You can find everything from traditional Cantonese 'dai pai dongs' in the cooked food center to modern Western-style cafes and craft beer bars.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the westernmost edge of Hong Kong Island with this self-guided walk through Kennedy Town, a neighborhood where colonial history meets contemporary coastal living. This walking route invites you to explore the fascinating evolution of 'K-Town,' moving from hillside spiritual sanctuaries to the vibrant reclaimed waterfront. You will begin at the Lo Pan Temple, a hidden architectural gem dedicated to the patron saint of builders, before descending into the heart of the community. Along the way, this neighborhood stroll reveals the 'Tree Walls' of Forbes Street, where century-old banyan trees have remarkably woven their roots into the masonry—a testament to nature's resilience in an urban jungle. As you traverse the district, you will witness the contrast between the dense public housing of Kwun Lung Lau and the open, breezy spaces of the Belcher Bay Promenade. The journey concludes at the Sai Wan Swimming Shed, the last of its kind in Hong Kong. This iconic photography spot offers an unobstructed view of the shipping channels and the horizon, making it the perfect place to watch the sun dip below the South China Sea. This walking tour Hong Kong experience is designed for those who want to see the city beyond the skyscrapers, focusing on local life, unique urban botany, and the rugged beauty of the coast. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a history buff, this self-guided adventure provides a comprehensive look at one of Hong Kong's most charismatic districts.

Highlights

Marvel at the unique murals and stepped roofs of the historic Lo Pan Temple

Walk alongside the massive stone 'Tree Walls' on Forbes Street

Enjoy panoramic views of Victoria Harbour from the Belcher Bay Promenade

Experience the local atmosphere of the Smithfield wet market district

Photograph the iconic wooden pier at the Sai Wan Swimming Shed during sunset

Tour Stops (6)

Lo Pan Temple

Start your journey at the Lo Pan Temple, the only temple in Hong Kong dedicated to Lo Pan, the patron saint of Chinese builders and carpenters. Built in 1884 by the Builders' Guild, this Grade I historic building is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Look up at the 'Five Peaks' fire-walls and the intricate ceramic figurines on the roof ridges. The temple is famous for its detailed murals and poems inscribed on the walls, which reflect the high standards of the artisans who built it. It is a peaceful sanctuary tucked away on a hillside, representing the spiritual heart of the workers who literally built early Hong Kong.

Belcher Bay Promenade

Descend toward the coast to reach the Belcher Bay Promenade. This reclaimed waterfront space has become a vibrant community hub. Unlike many of Hong Kong's more formal parks, this area features movable furniture and open spaces where residents gather to exercise, play, and enjoy the sea breeze. From here, you have an excellent vantage point of the Western District Public Cargo Working Area—often called 'Instagram Pier'—and the heavy shipping traffic of Victoria Harbour. It is a perfect spot to observe the modern, industrial side of the city's maritime identity.

Smithfield

Walk through Smithfield, the central artery of Kennedy Town. This area is a sensory delight, home to a bustling municipal services building containing a wet market and a cooked food center. As you walk, notice the mix of traditional dried seafood shops and trendy new cafes. Smithfield was named after George Smith, the first Bishop of Victoria, and it serves as a bridge between the residential high-rises and the older tenement buildings. This is the best place to witness the daily rhythms of local life, from residents shopping for fresh produce to the clatter of the nearby trams.

Forbes Street Tree Wall

On Forbes Street, you will find one of Hong Kong's most striking natural wonders: the Tree Walls. These are not planted in the ground but are growing directly out of the 19th-century masonry retaining walls. Over decades, the Chinese Banyan trees have sent their aerial roots deep into the cracks of the stone, creating a massive, vertical forest. These walls were built during the colonial era to prevent landslides on the steep hillsides. Today, they provide a cooling canopy for the street and serve as a vital urban habitat for birds and insects, showcasing a rare harmony between infrastructure and nature.

Kwun Lung Lau

Looking up from the base of the hill, you see the towering facade of Kwun Lung Lau. This public housing estate, completed in two phases starting in the 1960s, is an architectural landmark of social history. It was designed to provide affordable housing in one of the world's most expensive cities. The estate's name translates to 'Dragon Watching Building,' a reference to its position overlooking the bay. While it is a private residential area, its sheer scale and the way it clings to the steep terrain provide a powerful visual of Hong Kong's high-density urban planning and the verticality of life here.

Sai Wan Swimming Shed

Conclude your walk at the Sai Wan Swimming Shed, located a short walk further west along Victoria Road. Built in the 1950s and 60s, these sheds were originally simple structures for locals to change before swimming in the sea. Today, this is the last remaining swimming shed on Hong Kong Island. The long wooden pier stretching out into the turquoise water is a favorite for photographers, especially as the sun begins to set. Watch the waves crash against the rocks and the ferries pass by in the distance. It is a nostalgic and beautiful end to your exploration of the island's edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided sunset route is ideal for photographers. It features the unique architecture of Lo Pan Temple, the dramatic Forbes Street Tree Walls, and the iconic wooden pier at Sai Wan Swimming Shed.