As 2026 approaches, a brand-new year brings fresh beginnings. Why not gather your family or friends and find a great spot to welcome the first light of the year?
According to the Hong Kong Observatory Almanac 2026, the sunrise on Jan. 1, 2026, is at 7:03 a.m. Be mindful of the winter sunrise direction, which is southeast, and remember to prepare warm clothing.
- Sunrise time on Jan. 1, 2026, in Hong Kong: 7:03 a.m.
- Sunrise direction: Southeast
Sunrise Spot: Tai Mo Shan
Standing at 957 meters, Tai Mo Shan is the highest peak in HK. Its relatively moderate hiking difficulty and convenient transportation make it a popular spot for locals to hike and enjoy the view. Besides watching the sunrise, you can enjoy panoramic views of Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi along the trail. From Viewing Point No. 4, you can also see landmarks such as Tai To Yan and Kai Kung Leng.
- Transportation: Take bus route 51 and get off at Tai Mo Shan Country Park. From there, it takes about 1.5 hours to hike up. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi to Rotary Park at the mid-hill gate, from which it takes about an hour to reach the summit on foot.
Sunrise Spot: Lantau Peak
At 934 meters, Lantau Peak is the second-highest mountain in HK and the highest point accessible to hikers. Watching the sunrise here can be an unforgettable experience. You can camp overnight at the nearby Ngong Ping campsite on Lantau Island, or, if you prefer a night hike, take extra care as the trail leading from Ngong Ping to the summit—known as the "Heavenly Stairs"—is challenging.
- Transportation: From Tung Chung MTR Station, take bus route 23 to Ngong Ping Village. Follow the signs and hike for about 2 hours to reach the summit.
Sunrise Spot: Fei Ngo Shan (Kowloon Peak)
For those in the city, Fei Ngo Shan is an excellent choice for sunrise viewing. As the highest peak on the Kowloon Peninsula, its summit offers stunning views of the Sai Kung coastline, including Kau Sai Chau, Tiu Chung Chau, and Town Island, as well as the iconic Victoria Harbour.
- Transportation: From Telford Gardens in Kowloon Bay, take minibus route 1, or from Rhythm Garden, take minibus route 1A. Get off at Fei Ngo Shan Road. Walk through the Pak Fa Lam Road until you see the red-painted number "328" marker, which marks the trailhead on the eastern side of Fei Ngo Shan. From there, climb the stone steps to the summit to enjoy the view.
Sunrise Spot: Ngong Ping Plateau in Ma On Shan
The Ngong Ping Plateau in Ma On Shan, with an altitude of about 400 meters, features a flat and open landscape. Its unobstructed eastern view makes it ideal for watching the sunrise. The Ngong Ping Campsite is a designated camping site by the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department, equipped with barbecue pits, tables, benches, sewage drains, and dry toilets. The Ngong Ping Viewing Platform offers stunning panoramic views of Sai Kung Town and Sai Kung Hoi, and on clear days, you can enjoy distant views of the surrounding coastline.
- Transportation: Take bus route NR84 from Ma On Shan's Sunshine City to the Ma On Shan Village. From there, it takes about an hour to hike along the Ma On Shan Country Trail to reach the plateau.
Sunrise Spot: Shek O
You don't have to climb a mountain to enjoy a beautiful sunrise in HK. Shek O Beach is a popular spot for sunrise watching, with both the main beach and the back beach offering great views. For those planning to welcome the New Year's sunrise, Shek O Main Beach, facing southeast, is highly recommended. Additionally, Cape D'Aguilar, located at the southernmost tip of Shek O, is another excellent spot for sunrise viewing. However, visitors should be mindful that Cape D'Aguilar is a marine reserve, and certain areas are restricted for public access.
- Transportation: From Shau Kei Wan MTR Station, take bus route 9 or a minibus to Shek O. To reach Cape D'Aguilar, get off at the roundabout on Cape D'Aguilar Road and walk for about 45 minutes. Note that some facilities in the area are not open to visitors due to its status as a protected marine reserve.
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