Active Pursuits
Get yourself moving: A guide to Hong Kong’s premier wellness destinations.
1.
Best Trail Running Route
With hundreds of named peaks, many of which are easily accessible from the city centre, Hong Kong is a prime location for trail running. Among the very best is Tai Mo Shan, an extinct volcano that trumps the city’s other peaks in both altitude and magnitude. One of the most popular routes starts at Rotary Park, which offers views from the New Territories to Victoria Harbour, and extends 4km to the mountain’s weather radar station. The route also passes the scenic Tai Mo Shan Lookout, overlooking the Yuen Long plain.
2.
Top Outdoor Swimming Spot
As a coastal city, Hong Kong has an abundance of beaches. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages 42 of them and one of the standouts, beloved by both locals and expats alike, is Shek O. This long beach is located on the east coast of Hong Kong Island’s Southern District and is easily reached by public transport from Shau Kei Wan. It’s equipped with changing rooms, showers and a barbecue area, as well as plenty of cafés and dining spots in the nearby village.
3.
Best Hiking Trail
At 869 metres, Lantau Island’s Sunset Peak is the third highest in Hong Kong. It’s also home to one of the most scenic hiking trails in the city, providing views of the nearby Lantau Peak, the outlying Soko Islands and Cheung Sha – Hong Kong’s longest beach. As the name suggests, Sunset Peak is a great viewpoint at twilight, especially in late autumn, when gentle fields of silvergrass flourish along the trail. Weather conditions are optimal in March and April, with the added benefit of fewer crowds.
4.
Best Park For Tai Chi
The ancient martial art of Tai Chi remains a popular practice in Hong Kong, combining the benefits of both exercise and meditation. Many gather in groups during early mornings to engage in this activity in public spaces like Victoria Park, the largest park on Hong Kong Island. Nestled within Causeway Bay, this 19-hectare area is also equipped with indoor and outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis courts, football pitches, basketball courts and an impressive swimming pool complex.
5.
Top Cycling Route
With dedicated bicycle lanes throughout the New Territories, cycling is a great way to explore Hong Kong’s northern region. The 55km track from Tuen Mun to Sha Tin offers both breathtaking natural scenery of the area’s parks, wetlands and mountains, and an authentic cultural experience through heritage sites and historical buildings such as the Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin (pictured below). The route also passes the Hakka walled village of Tsang Tai Uk, and the Tai Fu Tai Mansion, which dates to the Qing dynasty.
6.
Best Watersports Destination
Often referred to as “Hong Kong’s back garden”, Sai Kung is dotted with fishing villages, pristine beaches and scenic hiking trails. Unique geological formations also make it a top destination for locals and visitors alike. Spots such as Sharp Island – which features everything from beaches to coral and rock formations in a 2.5-kilometre-long stretch – is also the go-to for all things watersports, whether you’re looking to kayak, paddleboard, snorkel or scuba dive. Best of all, it is just 15 minutes by boat from Sai Kung Pier.
7.
Top Rock Climbing Spot
Located off the eastern coast of Hong Kong is Tung Lung Chau, a 2.4 sq km island offering three main rock climbing areas on its northeastern shore. The most popular is the Technical Wall by the cliffs below Tung Lung Fort, while to the south is Sea Gully, a rock face hanging above an ocean inlet. The third, the appropriately named Big Wall, is a vertical cliff positioned above a sea cave. Tung Lung Chau is accessible, from Sai Wan Ho’s typhoon shelter and Sam Ka Tsuen’s pier, by public ferry – although they only operate on weekends and public holidays. Alternatively, private speedboats can be hired to truly arrive in style.
With the infrastructure, venues and charm, Hong Kong is Asia’s events capital to the world. Discover more at brandhk.gov.hk
