As much as we enjoy the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, we occasionally crave for a rejuvenating escapade too! Just a quick breather from the city, bustling atmosphere and everything in between.
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Just when you think Hong Kong is an exciting destination that is constantly on the go, you’ll be surprised to know that it has a calmer side too, with sprawling nature trails and sweeping views for locals and travellers. If you need a break from the concrete jungle, let these epic nature trails sweep you off your feet in Hong Kong!
1. Bird watching: Hong Kong Wetland Park and Tsim Bei Tsui (2.5 hours)
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This hiking route may not be a walk in the park, but it promises relaxing time-off for every city dweller. Start at Hong Kong Wetland Park where you’ll find black-faced spoonbills and Eurasian kingfishers in their natural element.
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Then, make your way to Tsim Bei Tsui where bird watchers can catch a glimpse of northern pintails in the winter and white-breasted waterhen in the summer. To make the most of your hike, keep moving until you reach Fung Lok Wai (look up to see the soaring eagles!) and finally, wrap up at ShingUk Tsuen.
Level of difficulty: Easy
How to get there: When you reach West Rail Tin Shui Wai Station, switch to LRT 705 to Tin Sau Station (via tunnel) or Wetland Park Station (via footbridge) to the Park.
2. Butterfly Trail: Lau Shui Heung to Fung Yuen (3 hours)
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Did you know that Hong Kong has an impressive hiking route in Lau Shui Heung? Begin by exploring the lush forest and serene reservoir along the Lau Shui Heung Country Trail, where dragonflies will fly merrily between October and November. No dragonflies in sight? There’s another spot you can visit at Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk.
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When you walk down the path to Sha Lo Tung, let the birds serenade you every step of the way. Before you know it, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful flutters at the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve. We heard that there are over 200 butterfly species in this reserve to captivate you, so bring your phone for some photos!
Level of difficulty: Moderate
How to get there: Hop on the minibus (no. 52B) from Fanling MTR Station to Hok Tau. Then, stop at the roundabout up at the ridge of Lau Shui Heung Road. Look for the reservoir and turn to Lau Shui Heung Country Trail.
3. Scenic Lookout: Tai Mo Shan (2 hours – one way)
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If you think you’ve seen everything in Hong Kong, plan a day-out at Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan! To begin your two-hour hike, make the first step at Rotary Park where cherry blossom trees bloom between late February and early March. Next, head over to Tai Mo Shan to appreciate the sweeping hillside view on clear weather. If you come during autumn, enjoy the pretty landscape of silver grass brightened in gold.
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We know you would want to spend the whole day there, but you must continue your hike to Country Park Visitor Centre where the Tai Mo Shan Lookout promises a stunning hillside view. ? Last but not least, push yourself to the highest lookout in Hong Kong where the weather radar station is located.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
How to get there: Take the bus (no. 51) from Tsuen Wan Railway Station bus stop and alight at Country Park Station. Then, walk towards Tai Mo Shan Road.
4. Heritage Hike: Wan Chai Gap Road (1.5 hours)
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Combining the best of Hong Kong’s bustling city life and scenic nature, you’ll love this route if you can’t choose between the two. Start at Lee Tung Avenue and follow the path to the oldest surviving post office building in Hong Kong called the Old Wan Chai Post Office. Next, look out for the Blue House Cluster, which is a Lingnan-style house designed with Chinese and Western architectural influences.
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Walk along Wan Chai Gap Road before reaching the Lover’s Rock, which the locals believe can help women with relationship and fertility problems. Lastly, mark the end of your walk with a visit to the Police Museum.
After the hike, treat yourself to a yummy spread of halal dim sum at Islamic Center Canteen, egg tarts at Chrisly Café or roast duck at Wai Kee, which are situated around Wan Chai area. Since there is more halal food to discover in Hong Kong, you might want to wear loose pants?.
Level of difficulty: Easy
How to get there: Take the train to Wan Chai MTR Station and go to Exit A3 or Exit D.
5. Scenic Serenity: Ngong Ping (5.5 hours)
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There’s a reason why locals make their way to Ngong Ping time and time again. It provides the peace and quiet we yearn after a busy week. Flag off at Ngong Ping Village that is steeped in spiritual and laid-back charm. Then, walk over to the century-old Po Lin monastery and visit The Big Buddha, which popularly known as the world’s largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue.
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You may be tired by now but you’re going to reach the Dong Shan Fa Mun arch very soon! Besides that, the Nei Lak Shan Country Trail will also surprise you with a pleasing view of Ngong Ping. More steps will lead you to the Wisdom Path that features Chinese-inscribed columns written by one of the world’s famous sinologists, the late Professor Jao Tsung-I. After that, pat yourself on the back when you reach Shek Pik Reservoir.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
How to get there: Take the train to Tung Chung MTR Station and go to Exit B. Go to the Tung Chung Cable Car terminal and enjoy a 25-minute cable car ride to the Ngong Ping Cable Car terminal.
#HHWT Tips: From lip-smacking halal food to traditional Hong Kong souvenirs, there's no better time to add Ngong Ping on your bucket list!
6. Hakka Heritage: Plover Cove Country Park (5.5 hours)
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Going back to Mother Nature is great for your mind, body and soul. It’s also better when the hike is surrounded by spectacular greenery! Make a move from your starting point at Wu Kau Tang, where you’ll see traditional Hakka houses and tall bamboos. Then, head over to Sam A Wan and spot the mangrove swamps.
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Next, keep moving until you reach Lai Chi Wo village, which is famous for their lychee trees. Once you’ve admired the feng shui wall at the village entrance, go to Hollow Maple and Five-Finger Camphor for your finishing line. While exploring the place, look up to spot the century-old hollow maple tree and the five-finger camphor that survived the Second World War.
Level of difficulty: Difficult
How to get there: Alight at Tai Po Market MTR station and take the green minibus (no.20R) to Wu Kau Tang.
7. Picture-Perfect Vista: Dragon’s Back (4 hours)
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As intimidating as Dragon’s Back may sound, it’s a moderate hike peppered with many picture-perfect moments. Kick start your day by hiking to Shek O Road near Tei Wan Village. Your mission is to hike to the vantage point over Shek O Peninsula for a view unlike any other.
Keep moving until you reach the Dragon’s Back, which is a well-loved trail by the urbanites. Why? You’ll know when you look around the captivating shoreline of southern Hong Kong. Dragon’s Back even made it into our list for the most Instagrammable spots in Hong Kong! The moment you cross over the ridge, go to Pottinger Gap to admire the modern high-rises amid Hong Kong’s scenic nature. Lastly, wrap up your hike at Tai Long Wan to feel the ocean breeze.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
How to get there: Take the train to Shau Kei Wan MTR Station and head towards Exit A3 where the bus terminal is located. Then, take the bus (no. 9) to Shek O.
8. Coastal Cycling: Sha Tin (2.5 hours)
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Besides hiking trails, Hong Kong is also filled with many cycling routes. Rent a two-wheeler and start your journey from Sha Tin. From there, you will pass by the Shing Mun River where you can catch boaters and kayakers in action. Don’t stop until you reach Hong Kong Science Park, which is another state-of-the-art landmark to visit.
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Keep going until you see Pak Shek Kok Promenade. Then, stop for a water break and admire the mountain vista of Ma On Shan and Pat Sin Leng. This cycling adventure is all worth it when you arrive at Tai Mei Tuk. Just around the corner, you’ll see a twinkling lake near the Plover Cove Reservoir – what a reward!
How to get there: Alight at Sha Tin MTR Station and head towards Exit A. Then, walk to the Shing Mun River via New Town Plaza and Sha Tin Park. The park has a bike kiosk where you can rent a bike.
#HHWT Tips: There are many bike rental shops in Tai Wai, Sha Tin Park, Tai Po Waterfront Park, and Tai Mei Tuk. Some shops allow the bike to be returned at your destination, so feel free to ask!
Besides the variety of Halal food and shopping districts, it’s amazing to know that Hong Kong is peppered with plenty of scenic nature trails too. Combined with this amazing guide to hiking and cycling in Hong Kong, let it inspire you to explore the outdoors as a true traveller would.
This article is brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.