When travellers land in Hong Kong, they likely think of exploring the concrete jungle of skyscrapers that dot the skyline like a game of a Tetris. What many travellers don’t know however is that Hong Kong has an off-the-beaten-path natural side as well, which is only an hour or two away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
If you’re looking to camp on a white-sand beach, hike through lush green forests, or visit unique villages – all without sacrificing the comfort of your Hong Kong hotel – you’ve come to the right place. Below are five popular hikes in Hong Kong.
The Dragon’s Back
This award-winning urban hike might be close to the high-rises of the city but you’d never know it. Nestled in Hong Kong’s wild south side, the Dragon’s Back winds you through Shek O Country Park and gives you beautiful views over Clearwater Bay and several islands sitting in the South China Sea.
Lion Rock Hike
For those looking for a strenuous but rewarding hike, look no further than Lion Rock. Leave the comforts of the city behind and get a little dirty on this heart-pounding hike that crosses the New Territories from east to west. You’ll definitely work up a sweat as you climb up the mountain but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the New Territories as well as Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
Lamma Island Family Hike Trail
Meander through the green interior of Lantau by taking the Family Trail hike, which goes between the two main villages of Yung Shu Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. Famous for its laidback hippy-like vibe, Lantau provides an easy yet fantastic hike to get some fresh air. With no cars to be found, you’ll truly get the break from the city that you’ve been looking for. You’ll also find numerous al fresco bars, seafood restaurants, and golden beaches along the way.
Sai Kung East Country Park
Also known as the “deserted beaches hike”, Sai Kung East Country Park feels like a remote island despite being just 20 kilometers from busy Kowloon. This beautiful area is home to breathtaking mountain and coastal sea views, along with insight into a past culture that has now moved to the big city.
Plover Cove Country Park Hike
Another popular option is the Plover Cove Country Park Hike, which takes you through some of the most pristine parts of Hong Kong. You’ll see stunning views of Mainland China as well as the Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and the opportunity to witness one of the oldest surviving feng shui woods in Hong Kong. You’ll also get to see abandoned rice fields and terraces cultivated by villagers before returning back along the coastline.
As you can see, Hong Kong isn’t just concrete buildings and neon lights. There are plenty of options for getting away from the city and exploring the beautiful nature that surrounds the big city. From gorgeous mountain peaks to dreamy golden sand beaches, Hong Kong has a little bit of everything.
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This article was written as part of the Hipmunk CityLove Project. As a paid writer for Hipmunk, I’ve written a number of articles on world-class cities such as Hong Kong, Vancouver, and New York.