The outdoor enthusiast’s guide to Hong Kong

Beyond Hong Kong’s urban façade is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Tucked away in the city’s country parks and outlying islands, there’s a world of outdoor adventures to discover, no matter what type of experience you’re after. From nature trails and camping spots to canyoning and paragliding, we’ll guide you through the best outdoor activities beyond the city and how to spend a day exploring Hong Kong’s wild side.

For nature lovers

Take a leisurely walk through Tai Lam Country Park and its numerous  trails, surrounded by picture-perfect natural scenery.

Touted as Hong Kong’s second-largest country park, the area is saturated with natural beauty, stretching  across 5,412 hectares of land between Tuen Mun and Yuen Long and is comprised of seven reservoirs and 12 hiking and nature trails, with an option for every age and levels of fitness.

For some of the most picturesque sights in this park, find your way to Tai Tong Nature Trail where the path will lead you to the Tai Tong sweet gum woods, filled with mesmerising red foliage in autumn. Or, trek to Tai Lam Chung Reservoir for the best views of Thousand Island Lake. Along the way, don’t forget to look out for sightings of the area’s wild animals, such as Chinese pangolins, leopard cats or speckled skinks slithering across the rocks of the nature trail.

How to get there: Take bus K66 from Long Ping MTR station to Tai Tong Shan Road and walk towards the entrance of Tai Lam Country Park.

For thrill-seekers

Admire Hong Kong’s natural beauty from a new perspective: a bird’s eye view of the city’s most gorgeous mountain ridges.

For a hair-raising experience, try paragliding off of Dragon’s Back, a beginner-friendly hike on Stage eight of the Hong Kong Trail in Shek O , which offers some of the best views of southern Hong Kong, serving up the endless vistas of Shek O and its rolling hills. It’s also a popular spot for paragliders to take flight and soar above Shek O Country Club before landing on the sandy beaches of Big Wave Bay or Shek O Beach, making for the  perfect outdoor activity for adrenaline junkies or anyone looking for a unique way to experience the city.

Hong Kong Hike ‘N’ Fly , a government-authorised and insured commercial paragliding operator, organises tandem paragliding experiences for travellers. They offer three government-approved take-off sites and will plan each traveller’s experience around suitable weather conditions for a safe and fun flight. 

How to get there: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station, then hop on Bus 9 for Shek O and get off at To Tei Wan/Dragon’s Back stop where you will find the trailhead on the left side of the road.

For social butterflies

Tap Mun also known as Grass Island, is a serene getaway for families and large groups to spend a day in nature or an evening camped out under the stars. Sitting on the northeastern corner of Sai Kung, the island is home to a small fishing community and herds of wandering cattle – a stark contrast to the city life Hong Kong is known for.

The island, just 1.69sqkm in area, boasts multiple hiking trails, geological sights, a sea cave, and a lush green meadow that serves as an idyllic backdrop for a hilltop picnic. It is also one of the best spots in the city to pitch a tent and spend the night stargazing. 

How to get there: Take bus 94 from Sai Kung to Wong Shek Pier for a 35-minute kaito ride to Tap Mun Pier. Alternatively, take a taxi from MTR University station to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier, where the kaito ride will take 1.5 hours. 

For fitness junkies

You’ve hiked up Lion Rock and explored Shek O’s many geological formations, but have you rappelled down rocky cliffs or visited dramatic waterfalls? Why not try your hand at a range of more challenging outdoor activities – a combination of stream trekking, abseiling, rock climbing, zip-lining and more.

Tung Lung Chau and Beacon Hill are just two examples of Hong Kong’s many rocky areas that are ideal for active nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts dabbling in extreme hikes. The former is an idyllic island off the shores of Sai Kung, where climbers are rewarded with breathtaking coastal scenery, while the latter is a more easily accessible – though just as technical – option boasting dazzling views of Kowloon.

How to get there: There are various ways to get to both destinations. Award-winning adventure service Hong Kong Rock Climbing Adventure will guide you through their range of activities and locations that cater directly to your skill level, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber.

Before you head outside 

Embracing an active lifestyle brings with it the boundless joys of a healthy life. Ready to start your journey? Before you do, be sure to safeguard your health with Cigna healthcare insurance, which can help protect you from  any unforeseen circumstances that may arise as you journey towards a resilient, happier and healthier lifestyle.