A guide to Hong Kong’s best harbourfronts

In recent years, Hong Kong has transformed its harbourfront, constructing long, pedestrian-friendly promenades and green spaces on Hong Kong Island, as well as in Kowloon and the New Territories.

And now that the weather has cooled, there’s no better time for outdoor activities. So take your pick from our curated selection below, lace up your boots and set out to explore some of Hong Kong’s best seaside walking routes.

Hong Kong Island harbourfront

Length: ~13km 
Time to walk: 2–3 hours

With the recent completion of the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point, Hong Kong Island’s waterfront promenade now stretches some 13km from east to west. As you amble along the freshly minted boardwalk, the Island Eastern Corridor expressway arcs overhead like the hull of a giant ship. Within half an hour, you’ll reach Causeway Bay’s revitalised typhoon shelter . From here, follow the revamped Wan Chai Temporary Promenade, now featuring family and pet-friendly elements.  

Passing the Wan Chai Exhibition Centre and the Forever Blooming Bauhinia Sculpture, you’ll reach Tamar Park, with the Observation Wheel in the distance. Stop for a HK$20 spin inside a glass gondola; from the top of the wheel, you can trace the rest of your route. Back on the promenade, continue to the recently opened Sai Ying Pun Waterfront Park, home to Hong Kong’s first cloud-shaped outdoor inflatable playground and a water-and-sand sensory play zone for children. The final stretch leads to Kennedy Town, an ideal spot to linger over lunch or dinner.

How to get there: There are multiple access points, and we recommend starting at the Tong Shui Road entrance near North Point MTR Station.

Tsim Sha Tsui promenade

Length: ~2.5km 
Time to walk: 45 minutes–1 hour

Directly across Victoria Harbour from Central lies Kowloon’s dramatically changed waterfront. This popular promenade is lovely for an evening stroll, with unobstructed views of the city’s skyline.

Begin at the Star Ferry Pier and head towards the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. If time allows, pop into the Hong Kong Space Museum or the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Eventually, you’ll reach the Avenue of Stars , known for its plaques honouring Hong Kong celebrities and movie stars – don’t miss the famous Bruce Lee statue. Stop here for a drink and take in the scenery, or continue on to the Laguna Mall along the Laguna Verde Promenade.

How to get there: Get the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, or take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui station. 

West Kowloon waterfront promenade

Length: ~0.4km 
Time to walk: 20–30 minutes

Another recent addition to Hong Kong's waterfront landscape, this expansive promenade on the southern tip of the West Kowloon peninsula offers green open spaces, a selection of cafés and restaurants and a handful of performance and exhibition centres. It's a memorable day out, especially if you’re in the mood for cultural and leisure activities.  

Eco-friendly touches are everywhere: shipping containers converted into toilets, abandoned benches recycled and reused, and demolition debris repurposed as building materials. Keep a sharp eye out for performances at nearby Freespace .

How to get there: If you’re coming by MTR, start your walk at Kowloon station and follow the path signs until you reach M+ Museum. 

Kwun Tong promenade

Length: ~1km 
Time to walk: ~0.5 hours

Once a recycling depot and cargo container port, Kwun Tong promenade has become one of the city’s most unique harbourside parks, with views of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and a panoramic sweep of cranes and container barges. 

The walkway retains touches of its gritty history, with a special landmark of blocks designed to resemble heaps of recycled paper. There are also play areas, workout stations and plenty of seating for a relaxing break.

How to get there: Ngau Tak Kok MTR station is the closest, but it’s also accessible from Kwun Tong MTR station. 

Ma On Shan promenade

Length: ~3.2km 
Time to walk: ~1 hour

This 3.2km stretch of public space treats you to outstanding views of the harbour, Sha Tin Hoi – also known as Tide Cove – and the magnificent peaks of Pat Sin Leng. It’s a wonderful way to see a different side of Hong Kong, and the flat, paved paths make it a suitable route for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and fitness levels. 
 
You can start your ramble from multiple access points, but we suggest strolling through Tai Chi Park until you reach Wu Kai Sha Pebbles Beach. For a longer walk, continue to Wu Kai Sha Beach, or head back to Tai Chi Park and take the pedestrian bridge to the Shing Mun River waterfront on the far side of the Tolo Harbour. Both promenades are ideal for catching a sunset or enjoying a post-breakfast stroll.

How to get there: If you’re travelling by MTR, enter the promenade through Tai Chi Park at Tai Shui Hang MTR station. 

Sai Kung waterfront

Length: ~1km 
Time to walk: ~30–45 minutes

If you want to escape the city, then this route’s for you. Dubbed the “back garden of Hong Kong,” Sai Kung is known for fishing villages, beautiful beaches and abundant nature. Come for the day and make time for a leisurely walk along its picturesque waterfront.

Start at Sai Kung Pier, where the bus terminal is located. The path hugs the coastline all the way until Sha Ha Beach. There’s not much in the way of shops or amenities, but the ocean view, dotted with nearby islets, makes for a spectacular walk. Once at Sha Ha Beach, you can walk back the way you came or rent a kayak from one of the kiosks for a kayaking expedition to the nearby islands.

How to get there: Get the 101M minibus from Hang Hau station to Sai Kung public pier. 

Our top tips

Start early to avoid the crowds as well as the midday sun, or set off later in the day to catch the sunset and watch the city lights begin to twinkle. 

Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. Kiosks and vending machines are available along parts of the route, but they’re spaced out.

Finally, dress comfortably and opt for well-fitting walking shoes and light layers.