Around 40 percent of Hong Kong’s land area is made up of Country Parks and Special Areas. They serve nature conservation, recreation and environmental education. This scale makes nature a defining part of the destination. Hiking trails, wetlands, coastal views and cultural sites offer different ways to experience Hong Kong.
On Foot Between Trails and Coastal Views
Hong Kong reveals itself at different scales on foot. The Hong Kong Trail is 50 kilometres long and crosses all five Country Parks on Hong Kong Island; at 100 kilometres, the MacLehose Trail is twice as long. At Dragon’s Back, the views take centre stage: the trail offers panoramic views of the landscape and the coast of Shek O Wan, and ends at Big Wave Bay Beach. This sets long-distance trails alongside a route whose scenery and endpoint are clearly defined.
Waterbirds and Wetlands
At Hong Kong Wetland Park, the focus is on waterbirds: the Wetland Reserve has habitats specially designed for them. The public “Wetland Reserve” tour lasts about 45 minutes and takes place outdoors. You can set aside roughly three quarters of an hour for the tour. Check the latest dates before your visit, as programme details may change.
Art, Visual Culture and Heritage
The cultural sites each have a different focus. Founded in 1962, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is the city’s first public art museum. M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District is one of the largest museums for modern and contemporary visual culture. The former Central Police Station Compound was revitalised as Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts; it offers a wide range of programmes and activities related to heritage, art and culture.
Lantau and the Waterfront of Tai O
The Big Buddha on Lantau Island is a Hong Kong landmark; reaching it involves climbing more than 200 steps. Cheung Sha Beach on the same island is described as Hong Kong’s longest beach and one of its cleanest. The Tai O Promenade offers a different perspective: this roughly 15-minute waterfront walk highlights traditional aspects of the village of Tai O. Shops selling local specialities line the promenade.
Skyline, Harbour and Getting Around
The city’s views also have distinctive landmarks. The Peak is a major Hong Kong attraction, accessible by the Peak Tram and offering panoramic views of the city skyline. The Peak Tram is considered Hong Kong’s most historic form of public transport. The green-and-white Star Ferry crosses Victoria Harbour, connecting piers in Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Central. The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival features colourful dragon boat races against the backdrop of the Victoria Harbour skyline.
For payments, a digital or physical Octopus card is a practical option: it enables cashless payments on all major forms of public transport, as well as for dining, entertainment, shopping and other expenses.
Discover more destinations: Yuen Long, Hong Kong, Tung Chung, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, Aberdeen Harbour, Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Lamma Island, New Territories.
