Dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient”, Hong Kong is a uniquely colourful, chaotic and glamorous place to visit. With the stunning Victoria Harbour and the well-loved Star Ferry and Peak Tram among the many attractions the city has to offer, you’d no doubt find plenty of engaging things during your visit.
Hiking
While famous for its urban landscape, outside the city, Hong Kong offers some of the most picturesque hiking trails in the region. Among them is Dragon’s Back (龍脊). One of the most popular trails, it was voted in 2004 by Time magazine as the best urban hiking route in Asia. Experience the spectacular views of Hong Kong Island as you make your way through a tortuous path along a ridge. At the end of the trail is Big Wave Bay Beach, where you can end the day with a relaxing dip or experience local fast food at one of the few ‘stores’ in the adjacent village. Best of all it is within walking distance from the nearest MTR station.
For the more adventurous, visit the 100km long MacLehose Trail. Described as one of the world’s 20 dream trails by National Geographic, the trail goes through much of New Territories. Beginning in Pak Tam Chung, it follows the breath-taking coastline of eastern Sai Kung, where you navigate past rock columns, sea stacks and sea caves before heading up to many of Hong Kong’s highest peaks, from where you can witness the city moving from afar, before descending to the tranquil Shing Mun Reservoir – home to many species of migratory birds and butterflies. As you continue west, you’ll pass many more valleys and reservoirs such as the scenic Tai Lam Reservoir before concluding in Tuen Mun.
For more information, please visit the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website which features all 42 hiking routes of Hong Kong or The Hong Kong Less Traveled website.
Country and Marine Parks
You can also experience the natural side of Hong Kong by visiting its country and marine parks. There are in total 24 country parks designated for the purposes of nature conservation, countryside recreation and outdoor education and 22 special areas created mainly for the purpose of nature conservation.
Kam Shan Country Park (金山郊野公園) is one of the first Hong Kong country parks and is the closest to urban districts in Kowloon. Set mainly in a reservoir catchment area, it extends to Smugglers’ Ridge in the north and is famous for its macaques.
The 61-hectare Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai, New Territories lets visitors catch a glimpse of the diversity of Hong Kong’s wetland ecosystem. Here you can learn the functions and values of wetlands as well as its importance to surrounding wildlife.
Listed in 2011 by UNESCO as part of its Global Geoparks Network, the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark comprises of two sections: Sai Kung, where it is home to hexagonal rock columns of international geological significance, and north-eastern New Territories, where there are sedimentary rocks that showcase the full geological history of Hong Kong. Visitors can visit the geopark either by boat or kayak or by hiking.
For more information, you can visit the website of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department or the website of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
Nightlife
Nestled right behind the hustle and bustle of Central, Lan Kwai Fong is the go-to spot for those looking to have a little bit of fun after work. Home to over 90 restaurants and bars, as well as Hong Kong’s biggest clubs, you can easily find anything from bougie wines to gelatin shots to suit any occasion. Though expect it to get a bit busy on Friday or Saturday nights so be prepared to queue.
For a different atmosphere, try Lockhart Road in Wan Chai or Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui, both popular destinations to unwind after a long week.
For specific recommendations, you can visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website on nightlife
Food
As one of Asia’s largest and most culturally diverse cities, you can find some of the most authentic dishes from around the world with ease here in Hong Kong. With more restaurants per capita than most cities, Hong Kong’s food scene is vibrant and thriving. From local specialties like dim sum – a range of snack sized dishes commonly served in bamboo containers, to fresh sashimi flown to your table directly from Japan, every trip to a restaurant will leave you asking for more.
For more restaurant recommendations, you can refer to the Hong Kong Tourism Board website, or the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau. The latest restaurant reviews can be found on OpenRice or directly via the Google Maps app.
Shop
Classic, cutting-edge, everyday and offbeat: the selection of goods being sold by the second in Hong Kong is befitting of a city that’s been a crossroads of global trade for over 150 years. Here’s where you can find what you want — or just lose yourself looking for it.
For more shopping recommendations, you can visit Hong Kong Tourism Board website.