In addition to city lights and towering skyscrapers, about 75% of Hong Kong is covered in natural beauty and greenery, with mountain peaks, country parks and more than 260 islands making up its landscape. Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, here are five of the most amazing outdoor adventures in Hong Kong.
lantau island
Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Here, visitors can find some of the most stunning beaches and hiking trails, such as Sunset Peak (pictured above), the third highest peak in the area, which offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding islands scenery. In addition to hiking, visitors to Lantau can also visit some of the lesser-known coastlines, including Cheung Sha Beach and Pui O Beach, where they can try water sports or just enjoy the long stretches of golden sand.
Dragon’s back
The Dragon’s Back Ridge Trail is located on the southeast corner of Hong Kong Island. Suitable for families, amateur hikers and all adventure seekers, with a total distance of 8 kilometers, visitors can experience stunning scenery during a four-hour hike. The trail consists of a series of up and down mounds shaped like the back of a sleeping dragon, which explains its name. In addition, each checkpoint is marked with a dragon symbol, further integrating hikers into the experience.
Tai Lam Country Park
Tai Lam Country Park is one of nature’s most spectacular landscapes and is home to Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, also known as Thousand Island Lake (pictured above). The islands were once hills before the Tai Lam Chung Valley was flooded, making this one of the city’s most popular reservoirs. Visitors can hike to the Reservoir Islands Lookout for hands-down the best views of the mini-islands below.
Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
Hong Kong’s stunning geological landscape is the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, which covers an area of 150 square kilometers and features hexagonal rock pillars formed by volcanic eruptions some 140 million years ago. The landscape includes volcanic rocks and spectacular sedimentary rock formations, providing an outdoor playground for walkers and even budding photographers. Takashima is a highlight where visitors can explore hiking trails and admire the surrounding scenery from many angles.
Tai Mo Shan
Tai Mo Shan is an extinct volcano and is the highest peak in Hong Kong, surpassing all other peaks in Hong Kong in terms of altitude, size or landscape. Whether tourists want to enjoy the sunrise in the morning or the mist at dusk, Tai Mo Shan is the ideal choice. The summit is 957 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the city. Hikers heading to the summit will pass wild jungle and several stunning waterfalls on the way.
For more information, please visit discoverhongkong.com.
