Hiking Trails

Hong Kong may be a bustling metropolis, but it's surprisingly green. Around 40 percent of its land area is designated as country parks. Here, gorgeous peaks, woodlands, coastlines, and reservoirs await, many of which are easily accessible and suitable for beginners.

Kick things off by heading up to the Peak. The circular walk at the top provides an overview of the city. At around 3.5km long, it takes roughly an hour to complete the trail, and you'll be rewarded with 360-degree skyline views.

Another popular hike is Dragon's Back in Shek O Country Park on Hong Kong Island. This 8.5km hike, which takes about three hours, starts at Shau Kei Wan and ends at Big Wave Bay, perfect for a post-hike drink and swim.

Don't miss, too, the various hikes on the MacLehose Trail, a 100km stretch which crosses much of the New Territories. Starting in Pak Tam Cheung, it ends with a climb up Hong Kong's highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, which stands 957m high. If you're feeling competitive, you can participate in the HK100 Ultra Trial Race, a 103km course that takes in some of Hong Kong's most stunning scenery, including unspoilt beaches and ancient forests. Another popular challenge is the 100km-long Oxfam Trailwalker, which must be completed in a team of four within a 48-hour limit.