Discover what outdoor adventures Hong Kong has to offer and plan your travels below.
In addition to its bustling streets and breathtaking skyscrapers, Hong Kong is home to protected nature reserves, magnificent coastlines and rare species of flora and fauna. Visit Discover Hong Kong, Link opens in a new window operated by external parties and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as Cathay Pacific to find out more.
A renowned bird watching location, Hong Kong hosts over 500 species of birds. Located near Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong Wetland Park is great for ecotourism. Join a guided tour or enjoy walks alongside mangroves and fishponds, where migrating birds and endangered species often gather.
Grade : Easy | Time : 2.5 hours | Length : About 6 km
This 61-hectare Hong Kong Wetland Park provides viewing platforms for visitors to observe the area’s wetland eco-systems. The park, including swamps, mangroves and intertidal zones, is home to a great number of waterfowl, such as black-faced spoonbills and Eurasian kingfishers.
Photo credit: Samson So
On the edge of Deep Bay, Tsim Bei Tsui’s small lookout and its police post are both ideal for beginner bird-watchers. In winter months, observe black-faced spoonbills and northern pintails. In contrast, white-breasted waterhen are most commonly seen in summer.
Photo credit: Samson So
The above is just a selection of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's content on the great outdoors. For the full guide, please visit discoverhongkong.com, Link opens in a new window operated by external parties and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as Cathay Pacific .
Hong Kong has about 250 species of butterflies and over 120 species of dragonflies. Take the Lau Shui Heung Country Trail past scenic reservoirs and hidden swamps to get to Fung Yuen, where these beautiful creatures can be found resting on wild flowers or fluttering by.
Grade : Moderate | Time : 3 hours | Length : About 7.5 km
Surrounded by thick forests, the glassy surface of Lau Shui Heung Reservoir is especially stunning on a clear, windless day. Visit during the colder months to enjoy colourful autumn foliage. You can also observe the white-flower derris, a spectacular climbing vine that crawls up tree trunks.
Photo credit: Derek Yung
With an abundance of plants providing food for the caterpillars, this part of the valley has become a prime habitat for butterflies. White dragontail butterflies are a favourite with photographers. Also commonly observed here are pale awlet, common birdwing, and red-base jezebel butterflies.
Photo credit: Gary Chan
The above is just a selection of the Hong Kong Tourism Boards content on the great outdoors. For the full guide, please visit discoverhongkong.com, Link opens in a new window operated by external parties and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as Cathay Pacific .
Rising 957 metres above sea level, the frequently cloud-covered Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak and is visible from many parts of the city. Despite its elevation, Tai Mo Shan is accessible by foot, with several hiking trails meandering around the summit. Climb up for panoramic viiews of the countryside.
Grade : Moderate | Time : 2 hours (one way) | Length : About 5 km (one way)
Tai Mo Shan is topped by the Hong Kong Observatory’s weather radar station; when its gigantic sphere comes into sight, you’ll know that you’re almost at the peak. At 950 metres, this is also the highest outlook in Hong Kong. On a clear day, it offers expansive views in all directions.
Photo credit: Anthony Lau
Before you hike uphill on Tai Mo Shan Road, check out the Rotary Park near the entrance of Tai Mo Shan Country Park. The park features groves of cherry blossom trees from Taiwan. From around February through early March, this is one of Hong Kong’s best places for cherry blossom viewing.
Photo credit: Wandering Photography
The above is just a selection of the Hong Kong Tourism Boards content on the great outdoors. For the full guide, please visit discoverhongkong.com, Link opens in a new window operated by external parties and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as Cathay Pacific .
The last leg of the Hong Kong Trail, this meandering path on the ridge of Dragon’s Back is widely hailed as one of Hong Kong’s best urban hikes. Check out the sightseeing platform near the peak that provides truly spectacular views of southern Hong Kong Island and its shoreline. Right at the trail’s end is Big Wave Bay. Take a dip or surf the waves for a cooling finale to your hike.
Grade : Moderate | Time : 4 hours | Length : About 8.5 km
Stay on the rolling ridge to trace the “dragon” while you climb uphill. Stop at the Dragon’s Back Viewing Point for a great view of the Tai Tam Bay west of Shek O Peninsula. On a clear day, even Lamma Island, to the southwest of Hong Kong Island, is visible from the deck. Once over the ridge, you'll arrive at Pottinger Gap. Here you get a view of Chai Wan’s urban high-rises against a forested landscape.
Photo credit: Joe Chen
After passing a pavilion, you’ll begin a sharp descent on an uneven stone and dirt path. This very last stage of the trail is mostly shaded and can be slippery at times. Once you’ve exited the trail and cleared the village houses, a beach popular with surfers awaits. Your arrival at Big Wave Bay will be greeted with shimmering white waves and blue skies.
Photo credit: Joe Chen
The above is just a selection of the Hong Kong Tourism Boards content on the great outdoors. For the full guide, please visit discoverhongkong.com, Link opens in a new window operated by external parties and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as Cathay Pacific .
Cited by National Geographic as one of the world’s 20 dream trails, this 100 km trekking route, known as the MacLehose Trail, showcases the impressive coastline of the eastern peninsula in Sai Kung. Along the trail you’ll see sea caves, sea stacks, and hexagonal rock columns. Toward the end of the trail’s Sai Kung section, you can listen to the sound of breaking waves on the beautiful beaches below.
Grade : Very Difficult | Time : 7 hours | Length : About 17.5 km
High Island Reservoir was built in the 1970s across a narrow channel. Although a man-made structure, the reservoir still blends in with the impressive geology of its surroundings. The area near the East Dam is also the gateway to the many treasures of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
Photo credit: Tugo Cheng
Walking along the High Island Geo Trail, you’ll pass by the magnificent 100-metre-tall hexagonal rock columns that dominate the area near the East Dam. You shouldn’t miss these geological wonders up close, and the trail offers some of the best vantage points. Also recommended is the large sea cave and Po Pin Chau, which is a sea stack further down the coast. As an interesting side note: “Po Pin” means “riven” or “split” in Cantonese.
Photo credit: Matthieu Paley
The above is just a selection of the Hong Kong Tourism Boards content on the great outdoors. For the full guide, please visit discoverhongkong.com, Link opens in a new window operated by external parties and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as Cathay Pacific .
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