4 great outdoor destinations that reveal Hong Kong’s duality for travelers

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most modern and cosmopolitan cities. With its towering infrastructure and world-class skylines, this gem of a city inspires tremendous awe. 

Despite all the giltz and glamour, there is another perspective to Hong Kong that only a local will know. Hong Kong is unique because the countryside forms around three-quarters of its landmass, which is why green spaces are literally minutes away from homes. One could scale majestic mountains, visit century old villages or take a quiet stroll amongst nature after a long week. 

Here are four of Hong Kong’s great outdoor destinations that make it a travel paradise for adventurous souls, old and new.

1. Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region

Rarely matched in terms of scale and structure, the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region is a sight to behold. Hewn by volcanic activity from millions of years past, these rock formations thrust upward into large hexagonal columns.

High Island is part of the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region whose rock formations were hewn by volcanic activity from millions of years past. Photo Release/Tugo Cheng

Here, the High Island could also be spotted along the coast with similar geological features. The Po Pin Chau a.k.a. Broken Island, could be scaled and rappelled down from to see its rocky face.

This surreal landscape-seascape is part of the internationally acclaimed Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. It is where tourists get to see natural phenomena up close and personal, including sea caves, sea arches, faults and folds.

2. Shing Mun Reservoir

Completed in 1937, this construction was built to contain billions of liters of water—housing an entire freshwater ecosystem in itself, as well as serving nearby communities in their day-to-day living and livelihood supply. But beyond that, the reservoir commands the most picturesque of views.

Trailing along this tourist wonder reveals an undulated road that leads to a canopy of rich wood—including submerged signature Paperbark and exposed Chinese Banyan trees. The area is surrounded by streams, catch waters and relaxing shores. Shing Mun Reservoir is where land magically meets water.

Completed in 1937, the Shing Mun Reservoir is bounded by rich biodiversity and picturesque views.Photo Release/Matthieu Paley

Several picnic spots are peppered along the reservoir for maximized immersion and enjoyment.

3. Hong Kong Wetland Park

This award-winning park, functions as a conservation and tourism facility which consists of a visitor centre spanning a massive 10,000 square meters.

Here, you will find themed galleries, activity areas, and shops that will definitely “Unroll the Hong Kong diverse green temptations.” It is also home to bustling Hong Kong wildlife, with animals such as water fowls, mouse deer, green turtles, and the beloved PuiPui (crocodile) that are free to roam about.

As a learning center, the famed ecotourism park advocates for the understanding of nature and why it’s important to conserve it. A hike along the floating boardwarks and nature trails will definitely hold this to light and elevate one’s appreciation.

The Hong Kong Wetland Park is both a learning center and ecotourism park, advocating for the understanding of nature and why it’s important to conserve it. Photo Release/Matthieu Paley

4. Dragon’s Back

Yet another accolade-decorated natural attraction, Dragon’s Back offers Hong Kong’s complex beauty and at the same time gives you your fill of outdoor exploration.

Named for its winding path along the mountain peak, the experience delivers stunning views of Hong Kong and its coastline. The classic trail opens up to mountain ridges, hidden forests, and alternative view of the idyllic rural landscapes that will leave you breathless for all the good reasons.

The classic trail in Dragon's Back opens up to mountain ridges, hidden forests, and alternative view of the idyllic rural landscapes that will leave you breathless for all the good reasons. Photo Release/Tugo Cheng

10th year of ‘Hong Kong Great Outdoors’

Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, Shing Mun Reservoir, Hong Kong Wetland Park and Dragon’s Back are just four of Hong Kong’s 13 most stunning landscapes featured in the 10th anniversary of the Great Outdoors campaign.

In partnership with National Geographic, the campaign will include an authoritative guidebook “Your Guide to Hiking & Cycling in Hong Kong” and a photo gallery. There will also be collaborative contents created by National Geographic photographers Matthieu Paley and Tugo Cheng, and trail expert Wyan Chow Pui-yan.  

All these are poised to encourage first-time travelers and returning guests to go on a green adventure to Hong Kong. Now is the perfect time to explore Hong Kong’s different side. Avail of the exclusive “Buy-1-Get-2-Free Natural Treasure Tours” prepared by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Klook.

For more information about Great Outdoors Hong Kong, visit http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/great-outdoors/index.jsp

For more details on the tour, please click on this link: https://www.klook.com/promo/hk-green2019.