Hong Kong may seem like an urban jungle, but it can also be a paradise for nature and sport lovers. It offers a wide array of outdoor sports and a stunning environment to practice them in.
Hiking in Hong Kong
There are great hiking trails to be found in Hong Kong. Many are easily accessible and good for any level of experience, such as the Dragonsback Trail or Hong Kong Trail on Hong Kong Island. There are also more strenuous and secluded trails like Sharp’s Peak in Sai Kung. There are trails all over Hong Kong. Read this article for more information on hiking.
Rock Climbing in Hong Kong
Rock climbing in Hong Kong is a fairly new activity, but it’s catching on fast. Popular spots include Beacon Hill in Kowloon or Shek O on Hong Kong Island. You can even dangle high above the city on Victoria Peak, just above Central. There are options for both traditional climbing and bolted climbing. For indoor climbing and lessons, try the King’s Park climbing wall in Yau Ma Tei.
Other Outdoor Activities
Tennis is one of the most popular sports in Hong Kong. However, there are few public courts; many tennis courts in Hong Kong are provided by private country clubs and allow access only to members. There are public courts in Wan Chai and Wong Nai Chung Gap, which must be booked ahead of time (HK$40 / US$5 per hour).
Bicycling can be difficult in Hong Kong. The city is not really set up to accommodate cyclists, which makes road biking a challenge. There are some mountain biking paths, for example in Sai Kung and Tai Lam Chung Country Parks. The paths are usually quite rocky, fun for experienced bikers but beginners will spend a lot of time walking.
Outdoor Swimming in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is home to many lovely beaches. They vary in terms of cleanliness and crowdedness. The beaches in Repulse Bay and Stanley are decent but very popular. For more beach and less people, try Shek O or the beaches in Sai Kung. The beach at Mui Wo on Lantau Island is so-so, but there are nice bars and restaurants nearby. Generally speaking, the beaches that are more difficult to get to are less crowded and better quality.
Canoeing and Kayaking in Hong Kong
Kayaking is great in Sai Kung, where the clear, clean water provides access to beautiful beaches and sights. Canoeing is also a popular activity in the seas around Stanley. Dragonboating is a national sport and competitions take place annually. To join in any rowing activities, sign up with a club in Stanley or Sai Kung.
Other Water Sports
The tropical temperatures of Hong Kong make it an ideal place to practice water sports, and they are quite popular here. Windsurfing is a growing popular sport. The beaches rimming the south of Hong Kong Island such as Repulse Bay, Stanley Beach and Shek O are the best places for this. Surfing in Hong Kong depends on the weather for suitable waves, which can only be found at certain beaches (Big Wave Bay or Shek O, for example).
Fishing can be done in Hong Kong’s reservoirs, which are stocked with a variety of freshwater fish. The most accessible and most popular reservoirs are Tai Tam, Pok Fu Lam, or High Island, but fishers must apply for a fishing license to use the reservoirs. Those who prefer saltwater fishing can rent a junk for a day or simply head for the nearest harbor access, to stand side-by-side with locals at the waterfronts in Tsim Sha Tsui or Stanley.
Read more here for details about hiking, biking, kayaking and fishing.
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