Pleasant weather is a sure thing during Hong Kong’s winter months. While our blistering summer heat often makes anything outdoors less than fun, the cooler months are a welcome opportunity to stretch your legs, get outside and explore the city and nature.
Not sure where to begin? We rounded up our top five things to do this winter in Hong Kong.
1. Take on a new hiking trail
With the drop in temperature, you won’t have to fear heatstroke or exhaustion – making it safer and more pleasant to hike. Here are our recommendations.
Chill and relatively easy hikes
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Dragon’s Back on Hong Kong Island, a scenic hike from Shek O to Big Wave Bay
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Cape D’Aguilar, with mostly flat, paved paths and sweeping views and landmarks
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The Hong Kong Greenhouse Trail on Lamma Island, an eco-heritage walk crossing beaches and villages
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Bride’s Pool Nature Trail, in northeastern New Territories, passing a stream pool and waterfall
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Devil’s Peak in Sai Kung, a historic site with remnants from pirates and war
5 easy hikes in Hong Kong perfect for a beginner
More challenging hikes
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High Junk Peak, with stunning views of Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay
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Suicide Cliff on Kowloon Peak, a very popular photo-taking spot
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Lantau Peak, the second-highest peak in Hong Kong
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Sunset Peak on Lantau Island, with stunning sand, sea and silvergrass views
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East Dog Teeth, part of the Dog Teeth Range on Lantau Island
2. Visit a new outlying island
Did you know Hong Kong actually consists of 263 islands in total? While many outlying spots are difficult to access, there are some cool islands within reach via boat that are worth exploring. Whether you go for a hike, to camp or just to admire the scenery, there are plenty of outlying islands that don’t get as much love as Lamma Island or Cheung Chau.
Tung Lung Chau
A largely uninhabited island off the tip of Clear Water Bay, you can take a kaito ferry here from Sam Ka Tsuen in Kowloon or Sai Wan Ho on Hong Kong Island. Tung Lung Chau has lovely hiking trails, camping spots, rock carvings, small shops and great views.
Tung Ping Chau
The easternmost island in Hong Kong can be a long commute. To get to Tung Ping Chau, you will need to take a ferry across Mirs Bay. The island is part of Hong Kong’s Unesco Global Geopark and was formed about 55 million years ago. Plus, you get great, close-up views across the border.
Ap Chau
Once the smallest inhabited island in Hong Kong, Ap Chau is located in Mirs Bay, also near the border of mainland China. The island has a rich history of migration and also forms part of Hong Kong’s Unesco Global Geopark, along with Kat O, its larger neighbour. Don’t miss the ochre-coloured rock formations and the Ap Chau Story Room, which opened in 2018 to teach people about traditional Tanka culture.
Explore the best of Hong Kong’s hidden outlying islands
3. Check out some Sai Kung gems
The Sai Kung peninsula’s lush greenery and blue waters are great in the summertime, but you can also enjoy it in the winter. There are a ton of trails, boats to islands and other activities here.
Start with the Unesco Global Geopark, home to some incredible geological wonders. Once it gets a little warmer, rent a kayak for the day and start rowing to some different islands. Or head to the Sai Kung West Country Park to be in nature and exercise. Make sure to pencil in a visit to a seafood restaurant, where you can indulge in freshly caught fish while enjoying the harbour view.
4. Explore Hong Kong’s wetlands
Hong Kong Wetland Park is a conservation and education facility that is also a great tourist attraction. Located in Yuen Long, you can get some great views of Shenzhen from here. The park has various paths and trails where you can really appreciate Hong Kong’s beauty. There is also the option to cycle through the wetlands. No matter when you visit, it is a good idea to bring mosquito repellent.
5. Go ice skating
While Hong Kong never sees snow, you can still do some cold weather activities – like indoor skating. A few malls scattered across the city have a rink, including Elements, Festival Walk, Cityplaza, MegaBox and Dragon Centre. You can also try the DB Ice Rink in Discovery Bay or the Lohas Rink in Lohas Park.
