9 Fun Activities in Hong Kong: Hike, Bike, and Beyond

Looking for fun activities in Hong Kong? While Hong Kong, for many, conjures up images of glittering skyscrapers and endless shopping sprees, I was surprised to learn that this vibrant metropolis also offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for active travelers as well as places to relax and unwind in and out of the city. On my most recent trip, I ditched the shopping sprees (…okay, not really – I still found time for that, of course!) for activewear and embarked on an unforgettable journey.

9 Fun Activities in Hong Kong: Hike, Bike, & Beyond

Enjoy the Views at Sai Kung High Island Geo Trail

Our adventurous activities in Hong Kong began with a breathtaking trek along the Sai Kung High Island Geo Trail.

Apparently, millions of years ago, Hong Kong was a volcanic hotspot, and all the crazy rock formations we saw here were leftovers from that fiery past. Fast forward to more recent times, and Sai Kung became a quiet fishing village. Nobody really paid much attention to the geology until geologists started realizing just how unique the area was.

Then, in the late 2000s, Hong Kong decided to showcase this natural wonder, and that’s when they developed the Geo Trail, which is now part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. So, while the trail itself is relatively new, the landscape has been shaped over millennia, which is what makes it so special.

Rock formations aside, pristine beaches, and crashing waves provided a stunning backdrop all throughout the trail, which was actually extremely beginner-friendly. Even if you don’t have any experience with hiking (or even with cardio), you won’t have any trouble with this trail.

Afterwards, you can also indulge in a delicious feast at a local eatery nearby. Whether you’re craving pasta, pizza, seafood, or other types of meat; there’s something for everyone!

Bike at Plover Cove Reservoir Dam

If you know how to bike, do as we did and rent a bicycle to properly explore the Plover Cove Reservoir Dam.

Back in the day, Hong Kong was always worried about running out of water. They didn’t have much storage and relied a lot on rain, so they decided to make a reservoir out of the sea. To do this, they picked Plover Cove and built a massive dam to close it off. Then, they actually pumped out all the saltwater and filled it with fresh water!

While a massive undertaking in the ’60s, it totally changed the game for Hong Kong, giving them way more water and even solving their water shortage problems. Today, Plover Cove Reservoir Dam is also a cyclist’s paradise, offering stunning views and a refreshing escape from the city and from life in general. This should definitely always be on your list of fun activities in Hong Kong!

The minute I plugged in my earbuds and turned on my favorite music playlist, I biked to my heart’s content and just soaked everything in. I honestly wouldn’t have minded spending the entire day here alone, though, of course, it’s also great to go with friends.

Connect With Mother Nature at Tai Mo Shan Country Park

Deep in the heart of Hong Kong, we found tranquility at Tai Mo Shan Country Park.

Tai Mo Shan Country Park is all about Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan. Long before it was a park, it was just a mountain climbed by a few adventurous folks. As Hong Kong started to grow and people realized how awesome nature is, they decided to protect the area and designated it as a country park, which meant preserving the forests and the grasslands up top (which are super unique!).

Now, it’s a great spot for all sorts of activities in Hong Kong such as hiking, camping, and just escaping the city buzz. While Tai Mo Shan has been around forever, the park itself is a more recent thing. Here, we embraced the ancient practice of forest bathing, where we immersed ourselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest.

I hadn’t heard of forest bathing before this trip, but studies show that forest bathing can reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve overall well-being – and it was exactly what I needed. Although sometimes a bit too noisy for my taste due to the planes flying by, I appreciated the chance to connect with nature on a deeper level and to befriend a tree (you’ll understand this when you try it).

Destress at a Gong Meditation Session at Red Doors Studio

http://www.red-doors.com

To further cultivate inner peace, we also attended a gong meditation session where the resonant vibrations washed away all of our stress. Basically, you just lie there and let the gong master create sounds to wash over you. It’s not like regular meditation where you’re trying to clear your mind, which can be hard for some people.

During gong meditation, the vibrations from the gongs do the work for you. They kind of massage your body and mind, helping you relax on a super deep level. Our gong master claimed that it can also help with sleep, anxiety, and even pain; but we can’t guarantee any of that. Whether or not that’s true, it’s a fantastic way to unwind and give yourself a mental break from everything. Honestly, it’s like a mini-vacation for your brain.

This was actually my first time hearing about gong meditation as one of the relaxing activities in Hong Kong, and while I thought I wouldn’t like the noise, it was quite an experience. Top tip: go with someone who doesn’t snore because you will most likely fall asleep. 😉

Attend a Wing Chun Master Class With Master Robin

Now, if your idea of destressing is letting your energy out during a workout, you might want to add Master Robin’s Wing Chun master class to your bucket list of activities in Hong Kong. Wing Chun is basically a cool style of martial arts that originated in Southern China and focuses on close-quarters combat.

Imagine a super-fast, efficient way to fight where you use your opponent’s strength against them, even if you’re as short as I am (5 feet). That’s Wing Chun in a nutshell. You might have heard of it from masters like Ip Man, who taught it to a young Bruce Lee! It’s all about economy of motion, using your body weight effectively, and neutralizing attacks with minimal effort.

Do Yoga Outdoors at The Hideout

http://www.thehideout.hk

For calmer activities in Hong Kong, visit the serene The Hideout on Lantau Island, a place where you can attend painting classes, learn more about coffee, and yes, do some yoga.

The Hideout reminded me a bit of the Farm in San Benito in the Philippines, offering a similar escape from the urban jungle, but in a smaller and more intimate setting. I would probably make this place my sanctuary if I lived in Hong Kong.

Learn All About Tea at Song Cha Xie Teahouse

Of course, no trip to Hong Kong is complete without a taste of its rich culture, so we indulged in a traditional tea appreciation ceremony at Song Cha Xie Teahouse where we learned all about tea whilst surrounded by the beauty of Nan Lian Garden.

More than the tea appreciation class, Nan Lian Garden is a beauty to behold. This surprisingly tranquil spot is tucked right in the middle of bustling Hong Kong and is designed to look like a classical Chinese garden from the Tang Dynasty where they followed traditional principles of design with perfectly placed rocks, ponds, plants, and these beautiful wooden pavilions.

It’s all very serene and peaceful, a total escape from the city – and now one of my favorite places and activities in Hong Kong.

Hike on the “Dragon’s Back”

While all of the activities in Hong Kong were fun and memorable, my absolute favorite experience on this trip was the Dragon’s Back Hike. Dragon’s Back is an iconic hike in Hong Kong, and gets its name from the way the trail winds along this ridge that looks, well, like a dragon’s back.

Apparently, people have been hiking Dragon’s Back for years, and I’m really not surprised. While we didn’t hike the entire way, we did make it to the best panoramic view of the hike – and it really was something else! It’s a pretty accessible hike too, not too challenging, which makes it one of the perfect activities in Hong Kong for the weekend.

The reason why this activity was so memorable for me was because I always thought I wasn’t built for hiking. Well, this beginner-friendly hike proved that I can actually do it – and you can too.

Get a Massage at Tai Pan Reflexology

http://www.taipanreflexology.com

After almost a week of exhilarating activities in Hong Kong, we treated ourselves to a relaxing Tai Pan Reflexology session at Tsim Shai Tsui that was much-needed and well-deserved. They started by placing a shoulder massager on our shoulders, and I was surprised by how strong that device was – just the way I like it!

It was then followed by the most relaxing foot massage ever. It was truly the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate after all the activities in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, I discovered, is more than just a shopping paradise. It’s a playground for the adventurous spirit, a place where you can connect with nature, explore hidden gems, find inner peace, and discover a side of this dynamic city (and even yourself) you never knew existed. Make sure to bookmark this article so you know which activities in Hong Kong to try out on your next visit! Special thanks to Hong Kong Tourism Board for introducing us to so many new activities in Hong Kong that we now love!

What are your favorite activities in Hong Kong? Share them with us!

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