|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Hong Kong's total land area is roughly 1,078 square kilometres and includes Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and about 235 outlying islands. Although it is a developed urban area cramped with skyscrapers, 40 percent of the area is classed as a country park and the territory has natural parks and place for outdoor activities which include walking, hiking and climbing, cycling and mountain biking and horse riding. Situated in a subtropical zone, Hong Kong's climate is mild from the middle of September until the beginning of March. The average temperature rarely dips below 17°C during the winter months making outdoor activities accessible all year round. As with all subtropical climates, Hong Kong can be rather humid with a rainy season lasting from May until September.
Natural ParksThe government's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department manages Hong Kong's country and marine parks, marine reserves, hiking trails, recreational facilities and camp sites.
There are 23 country parks in Hong Kong. It is recommended to take plenty of water and sun protection when walking in these areas as they are often unshaded and the humidity is high. Some of the parks have visitors' centres. The department's website provides a detailed description of each park including major attractions, ecological highlights, facilities and public transport to the parks. Hikers and cyclists in the Hong Kong countryside might see much flora and fauna: macaques, mongoose, barking deer, the very dangerous bamboo snake (bright green) and a variety of butterflies, birds and bats including some endangered species. It is advisable to check the weather before heading out in the countryside: Hong Kong Wetland ParkLocated in the northern part of Tin Shui Wai, New Territories, the 61-hectare park provides a look at the territory's wetland ecosystem consisting of marshes, fish ponds, mangrove beds, mudflats and some unique species of wildlife. Marine Parks and Marine ReserveHong Kong has four designated marine parks and one marine reserve along the territory's harbours and coastlines:
The parks can be freely accessed as long as visitors follow the Marine Park regulations. Walking, Hiking & ClimbingThe Hong Kong Tourism Board provides information and maps on walks that are scenic and representative of the city's heritage and culture.
The PeakOne of the most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong, the Peak, offers a complete view of the city, mountains and harbour. The Peak walk covers a path circling the Peak and leading back into the city. It begins along Lugard Road, across from the Peak Tower and leads to Lugard Road Lookout. Lugard Road Lookout connects to Hatton Road and Harlech Road. Hatton Road leads down the hill to the city while Harlech Road continues back to the Peak circle. Tsim Sha TsuiA waterfront walk follows the promenade of the shopping district in Kowloon. It has views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong's city lights in the evening. Start from Hillwood in Soho and proceed to Knutsford Terrace and Park Lane. From Park Lane, walk toward the Avenue of Stars and follow the road to Hong Kong Museum of Art, situated next to the Space Museum and the Cultural Centre. The walk passes the Clock Tower and ends at Harbour City. Lantau Island – Po Lin MonasteryAs the largest outlying island in Hong Kong, about half of Lantau has been designated as country park area. This walk starts from Ngong Ping and ventures up and down hills to the famous Giant Buddha. From the Buddha, the walk continues to the Po Lin Monastery and passes Wisdom Path, Lantau Peak and ends at Tung Chung Fort. HikingHong Kong provides an escape from city life with 23 country parks and four major hiking trails nestled in the mountains and hills:
The Hong Kong Tourism Board provides contact information for visitors' centres in country park areas. Maps and trail routes are available at some of the offices listed below:
Hikers can find information on mobile telephone coverage in the Hong Kong countryside from the Office of the Telecommunications Industry. There are a number of informal walking and hiking groups.
ClimbingThe Hong Kong SAR has much for rock climbers and bouldering. One of the most popular sites is Lion Rock near Sha Tin in the New Territories. Other climbing areas include Lantau and Lamma Island, Kowloon Peak, Waterfall Rock and Causeway Bay.
Cycling & Mountain BikingThe government has designated ten areas in country parks for mountain biking. Trails and sites are available in the following parks:
Biking PermitsMountain bikers must get a cycling permit issued by the Country and Marine Parks Authority. Submit an application in writing to the Authority and include a stamped return envelope with the application. Applicants must be over the age of 12 and those between the ages of 12 and 18 will require parental or guardian endorsement with the application. There is no fee for the cycling permit. Holders of the cycling permit must respect the Code of Mountain Biking. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Horse RidingManaged by the Jockey Club, the Tuen Mun Public Riding School is the largest public riding facility in Hong Kong. The school has lecture rooms, a horse paddock, two pony paddocks, a stable accommodating 60 horses and ponies, changing rooms and a car park. Apart from training courses, horse riding and riding competitions are organised by the centre.
Further Information
Any suggestions for extra information that should be on this page?
This is the "The Great Outdoors in Hong Kong" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Hong Kong. AngloINFO Hong Kong's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in Hong Kong, in English!". AngloINFO Hong Kong is your Hong Kong information source, for everyone living in Hong Kong or moving to Hong Kong, covering everything from the Hong Kong property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to China, to all aspects of everyday life in the Hong Kong international community for those living their lives in China. » Find out more about AngloINFO in China | ||||||||||||||||||||||
