Aside from our world-famous cityscape with towering skyscrapers, Hong Kong is also known for having plenty of lush nature and greenery with fantastic hiking trails. In a renewed governmental push, eco-tourism is going to be a key part of the strategy to boost our economy.
Building on the increase of tourist arrivals in the city – which rose by 10 percent to exceed 16 million visitors in the first four months of 2025 compared to the year before – the Hong Kong government aims to strengthen our appeal to international travellers through promoting a ‘tourism is everywhere’ concept, pushing ecological and cultural attractions to meet changing preferences and travel patterns.
Of the nine new ‘tourist hotspots’ named in the scheme’s blueprint in May, eco-tourism is set to be a major focus. Well-known hiking destinations such as the Peak, Tai Mo Shan, Lantau Peak, and Sai Kung will receive special attention as part of the ‘Four Peaks’ tourism project.
Highlighting the city’s close proximity to nature, this green tourism strategy focuses on the Peak Trail (High West Section), the Ngong Ping Trail (Nei Lake Shan Section), the Sharp Island Country Trail, and Rotary Park to Tai Mo Shan Viewpoint, chosen for their accessibility, short routes, spectacular scenery, and convenient access to transportation.
Upgrading trail facilities is going to be a crucial part of the transformation, including setting up hiking information boards and directional signage, and improving connections to nearby areas of interest, creating a seamless journey for nature lovers that lead to other parts of the city. These developments are planned to reach completion by the end of 2026.
Other projects to be implemented include creating the Victoria Park Bazaar for cultural and creative activities, promoting Kowloon City, revitalising the former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier, and turning the former Yau Ma Tei Police Station into a museum.
As Hongkongers like to say of large crowds, ‘people mountain people sea’ – so make plans to take in these majestic peaks before the jostling with international travellers begins!
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