The summer heat is finally easing, which means breezy days outside in nature are coming up. Not sure where to head? We’ve got you. To help Hongkongers make the most of the autumn sunshine, we’ve put together a guide to five of the best country parks within easy reach from the city.
Aberdeen Country Park
Aberdeen Country Park is one of Hong Kong’s oldest country parks. Hidden in a quiet valley behind Wan Chai Gap and Aberdeen, it’s home to scenic walking trails around two beautiful reservoirs.
Distance from Hong Kong: 7-12 kilometres
How to get there: You’ll find the park on the south side of Hong Kong Island, just inland from Aberdeen and Wan Chai Gap. From Central, it takes around 35 to 40 minutes on public transport, or 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi.
Tai Tam Country Park
One of Hong Kong Island’s largest protected green spaces, Tai Tam Country Park is home to dense forests, lush hills, and a series of historic Victorian-era reservoirs. With its many well-marked trails and far-reaching views of the South China Sea, this one’s a popular spot for hiking enthusiasts.
Distance from Hong Kong: 8-10 kilometres
How to get there: The journey from Central via public transport takes between 30 to 40 minutes – take the MTR to Quarry Bay or Chai Wan, then hop onto a bus or minibus into the park area. If you’re driving, it will take around 20 minutes (depending on traffic).
Sai Kung East Country Park
Famed for its dramatic volcanic rock formations, white-sand beaches, and clear turquoise waters, Sai Kung East Country Park is a spectacular escape from the city – well worth the hour(ish) journey time. Occupying a rugged stretch of the Sai Kung Peninsula, it’s home to stunning unspoiled landscapes, incredible hiking trails, and the famous High Island Reservoir.
Distance from Hong Kong: 25-30 kilometres
How to get there: From Central, the journey by public transport takes between 1.5 to two hours. Take the MTR to Choi Hung or Hang Hau, then grab a minibus or bus into Sai Kung Town, and from there a minibus or taxi into the park. If you’re simply travelling by car, the drive will take around 45 to 60 minutes altogether.
Tai Mo Shan Country Park
Dominated by Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan Country Park is a beautiful mountainous park, with the Tai Mo Shan mountain rising 957 metres into the sky, often shrouded by an ethereal layer of mist. Within the park, you’ll find rolling grasslands, magnificent waterfalls, and far-reaching panoramic views.
Distance from Hong Kong: 25-30 kilometres
How to get there: From Central, the journey takes around one to 1.5 hours by public transport. Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan, then a bus or minibus up towards Route Twisk and the park entrances. If you’re travelling by car or taxi, it will take around 50 to 70 minutes from the city.
Shing Mun Country Park
Hiding in the valley between Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin, Shing Mun Country Park is known for its tranquil reservoir and wooded hillsides as much as its playful residents: several happy troops of noisy macaques. (Just don’t wave snacks or crinkly wrappers around when you see them.) Here, you’ll also find plenty of family-friendly, shaded hiking trails as well as more challenging options.
Distance from Hong Kong: 18-20 kilometres
How to get there: From Central, the journey to Shing Mun Country Park (Pineapple Dam entrance) takes around 30 to 40 minutes if you’re travelling by car. If you’re taking public transport, it’s a 45 to 60 minute journey: take the MTR from Central to Tsuen Wan, then jump on the green minibus 82.
Click here to see more of Hong Kong’s best hiking trails!
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