Hong Kong Outdoors: Fun Activities in Hong Kong
With everyone stuck inside it’s easy to get lazy and out of shape. But getting more physically active and enjoying outdoor activities will leave you more healthy and happy. There are so many fun activities in Hong Kong that let people of all ages enjoy the great outdoors.
Also, if you are looking for things to do in Hong Kong alone then some of these are a great way to meet new people in a relaxed setting. Better still, most are also low or no cost! After reading the picks below, check this list of over 25 more free and fun things to do.
Running in Hong Kong
One of the most simple and enjoyable outdoor activities is running and jogging. And Hong Kong has a huge variety of terrain to choose from, whether you want to keep it easy and level or tackle some of the more challenging hills. You may even want to enjoy nature and the beauty of Hong Kong while jogging one of the many hiking trails.
Trail Running in Hong Kong
Trail running is very popular. In a way it is a great combination of There is an excellent app available that makes finding running trails all over Hong Kong very easy. Perhaps the most popular trail to run is Bowen Road Trail, which I also cover in my Easy Hong Kong Hiking post. This is a relatively flat, paved path and it is also well-lit for evening runs, if you desire. But there are so many other options to choose from.
A great way to search through many trail choices is the MapMyRun app, which is offered free by Under Armour. It lets you find popular and little-known trails that others run, or add your own favorites for other runners to discover.
Go Running With The Harbour Runners
The Hong Kong Harbour Runners is a community-based group that meets every Wednesday at 7:45 PM in different locations around HK. It connects people through exploring Hong Kong’s landscape with the simple activity of running. This is a great way to see Hong Kong attractions and burn calories at the same time. And Harbour Runners removes many of the potential excuses you might think up to convince yourself not to go by being very beginner-friendly and even taking care of your bags (see below).
To join the Harbour Runners you simply show up at the starting point; no registration nor fees are required. To know where the designated starting point for the week is tune into their Facebook page or other social media channels. Each run is about 5 miles long and the pace is a fairly relaxed 5 – 7 minutes per kilometer. Especially good for travellers, you don’t have to worry about your belongings as they hire a GoGo van for bag drop and pickup after the run.
Yoga in Hong Kong
If you want a fit body and mind but you don’t like running then you can, instead, pursue inner health by joining one of the various yoga groups in Hong Kong. These groups are typically run by volunteers or teachers offering intro classes at different outdoor spaces throughout Hong Kong.
Free Yoga in Hong Kong
One group that supports different styles and meets in various locations is the HK Outdoor Yoga group. Another well-established group is the Andiappan Yoga Community.It’s hard to argue with ‘free’ and enjoying the outdoors in this way is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
If you are a traveler visiting Hong Kong, another option is to plan ahead via Meetup and attend one of the weekly Sahaja Yoga Meditation meetups. This may be a great yoga option for travelers since no Asanas (exercises) and no mats or special clothing are required. Of course, these options might not be so great when it’s raining or when it’s sweltering hot in summer.
Affordable Yoga Classes
In Hong Kong there are all kinds of people and many expensive, upscale options for whatever they want and need in life. That’s also true for yoga and some classes at gyms can get very pricey. Dee Dreamlife is a great alternative that offers yoga and many other group fitness options for far less than what most others charge.
Founder Dee Oh is both a great teacher and a wonderful person. She teaches classes herself as well as having others offering classes in different locations around Hong Kong, both outdoors and indoors. In addition to Ishta, Hatha, Pranayama and other yoga options, Dee offers Zumba, cardio and numerous other fitness class options. She also offers reduced pricing for seniors, single moms, foreign domestic workers, and others on a tight budget. And if it’s your first time, you can take a free trial class! Just follow the steps at the Dee Dreamlife how to join page.
The HK yoga community is quite active and offers people of all means and ability levels. So, whether you are just passing through Hong Kong or a longtime resident you can find a class and teacher that works for you. Go for it, and exercise your body and mind (even if you can’t touch your toes).
Bicycling at Sha Tin & Tai Po Waterfront Park
With its many steep hills and narrow streets one might wonder how bicycling is on this list. A great day of cycling is just an MTR ride away, at Sha Tin Park. The large green space is popular with local families, couples and individuals every day of the week and throughout the year. It offers a number of activities but is especially great for its traffic-free bike paths.
Bike Rental in Hong Kong
If you don’t have a bike (likely the case for most travelers) a bike can be rented for as low as HK$60 per day at one of the shops near the station. A popular shop is Good Bike Shop, which has a wide selection. Make sure to check your bike before you cycle off. Go for a little test ride and make sure your seat is comfortable and the tires, pedals and gears are all OK.
There are many paved bicycle paths in the area so it’s safe for all ages but riders of all levels come here so be careful and considerate of others. Enjoy the nearby bike tracks or head towards Tai Po Waterfront Park, and enjoy the scenic coastline along Tolo Harbour and the Shing Mun River. If you are more adventurous, go further to take in the scenic, beautiful lake near the main dam at Plover Cove Reservoir.
Hiking and Trekking
There are so many great hiking trails and trekking opportunities in Hong Kong that it’s hard to sum it up in a few sentences. If you don’t want to try running or bicycling as a way to get outside, hiking is a great option. Whether you are a beginner or advanced hiker, you have lots of choices.
Instead of listing different trails here, check out my post on easy beginner hiking trails. And before you hit the trails, make sure you check out the article on the best hiking gear to keep you comfortable and safe on the trails.
Beaches in the Big City
After more physical activities you will be ready to relax a bit. When most people think of Hong Kong they don’t think about going to the beach. But chilling out on a nice, sandy beach is an easy and fun option for visitors and residents both. Below is a list of some of my favorite beaches in Hong Kong. All of these are accessible via Metro, cab or ferry.
Shek O Beach
Shek O, which means the “rocky bay,” is the chilled out surfer spot of Hong Kong and is popular with local windsurfers. Close to the Dragon’s Back hiking trail, it is a haven for foodies too, with fresh local seafood restaurants and great ocean views.
Trio Beach
Trio Beach is easy to get to when you’re in Sai Kung. It is a gorgeous beach hidden in plain sight and is always worth a visit.
Hung Shing Yeh Beach
Hung Shing Yeh Beach on Lamma Island is great for sunbathing and picnicking. A bonus aspect of this option is that the island is full of other, excellent things to do. It’s like a mini vacation from the busy, noisy city. Look for a full post soon on my recent Lamma Island!
Pui O Beach
Pui O Beach, located on the southern side of Lantau Island, is one of the remote beaches in the area. So it is great to visit and have a swim.
Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches that Hong Kong has to offer. Its crescent-shaped stretch of sand with banyan trees offering shade and truly sub-tropical experience, along with oceanfront dining and other activities.
Hong Kong is truly unique in terms of how many and how varied the outdoor activities, and yet how convenient to the city these options are. If you are just visiting or a long time resident be sure to get outside and start getting your move on!