Recharge through Nature Therapy

Compared to other metropolitan cities, green spaces in Hong Kong account for up to 40% of the territory. Being adventurous is a natural DNA of Hongkongers and the pandemic triggered them to rethink how to travel locally. The following examples are how they breathe in nature and get lost among the trees.

1）Tai Tam Reservoir @Southern

This north-to-south hike across Hong Kong Island, from the residential and commercial area of Quarry Bay, to Mount Parker and Tai Tam Country Park. The Tai Tam Upper Reservoir Dam and the round-arched masonry bridge, which was built in 1888 and 1907 respectively, are two of the perfect spots for idyllic pictures.

2）Po Kwu Wan @Sai Kung

Different from the Sok Kwu Wan, the fishing village on Lamma Island @Islands , Po Kwu Wan used to be a local fish farm in Sai Kung. Neighboring High Island Reservoir, this semi-circle concrete ruins offers a “walking-on-the-ocean” tour. Check out the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum which preserves the history of a Hakka village.

3）High Island Reservoir @Sai Kung

Situated within Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, it is home to stunning rock landscapes created from volcanic ash and lava cooled, following massive eruptions 140 million years ago. Next to the rolling hill-flanked reservoir marks the start of the trail, which offers double T-shaped concrete wave breakers.

4）Ha Pak Nai @Yuen Long

Nestled on the coast of the northwestern New Territories, Sheung Pak Nai and Ha Pak Nai is home to mangroves, migratory birds and Chinese horseshoe crab. Watching the sunset from the mudflats and observing how the sky turns from a mixture of blue and orange to vivid red within a short time is a surreal experience.

5）Lau Shui Heung and Hok Tau Reservoirs @North

Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia might be the largest “mirror of the sky” in the world. Following the path to the Hok Tau dam, the deep and reflective waters in Lau Shui Heung Reservoir has been coined "mirror of the sky" as well. Admiration of the captivating diversity of dragonflies and damselflies is also allowed.

6）Ng Tung Chai @Tai Po

Situated in the foothills of the 957m high Tai Mo Shan @Tsuen Wan, Ng Tung Chai comprises four spectacular waterfalls, which are the Bottom, Middle, Main and Scatter Waterfalls. Living in a bustling and hustling city, the ever-rushing waterfalls have a calming effect on our restless minds. Escape from the frantic-paced center, even just a while.

7）Tai Lam Country Park @Tuen Mun

One of the easiest hikes yet with breathtaking views. How the leaves burst into fiery color, with bright yellows and shades of red in Sweet Gum Woods. To serve the irrigation needs for the fields of Yuen Long, Wong Nai Tun Reservoir was built in the 1960s. A 200m climb brings us to the “Thousand Islands Lake” with incredible vistas.

8）Cape D’Aguilar @Southern

Located in the south of Shek O, this peninsula is probably one of the easiest coastal trails leading visitors to the most picturesque spots. A 3-hour journey brings you to the Thunder Cave, where we could enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks; and to the Crab Cave, where the arch-shaped appearance resembles a crab.

9）Mau Ping Ancient Trail @Sha Tin 

Situated between Ma On Shan Mui Tsz Lam and Mau Ping, the Mau Ping Ancient Trail is about 1.6km long. It is home to the historical “Vine King” and the mysterious bamboo tunnels. If you end up hiking in Sai Kung, take a bus to Choi Hung Estate, which has evolved from a public housing into an Insta-worthy destination.

10）Cheung Chau @Islands 

Inscribed onto the third national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2011, Cheung Chau Jiao Festival has been practiced for a century. The Parade with children's floats and deity statues along village lane, as well as the Bun Tower Climbing match are the keys to scare evil away and worship the Taoist God of Sea.

11）Peng Chau @Islands 

A 30-minute ferry ride brings you from the hustle and bustle of Central to this “flat island”. Its historical factories prove that leather, match and lime used to be 3 major export industries in the 1930s. After climbing the easy trails of Finger Hill, don’t miss the Ice Fire Pineapple Bun as the ultimate relaxing retreat.

12）Sha Tau Kok @North

Designated as the frontier closed area, it is accessible to individual and local tours with permits. Chung Ying Street Garden, Sun and Moon Pavilion, and the Starling Inlet (i.e. the Mirror in the Sea) are just a few on the list of top attractions. Don’t miss the local delicacies, namely pineapple bun with corned beef, and hakka-style pork bowl.

Dive into a sea of silver grass at Sunset Peak @Islands. Immerse in the sunset at Lantau Peak. Even if you are not a mountain lover, cycling along the Shing Mun River @Sha Tin to Tai Mei Tuk @Tai Po; doing water sports in Deep Water Bay @Southern and Sharp Island @Sai Kung; or jogging along Tseung Kwan O South Waterfront Promenade @Sai Kung are the ideal options.