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While we can’t get together for big celebratory meals or karaoke nights right now, there’s still plenty of (responsible) fun to be had in Hong Kong, whether you’re heading out solo or in a two-person pod. We’re not just talking about hikes, either! From stargazing to picking fruit, cycling—and yes, a little bit of hiking—here are six of the best outdoor activities you can do while keeping a safe distance from others in Hong Kong.
Stargazing is best done far away from light pollution and high-rise buildings, so getting away from the urban sprawl—and the crowds that come with it—is part and parcel of this fun, unique activity. Head for more accessible spots like Victoria Peak Garden or High Island Reservoir if you plan on returning home afterwards.
If you’re willing to strap on your hiking boots and turn your astronomical adventure into an overnight trip, however, you can explore further-flung options from the dedicated stargazing glamping experience in Cheung Chau to Cape D’Aguilar Marine Park, and more.
Click here to check out our guide to Hong Kong’s best stargazing spots and here for some hidden alternatives.
We might not be able to travel abroad right now, but you can still partake in some rural tourism right here in Hong Kong. Head out to the New Territories to pick your own fruit and veg at various visitor-friendly farms, whether you’re in the mood for strawberries, figs, pineapples, lettuce, tomatoes, or spinach. At Go Green in Yuen Long, you can even pet their resident alpacas after you’ve had your fill of pineapple-picking! Just make sure you call the farms before you head out, as increased demand this year means that some farms are instituting rest periods to allow their fruit to grow.
Click here for our guide to farms in Hong Kong where you can pick your own produce and here for a list of petting zoos and close animal encounters.
During temperate months, there’s nothing nicer than a little alfresco meal—and while we love rooftop bars and restaurants with patios, there are plenty of free outdoor spaces where you can set up camp. Besides popular picnic spots like Tamar and Cyberport, there are also lesser-known options like Tap Mun, Clear Water Bay Country Park, and more. Like the sound of a picnic but don’t have the time to whip up a feast? Grab one of these ready-made picnic baskets—some of them even come with the blankets!
Hiking seems like a no-brainer for an outdoor activity away from people—but since the pandemic put the kibosh on group meals and indoor get-togethers, it’s become harder to stay away from others on popular trails during weekends and public holidays.
That being said, you don’t have to pack away your hiking shoes and water bottle just yet—there are still plenty of hidden or underrated hikes to explore in Hong Kong, like Shui Long Wo in Ma On Shan Country Park and High Junk Peak in Sai Kung. For a remote island getaway where you can hike, rock-climb, and swim to your heart’s content, check out our full guide to Tung Lung Chau.
For a change of pace, swap the sun hat for a bike helmet and hop on one of Hong Kong’s many cycling trails. From beginner-friendly trails like the route to Nam Sang Wai to challenging and rugged mountain trail from Mui Wo to Chi Ma Wan, there’s something for everyone (and being on wheels makes the whole distancing thing a doss).
We like the idyllic route from Tai Wai to Tai Mei Tuk—there are bike rental shops at the start of the trail, and you can fly kites when you reach Plover Cove Reservoir at the end. Click here for our list of Hong Kong’s best cycling trails and here for our guide to popular kite-flying spots.
No group gatherings? No problem. Buddy up with a friend and head out to Inspiration Lake for a peaceful afternoon bobbing around on a pedal boat. For a full day of family-friendly activities, check out Luk Tin Yuen (綠田園) in Tin Shui Wai, which has pedalos for hire as well as a baby goat enclosure, carnival games, toboggans, picnic areas, a mushroom farm, and more. The park can get pretty busy on weekends, but it’s large enough that you can spread out easily (and of course, being on a two-person boat helps). Click here for our guide to alternative water sports in Hong Kong (including boating on Inspiration Lake).
Annette is an editor and copywriter with a lifetime of experience in hunting out the most interesting, odd, and delightful things about her beloved home city. Having written extensively about everything from food and culture to fashion, music, and hospitality, she considers her speciality to be Hong Kong itself. In her free time, you can find Annette trying out new dumpling recipes or playing Big Two at her favourite local bars with a cocktail in hand.
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