Hong Kong Leisure

Hong Kong is not all concrete jungle; most of the territory is rural, allowing for numerous activities such as golf, hiking and cycling, while the gorgeous coastline of the Hong Kong territories offers a range of popular water sports. Tai chi is one of the favourite pastimes of the Chinese and Hong Kong’s downtown parks are awash with stretching bodies in the morning.

Cycling

There are many miles of cycle paths in the New Territories area and along the Tolo Harbour Cycling Track; the latter which runs through some delightful countryside from Sha Tin to Tai Po. Walking or cycling is the only way to get about Lamma Island as motorised vehicles are not allowed. Beware that most cycle paths get extremely crowded in season and at weekends, so it is best to cycle on weekdays if possible. You will find many bike rental kiosks near the various KCR stations.

Golf

Most golf clubs in Hong Kong are for members only and unfortunately, green fees have risen sharply in the last few years. The opening of two 18-hole public golf courses at Kau Sai Chau in the New Territories has given non-members and tourists the chance to have a game. As with most things in Hong Kong, the golf clubs can get impossibly busy, so it is best to call ahead and book a tee-off time.

Hiking

Most of the land around the city of Hong Kong is jungle and mountainous terrain, and there are nearly two-dozen country parks that cover almost half of this terrain. This incredibly diverse landscape allows for some great hiking, with many varying levels of difficulty, from learner and family trails to trails for serious hikers. The MacLehose Trail, located in the New Territories, is the most famous trail in Hong Kong, crossing through eight parks and being over 60 miles in length.

Tai chi

Tai chi is performed daily by both the young and the old in Hong Kong’s parks and other public spaces, and visitors can join in or take a one-hour lesson. Lessons conducted by a tai chi master are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in English, run by the Hong Kong Tourist Board's ‘Meet the People’ cultural programme. Visitors need to show up just before 08:00 outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, at the waterfront promenade on Tsim Sha Tsui.

Water sports

There are dozens of fine beaches in the territories of Hong Kong, where many popular water sports are enjoyed, from waterskiing and jet-skiing to windsurfing, kayaking and even skin diving. Many of the beaches and hotels hire out water sports equipment such as Stanley and Sai Kung, and special, one-day ferry tickets allow visitors to flit between the islands.

Shopping

Hong Kong is a shopping mecca, although prices for items such as consumer electronics are not as great as they once were; however, there is still no sales tax and prices are better than in any Western city, while prices compare well with most Asian cities on electronics, designer clothing, jewellery, toys and many Chinese goods such as antiques.

Causeway Bay has some great glitzy malls, while Kowloon is known for its cheap markets as well as electronics along Nathan Road. The nearby town of Shenzhen, which lies over the border and into China, is also a good shopping spot. Know before you buy, especially when purchasing from anywhere other than a reputable store.