Think of Hong Kong and images of cheek-by-jowl skyscrapers and streets bursting at the seams with people come to mind. But if you venture beyond the city, you’ll find that it has 25 country parks that cover about 40% of Hong Kong’s total area, along with protected areas in the territory. These country parks have everything for a full day out — hiking trails of various difficulty levels, barbecue pits, beaches, waterfalls, and wartime relics. Here’s our round-up of the best country parks in the 852.
Tai Mo Shan Country Park — Tsuen Wan
This is one of the most visited parks in the SAR as it is home to the Tai Mo Shan — the highest peak in the city at 957 metres above sea level — from which it gets its name. Apart from this inactive volcano that dates back to the Jurassic period, the park has sweeping views of the New Territories, diverse fauna in the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, and even gets frost in winter. The hiking trails here range from the relatively easy Family Walk to the precipitous trek to the Hong Kong Observatory’s weather radar station. If you’re at this park during spring, don’t forget to check out the cherry tree blossoms.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan West Station and take bus 51 from Nina Mall. Alight at Tai Mo Shan Country Park Bus Stop, walk back along the road, then turn left to follow the path leading up to Rotary Park from where you can enter the country park.
Sai Kung East Country Park — Sai Kung
Spanning an area of 4,494 hectares that covers east Sai Kung Peninsula and High Island, this park has it all — some of the best beaches in Hong Kong, as well as hiking trails and hills. Apart from having the distinction of being home to the largest number of bays and coves in Hong Kong, it also has one of the 852’s best surfing spots: Tai Long Wan. Those who like challenging hikes can take on the steep climb up Sharp Peak, and those who want a restful spot can stop by at Sheung Luk Stream, one of the tallest waterfalls in Hong Kong. If you head to High Island, check out the famous hexagonal rock formations that are one of the First 100 International Union of Geological Sciences Geological Heritage Sites.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station (Exit C1) and take Bus 92 to Sai Kung Bus Terminus, then board Bus 94 to Pak Tam Chung. From there, it’s about one hour on foot to Sai Kung East Country Park via MacLehose Trail.
Kam Shan Country Park — Sha Tin
One of the territory’s first country parks, Kam Shan is famed for its macaque population, which is why it has the nickname Monkey Hill. It is also home to wartime relics like the 18-mile the Gin Drinker’s Line, Smugglers’ Pass, and the Shing Mun Redoubt system of tunnels, pillboxes, and artillery posts — which are dotted along hiking trails like the MacLehose Trail. If you’re looking for family day out, there are barbecue and picnic areas you can hang out at.
How to get there: Take Bus 81 from the Jordan Bus Terminus and alight at Shek Leu Pui Reservoir. Enter Golden Hill Road (aka MacLehose Trail Section 6) and walk for about half an hour to reach Kam Shan Country Park.
Lantau South Country Park — Lantau
This is Hong Kong’s largest park at 5,646 hectares and is spread over a major part of the southern part of Lantau Island. The highlights of this park are Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak, which both fall along the Lantau Trail. You can traverse dense jungle, mountain peaks, and rugged trails, as well as go camping, fishing and swimming. Biking enthusiasts can go for a spin on the Mui Wo Mountain Bike Practice Ground, as well as explore forests and go bird-spotting.
How to get there: Take the 3M bus from the Tung Chung Station Bus Terminus and get off at the Nam Shan Campsite stop. Take the South Lantau Road and enter the start point of the South Lantau Country Trail, which is part of the park.
Tai Lam Country Park — Yuen Long
If you’re looking to spot butterflies, then this sprawling park is the place to go. Tai Lam Country Park provides a home for 127 butterfly species, nine of which are classed are very rare. It is known for its seven reservoirs, the largest of which is Tai Lam Chung. There are 12 trails within the boundaries of the park, including the popular Section 9 and Section 10 of the MacLehose Trail. Tai Tong Sweet Gum Woods, which is within this park, is one of the best spots in Hong Kong to see autumn leaves.
How to get there: Catch bus K66 from MTR Long Ping Station (Exit B2), and get off at Tai Tong Shan Road bus stop. Walk along Tai Tong Shan Road for about 30 minutes to reach Tai Lam Country Park Tai Tong Management Centre at the entrance of Tai Lam Country Park.
Plover Cove Country Park — Tai Po
This New Territories park has scenic spots like the famous Bride’s Pool, a waterfall that gets its name from a folk tale about a bride and her tragic demise. Marvel at some of Hong Kong’s oldest rock formations like Cham Keng Chau, Lung Lok Shui, and Kang Lau Shek or enjoy a relaxed hike on the Tai Mei Tuk Family Walk. Visitors to the park may even be lucky enough to spot wild animals such as porcupines, Chinese pangolins, and Chinese Leopard Cats.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tai Po Market Station and board green minibus 20R to Wu Kau Tang. From there, enter the trail that takes you to the park.
Aberdeen Country Park — Aberdeen
This is one of the best all-purpose parks in the territory, as it comes with picnic and barbecue areas, disabled access, a tai chi terrace, and children’s play areas. This park provides breathtaking views of the southern part of Hong Kong Island from atop the dam of the Aberdeen Upper Reservoir. There are also vantage points like Peak Road and Guildford Road on Victoria Peak that give visitors panoramic vistas of the northern side of the island.
How to get there: Take minibus 1 from the Central Star Ferry Pier and alight at the Peak Road stop. Walk back and enter Coombe Road, then walk up Middle Gap Road until you reach the entrance of the park.
Tai Tam Country Park — Tai Tam
Head to the largest country park on Hong Kong Island, and you can see as many as four reservoirs, known as the Tai Tam Group. The park, which extends from Jardine’s Lookout in the north to Stanley Gap Road, also has World War II relics like such as an anti-aircraft gun platform, magazines, and pillboxes. It also has four peaks that are all higher than 400 metres — Violet Hill, Jardine’s Lookout, Mount Butler, and Mount Parker — which are distinctive on the island’s landscape.
How to get there: Take bus 6 from Central (Exchange Square) and get off at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park. Enter Tai Tam Reservoir Road to reach the park within 30 minutes.
Shing Mun Country Park — Sha Tin
The major attraction in this park is Shing Mun Reservoir, as well as its diverse flora and fauna. The 7.5-kilometre Shing Mung Reservoir Walk loops around the reservoir and takes about three hours to complete. The park also has an arboretum, which houses more than 300 tree varieties. Another highlight of the area is the Shing Mun Redoubt, an extensive tunnel and defence line used during World War II.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan Station (Exit B1) and board minibus 82 on Shiu Wo Road, and alight at the Shing Mun Reservoir stop. Walk back on Shing Mun Road and enter the road leading to the Shing Mun Country Park Shing Mun Management Centre.
Ma On Shan Country Park — Ma On Shan
Take in sweeping vistas of Kowloon and even visit the grave of Madam Young, Dr Sun Yat Sen’s mother. Planning a camping trip? Pitch a tent at Ngong Ping or Shui Long Wo. Fancy a hike? Head to Ma On Shan Country Trail, Kei Ling Ha Tree Walk, parts of the MacLehose Trail, or the Wilson Trail. The park also has peaks such as Pyramid Hill, Tate’s Cairn, Kowloon Peak, and Ma On Shan itself for you to conquer.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Sha Tin Station (Exit A1 or B), cross the Sha Tin Station Circuit, and board bus 86K at the Sha Tin Station Bus Terminus. Cross the Ma On Shan Bypass and enter Ma On Shan Tsuen Road, which will merge with the Ma On Shan Country Trail.
Shek O Country Park — Shek O
The Dragon’s Back, the rolling hills between Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak, is the biggest attraction of this park. If you want some fun in the sand, then pack your bathers and SPF for a trip to Shek O Beach, one of the most popular public beaches in the city. There are barbecue and picnic spots, as well as a wide range of flora and fauna to explore here.
How to get there: Take bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan and alight at the Cape Collinson Stop. Enter the Hong Kong Trail Section 8, which will take you to the park.
Lion Rock Country Park — Sha Tin
The hike up to the peak that gives this park its name is notoriously difficult, but once there, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the Sha Tin township. Another attraction is Amah Rock — one of the most unusual rock formations in Hong Kong as it is shaped like a woman carrying her baby piggyback. If you’re into bird-watching, make your way to Eagle’s Nest and see if you’re lucky enough to spot black kites.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin (Exit B2), walk on Lung Cheung Road, turn left on to Sha Tin Pass Road, and walk for about 40 minutes towards the park.
Robin’s Nest Country Park — Sha Tau Kok
This 530-hectare park at Sha Tau Kok in the Northeastern New Territories part of the city is Hong Kong’s 25th country park. It covers a series of mountain ridges stretching from the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area to the north and Pat Sin Leng Country Park to the south. The sprawling park is home to diverse flora and fauna, as well as the Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine. Visitors can also explore two hiking trails — Robin’s Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Sheung Shui Station (Exit B1), board bus 78K to Sha Tau Kok and alight at the Man Uk Pin stop. Take the first right to enter the trail that will take you to the park.
Pat Sin Leng Country Park — Pat Sing Leng
Spread across 3,125 hectares, this Northeastern New Territories park has eight peaks within its boundaries named after the Eight Fairies in Chinese mythology. Nature enthusiasts mainly come here to take in the views of picturesque spots like Hok Tau Reservoir and Lau Shui Heung Reservoir, while experienced hikers challenge themselves to conquer Stages 9 and 10 of the Wilson Trail. But if you want a more family-friendly outing, head to Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk.
How to get there: Go to Tai Po Market MTR Station (Exit B), then take minibus 20C to Ting Kok Road. Cross the road to enter Shan Liu Road and walk for about 20 minutes to reach the park.
Clear Water Bay — Clear Water Bay
Clear Water Bay may be a popular spot for junk boat parties, but the country park here has several attractions that are big draws for nature lovers. The main highlight is High Junk Peak, one of the four most treacherous peaks in Hong Kong, which rewards hikers who overcome its steep slopes with peaceful vistas. If you’re at the eastern part of the park, climb up the 291-metre Tai Leng Tung to glimpse the shoreline below. While you’re there, we suggest heading to Tai Hang Tun — the pass between High Junk Peak and Tai Leng Tung — to get sweeping views of coasts and islands.
How to get there: Take KMB bus 91 from Diamond Hill Plaza to Tai Au Mun, then walk for about 1 kilometre to the carpark at the end of Clearwater Bay Road. From here, a small path leads to the park visitor centre.
FAQ about Hong Kong’s country parks
What are the best times to visit Hong Kong’s country parks?
The best times to visit Hong Kong’s country parks are during autumn (October to December) for cool weather and to see autumn leaves at spots like Pat Sin Leng Country Park and Tai Lam Country Park, as well as spring (March to May) to avoid hot and humid summers.
Are Hong Kong’s country parks family-friendly?
What essentials should I bring when visiting a country park in Hong Kong?
When visiting a Hong Kong country park, bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, a map or GPS, a first-aid kit, and a reusable bag for trash. Be prepared for unpredictable weather and carry a lightweight umbrella and raincoat.
Header image credits: Creative-Family via Canva
