The metropolis of Hong Kong is not just a global financial hub but also a treasure trove of diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. Its unique history, blending the influence of British colonial past and Chinese heritage, has significantly shaped its architecture and landscapes, creating a fascinating cityscape that attracts millions of tourists each year.
With the new budget revealing plans to boost tourism, it’s time to explore the most beautiful places in Hong Kong. From towering skyscrapers and historic temples to serene islands and lush mountains, explore these alternatives to the most-visited tourist attractions on your next visit to the city.
Bride’s Pool Waterfall — Tai Mei Tuk
Arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Hong Kong, Bride’s Pool in Tai Mei Tuk is a must-visit spot for its breathtaking landscapes. Nestled in Plover Cove Country Park, this serene spot is named after a tragic legend, which an unfortunate bride passed away after servants slipped and dropped her sedan chair in the water. Aside from the story, Bride’s pool is easily accessible with a short hike. Best visited outside the rainy season for safety, remember to carry water, as there are no shops or kiosks along the trail.
Location: Bride’s Pool, Plover Cove Reservoir, Tai Mei Tuk
How to get here: From Tai Po Market MTR Station, take green minibus 20R or bus 275R (Sundays and public holidays only) to Bride’s Pool
Best time to visit: October to March
Cape D’Aguilar — Southern District
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to enjoy relax walk, at the southern tip of Hong Kong Island lies Cape D’Aguilar, or Hok Tsui, a secluded hidden gem filled with stunning rock formations awaiting your exploration. This tranquil spot is home to the city’s oldest lighthouse and the skeleton of Miss Willy, the mysterious whale whose origins remain unknown. Highlights include natural sea caves like Thunder and Crab Caves, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. If you’re an early riser, embark on an easy hike to the coast for picturesque sunrise scenary. As the area is quite exposed, it’s best visited during cooler months for a comfortable experience.
Location: Cape D’Aguilar, Southeastern Hong Kong Island
How to get here: From Shau Kei Wan MTR Station, take bus 9 to Cape D’Aguilar
Best time to visit: October to March
Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum — Central
For history lovers, Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum in Mid-Levels is a stunning place to visit in Hong Kong. This four-storey Edwardian-style building, known for its classic interiors and architecture, is also a beloved location for wedding photography, even for music videos. Highlights include the century-old steel-reinforced structure, striking stained-glass windows, and the Baroque balcony. Originally the residence of a local businessman, it now offers an insightful overview of the life and career of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China.
Opening hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm (Monday to Wednesday, Friday) ; 10:00am – 7:00pm (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays); Closed on Thursday
Location: 7 Castle Road, Mid-Levels, Central
How to get here: From Central MTR Station, take the Mid-level escalator to Caine Road and walk 5 minutes to the museum
Best time to visit: Around the year
Ticket price: Free admission
Contact: Website | +852 3580 6780
Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir — Sham Shui Po
Rediscovered in 2020, the Grade 1 historic building, Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir on Mission Hill, is celebrated for its European craftsmanship and Roman architecture. The granite piers, red brick arches, and concrete cove ceilings inside mirror Roman architectural features, which are a rare find in Hong Kong. Constructed in 1904, this architectural hidden gem highlights the evolution of Hong Kong’s water supply in the past. A charming place to see in Hong Kong is you’re a stone-lover. Please note, it is currently open for guided tours only, so ensure you book your spot well in advance.
Guided Tours: Morning Session: 10:00am – 11:30am; Afternoon Session: 2:00pm – 3:30pm and 3:30pm – 5:00pm (Saturday and Sunday only)
Location: Mission Hill, Sham Shui Po
How to get here: From Shek Kip Mei Station Exit A, walk 10 minutes to the reservoir
Best time to visit: Around the year
Ticket price: Free admission. Open for guided tours only. Visit website for more information
Contact: Website | +852 3583 1184
Lau Shui Heung — Pat Sin Leng
Lau Shui Heung Reservoir is one of the best place to see autumn leaves in the city. Nestled in Pat Sin Leng Country Park, this place, also known as ‘mirror of the sky’, is surrounded by lush woodlands. Ideal for easy hikes, people flock here every year to capture the stunning reflection of cypress trees in its calm waters. On your way, visit the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, Sha Lo Tung and Hok Tau Reservoir. Its ever-changing natural beauty makes any season a great time to explore this idyllic retreat and lovely spot out of the city.
Location: Lau Shui Heung Country Trail (Pat Sin Leng Country park)
How to get here: From Fanling MTR station, take minibus 52B and get off at the junction of Lau Shui Heung Road and Hok Tau Road. Walk along Lau Shui Heung Road to the entrance of country park
Best time to visit: November to January. Visit LCSD’s website for the red leaves index
Lion Rock — Wong Tai Sin
If you’ve ever read about Hong Kong, chances are you’ve heard of Lion Rock. This tourist attraction is more than just a mountain; it’s also an iconic symbol of the city’s resilient spirit. Located in the middle of the Kowloon peninsula, once you’re at the top, you can find panoramic views over the New Territories, Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island on a good weather day. Famous for its lion-shaped summit, this popular hiking destination requires a moderate climb through shaded, well-trodden trails that takes around 4-5 hours. It’s a must-do activity beyond shopping and dining in Hong Kong.
Location: Chuk Yuen Road, Wong Tai Sin
How to get here: From Wong Tai Sin MTR Station, take a taxi or minibus 18M to Fat Jong Temple, then walk along Shatin Pass Road to the entrance of Lion Rock Country Park
Best time to visit: December to March
Long Ke Beach — Sai Kung
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Long Ke Beach in Sai Kung is the best spot for a quiet day away from the city’s noise, and probably one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. Often called ‘The Maldives of Hong Kong’, this white sand beach offers crystal-clear water that make it a great place to unwind. Here, you can chill, swim, and enjoy peace while surrounded by nature. This beach is quiet, perfect for reading or just soaking up the sun. Remember, there are no shops, so bring what you need.
Location: Sai Kung East Country Park, Sai Kung
How to get here: From Sai Kung city centre, hop in a taxi to East Dam, then hike down for 30 minutes to the beach. You can also catch bus 94 from Sai Kung or 96R from Diamond Hill MTR bus station to Pak Tam Chung. From there, take the MacLehose Trail Stage 1 and head towards East Dam, then descend to Long Ke Wan. Alternatively, you can charter a speedboat from Sai Kung Pier to Long Ke Wan.
Best time to visit: December to March
Nan Lian Garden — Diamond Hill
What’s a better way to learn about Chinese history than visiting a historic site? Nan Lian Garden is where you can discover Tang-dynasty architecture and traditional Chinese garden landscapes. This 3.5-hectare garden stands out for its antique timber structures, bizarre rock clusters, and ancient trees. Take a peek into rich history through its detailed architecture. You can also make it a half-day trip and visit Chi Lin Nunnery, another famous tourist attraction, next door. It’s perfect for sightseeing, with every path offering views straight out of a landscape painting.
Opening hours: 7:00am to 9:00pm
Location: 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill
How to get here: From Diamond Hill MTR Station, walk 5 minutes to Nan Lian Garden
Best time to visit: Around the year
Ticket price: Free admission
Contact: Website | +852 3658 9366
Nathan Road — Yau Ma Tei
Neon lights in Hong Kong are as iconic as its skyline, and this dazzling feature once proclaimed the city’s prosperity, just like in Wong Kar-wai’s films. Although neon signs are fading, being replaced by cheaper and more sustainable LEDs, Nathan Road still retains the charm of Hong Kong’s glowing past. As the oldest road in Kowloon, you can find neon signs for pawn shops, mahjong parlours, and restaurants on the main street and the back lanes. This tourist attraction is always buzzing from day to night, and whether you’re a local or a tourist, you can come here for shopping and dining.
Location: Nathan Road starts from Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon
How to get here: Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Jordan and Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station have exits accessing directly to Nathan Road. Many bus and minibuses stop on the main road, too.
Best time to visit: Anytime. Visit in the evening for the neon lights.
Pak Nai — Yuen Long
To catch the best sunset views in Hong Kong, head to Pak Nai in Yuen Long, which is a bit further away from the city centre but definitely worth the trip. Literally translated to “White Mud” in Cantonese, this 6km stretch of coastline showcases natural beauty with mangroves, mudflats, and calm waters. This hotspot for photography is surrounded by mountains, with breathtaking scenary of Deep Bay and Shenzhen’s skyline. Spend some time before sunset exploring the tranquil villages of Ap Tsai Hang and spotting the migratory birds along its coastal trail. After soaking up the sunset, head to Lau Fau Shan for delicious seafood.
Location: Pak Nai, Yuen Long
How to get here: From Yuen Long MTR station, take minibus 33 via Lau Fu Shan to Ha Pak Nai (Lower Pak Nai)
Best time to visit: Around the year. Check the sunset times to catch the best view
Po Pin Chau — Sai Kung
On the east side of Kowloon, the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark hosts many hidden gems waiting for you to explore. Among them, Po Pin Chau is a small island renowned for its giant hexagonal rock columns, a result of volcanic eruptions 140 million years ago. Whether you’re into hiking or not, this trail offers a rewarding challenge with its picturesque scenery. From the clifftop, you’ll see hundreds of unique rock formations on the entire south side of Po Pin Chau, alongside beaches and rock pools, set against stunning ocean views. While you cannot actually set foot on the island, the sight from the top is still spectacular. It’s best to visit from late autumn to early spring to avoid the summer heat. Definitely one of the most beautiful place to visit in Hong Kong.
Location: Po Pin Chau, Sai Kung East Country Park, Sai Kung
How to get here: From Sai Kung town centre, catch a taxi to East Dam, where you begin your hike, which take approximately 4 hours to complete
Best time to visit: December to March
Po Toi Island — Outlying Islands
Did you know Hong Kong has 263 outlying islands? Beyond the main ones like Lantau Island, Lamma Island, and Cheung Chau, the less-travelled Po Toi Island is a tranquil spot famous for its unique rock formations. Along the main hiking trail, you can find the Supine Monk and Tortoise Rocks, Nam Kok Tsui Lighthouse, and Palm Rock, or Buddha’s Hand Rock, as well as ancient carvings over 3,000 years old against the backdrop of the South China Sea. Perfect for a day trip or camping, you can do sightseeing, picnic by the sea, or visit the local Tai Wan village and Tin Hau Temple on this southernmost island of Hong Kong.
Location: Po Toi Island, Outer Island
How to get here: Ferries to Po Toi Island depart at 10am (Tuesdays and Thursdays only, once a day) from Aberdeen Praya public land steps. On weekends and public holidays, ferries departs at various times from Aberdeen and Stanley. Check website for latest ferry schedules.
Best time to visit: October to March
Sunset Peak — Lantau Island
Standing as Hong Kong’s third-highest peak, Sunset Peak on Lantau Island offers amazing views of beaches, the sea, and from late October to December, a beautiful sea of golden silvergrass. This moderate to difficult hike takes you through verdant forests to mysterious stone chalets built for missionaries in the 1920s. Once you reach the open grassy hillside at the top, you’ll be greeted with stunning vistas of Lantau Peak, Cheung Sha beach, and the shimmering South China Sea. As the name suggests, the best time to visit is during sunset when the golden light romantically shines on the waves of silvergrass.
Location: Sunset Peak, Lantau Island
How to get here: From Tung Chung MTR Station, take bus 3M, 11, 11A, or 23 and alight at Pak Kung Au, where you begin the hike on the well-signposted Lantau Trail
Best time to visit: October to March
Tai Lam Chung Reservoir (Thousand Island Lake) — Tuen Mun
Hong Kong’s Instagrammable spots extend beyond The Peak and Victoria Harbour – to Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, also known as Thousand Island Lake. Tourists flock to this remote part of Tuen Mun for a glimpse of countless islands emerging from the water, reminiscent of a scene from fantasy fiction. The trail is fairly easy to complete, and along the serene walk, you might even spot a Chinese pangolin, leopard cat, and other wildlife. During the colder months, the surrounding Sweet Gum Woods transform from bright green to dazzling yellows and reds, creating a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Location: Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, Tai Lam Country Park, Tuen Mun
How to get here: From Long Ping MTR Station, take bus K66 to Tai Tong Shan Road, then walk 30 minutes to the entrance of Tai Lam Country Park
Best time to visit: Around the year
Tin Kau Bridge — Tsuen Wan
Featuring a fan-like pattern, Ting Kau Bridge inTsuen Wan could arguably be Hong Kong’s most beautiful bridge. Spanning 1,177m with its striking architecture, it attracts locals and tourists-alike to come take pictures, especially during the sunset hours when the sun casts an enchanting glow on the structure. At night, it will lit up in red, contrasting the colourful Tsing Ma Bridge closeby. Notably, this hidden gem is one of the rare locations in the city where you can witness the mesmerising “blue tears” bioluminescence phenomenon. Access is easy, either by bus or a scenic 30-40 minute walk along the waterfront promenade from Tsuen Wan West MTR station.
Location: Ting Kau Bridge, Tsuen Wan
How to get here: Take bus 53 or 234B from Tsuen Wan West station and get off at Ting Kau beach
Best time to visit: Around the year. Check the season of bioluminescence (blue tears) if you’d like to witness this phenomenon
Tsz Shan Temple — Tai Po
Traditional Chinese architecture is deeply rooted in Buddhism, and Tsz Shan Monastery is no exception. The serene sanctuary in Tai Po features the majestic 76-metre-tall Guan Yin statue, visible from miles away. This state-of-the-art complex blends Tang dynasty elegance with modernity. Visitors can explore the Main Hall’s gold statues, participate in meditation retreats, and take part in tea and Zen calligraphy workshops. Nestled among lush greenery, a visit to the monastery offers a peaceful, spiritual experience. Advanced registration is required to preserve the sacredness of the site.
Opening hours: 9:30am to 5:00pm
Location: Tsz Shan Temple, 88 Universal Gate Rd, Tai Po
How to get here: From Tai Po Market MTR Station, take minibus 20T directly to the entrance of the monastery. Alternatively, you can take minibus 20R, NT532, 20C, or bus 75K and 275R and walk to the monastery
Best time to visit: Around the year
Ticket price: Free admission. Advanced registration via the website is required
Contact: Website | +852 2123 8666
Victoria Peak Garden — The Peak
The Peak is undoubtedly one of the most-visited tourist spots in Hong Kong, but not many take the extra 10 minutes to walk up to Victoria Peak Garden. The former gardens for Mountain Lodge, which was the summer residence of the Governor in colonial times, features beautiful open grass lawns, winding paths, pagodas and Victorian elements like sundials and wrought iron. Its European design makes it a popular spot for wedding photography, sightseeing, picnics, leisurely walks, or just soaking up the sun with your furry friends!
Location: Mount Austin Road, The Peak
How to get here: From Central Pier or Exchange Square, take bus 15 or X15 to The Peak. Then walk 10-15 minutes on Mount Austin Road to the garden
Best time to visit: Around the year
Looking for more things to do in the city, have a look at the following guides:
- The best things to do in Hong Kong
- The best free things to do in Hong Kong
- The best things to do at night in Hong Kong
- The best tourist attractions in Hong Kong
- The best events for all in Hong Kong
- The best events for families and kids activities in Hong Kong
Header image credit: clole oooo, johnshlau, Alex Ho via Flickr, tanukiphoto via Canva
