Things to Do In Hong Kong

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Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. And you can feel it. Walking through the city’s food stalls (Dai Pai Dongs), multi-story shopping malls, and flea markets — all while buried in massive apartment buildings and neon signs — is an espresso shot of urban excitement.

But there’s another side of Hong Kong that you might not notice in the postcards: its nature. Unlike most American cities, Hong Kong has almost no urban sprawl. The tightly-packed skyscrapers end abruptly, giving way to warm, subtropical beaches, lush forests, and towering mountains. All of it is easily accessible, giving trips to Hong Kong a (pleasantly surprising) balance of energizing city life and relaxing nature retreats.

Ahead, we’ve outlined a few of the best nature excursions in Hong Kong. If you’re still planning your trip, scroll down further to see our flight recommendations.

Best Nature Trips Near Hong Kong

Whether you’re looking for half-day adventures or full-day excursions, there are plenty of nature-forward options in Hong Kong. Here are four of our picks:

Peak Tram/Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is a classic Hong Kong tourist destination for a reason. It’s accessible via the iconic Peak Tram, a cute old funicular that carries passengers up to 1,299 feet with stunning views the whole way. Once at the top, you can climb the escalators of the Peak Tower for a sweeping look at the city and bays on both sides.

It’s a great way to get a lay of the land — and better understand the scale of Hong Kong’s natural surroundings — so we recommend hitting this one early in your trip.

Lamma Island

A quick 30-minute ferry ride from Hong Kong is Lamma Island, a quiet retreat dominated by lush forests and beaches. Cars and buildings over three stories are prohibited (except tiny fire trucks, ambulances, and motorcycle-like transport vehicles). It’s a stark contrast to downtown Hong Kong’s bustling grandeur and encourages an explorative, laid-back lifestyle.

During my trip to Lamma Island, my group had the tree-circled Hung Shing Yeh Beach mostly to ourselves for sunbathing and swimming. Like most places in and around Hong Kong, the island’s small fishing villages are packed with restaurants and food stalls where you can score Hong Kong specialities — sometimes at a cheaper price than in the city.

If you want more Lamma Island time than a day trip can offer, consider spending a night or two in one of the island’s small hotels.

Lantau Island (The Big Buddha)

Lantau Island, home to the 112-foot Big Buddha, is another classic Hong Kong tourist destination that’s worth half a day. Visitors take a gondola up the mountain to Ngong Ping, a mountain town built in the style of traditional Chinese villages. Throughout the excursion, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the mountains and the sea.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Lantau Island, there are also hiking trails leading up to Ngong Ping from the bottom of the mountain.

Big Wave Bay

Despite being surrounded by tiny islands, Hong Kong has some waves to offer. One of the most popular surf spots is Big Wave Bay, located about 15 minutes from the city, by car, on the southeast edge of Hong Kong Island. The small sandy beach gets unique exposure to the South China Sea, meaning rideable to rippable waves. Even if you don’t surf, it’s still (another) great way to experience Hong Kong’s slept-on natural landscapes.

Getting to Hong Kong: Best Airline

Whether you’re hitting Hong Kong for its city life, its nature, or both, the flight is likely going to be a significant part of the trip. That’s especially true for Americans; It’s about 16 hours from Los Angeles or New York City. All this to say, your airline choice is crucial. Our recommendation? Hong Kong’s own Cathay Pacific.

Cathay’s service and amenities are top-notch, especially for long flights, and especially especially if you’re able to spring for a business or first-class seat. These upgraded options will get you access to lounges on both ends of the trip, and, in Hong Kong International, you’ll have access to up to three lounges. The Pier, First — Cathay’s first-class lounge in Hong Kong International Airport — is easily the best place I’ve ever killed time before a flight. The elegant space boasts a spa, a large, fully-staffed restaurant (not just a buffet), and a separate bar.

Cathay’s onboard experience is no different, delivering spacious, comfortable seating and top-notch service. The in-flight food for business class was created in collaboration with the French restaurant Louise and Hong Kong’s Duddell’s, which are both Michelin-starred. That means you get western options if you want comforts of home, or Hong Kong options if you want to pack in as much of the city’s cuisine as possible. Either way, you’ll arrive in Hong Kong well-fed and, with business or first-class, well-rested too.

Check prices for Cathay Pacific flights here.