The greener side of HK

What do you think of when you think of Hong Kong? Depending on how much you know of Hong Kong, you probably associate Hong Kong with dim sum ("har gow" and chicken feet), maybe images of thousands of Cantonese people walking on the streets, Jackie Chan, or cheap imitation products but typically most people think of the night skyline of the Victoria harbor and Hong Kong Island. That's the image on a majority of postcards.

Maybe you are thinking of this image. We took it on the top of the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, known to locals as The Peak. This scene never gets old, always breathtaking! (The Hong Kong skyline, in my opinion, regardless of which perspective you see it from, is the best in the world on a clear, pollution-free day =)


To most casual visitors, Hong Kong is mostly concrete, high rises and bright neon lights like what you see above. However, what we don't typically see is the greener side, the hills and the forests, which make up 3/4 of the territory. If you enjoy hiking or taking gentle walks in the mountains and along coastlines, there are so many options for you in Hong Kong. There are tons of well kept trails within a quick taxi or bus ride away. Most have great views of the sea and the city and most importantly, they are all mapped out and easy to find.

There are four long distance trails in Hong Kong. I'm hoping to complete one of them before I leave Hong Kong. The first one I was introduced to was the Wilson Trail, named after one of the Hong Kong governors, David Wilson. Stage 1 of the trail starts in Stanley (#17 on the map), which used to be a fishing town and ends in Wan Chai, where we live (#18). There are 10 stages total and the last stage ends in the new northern territory (#3).


Most visitors stay in Tsim Sha Tsui (#14) or in Central (#15), separated by the famous Victoria Harbor.


We started our hike from the Wan Chai side although this is where stage 1 officially ends. It was a $5 USD taxi ride to get to this point from our apts.


A glimpse of Central and the Victoria Harbor after 15 minutes into the trail.


Tai Tam Immediate Reservoir. This high ground was the sight of a famous WWII battle between the Chinese and Japanese invaders.


The trail stretches 4.8km and typically takes 2hours to complete on the average.


The best time to hike is in the Winter when the weather it's cool and sunny. Summer is hot, humid and rainy.


Still a believer, Tao sports her Warriors gear with pride.


There are roughly 5000+ steps total on the trail. The majority of the steps are on the two hills up ahead and it's all stairs all the way up and down. So to the locals, stage 1 is known as the "Twin Peaks" hike.


Nothing compared to Upper Yosemite Falls but these hills are no joke!




A distance marker so you know how far you've traveled.


Alternative trails in case you don't want to climb the hills.


Another 1000 steps downhill and we're done! In the distance is Stanley and Stanley Bay. Once a fishing village, it's now a desired area to reside in to get away from the big city. Most people with families tend to live here, more on the very expensive side though!


This is the end of the trail for us while others have just begun. From here, we hopped onto a bus and 1 stop later, we were in Stanley for brunch.


The entrance to the Stanley market for food and drinks.


Lots of restaurants and bars to hang out at. It's a great change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the Central area. There are lots of ethnic foods to choose from and the air quality is so much better here!






Here's a shot from atop our restaurant looking at the promenade.


Can't get better than brunch and beer with good friends after a tough hike.