April 27 – May 9, 2023
I have visited Hong Kong countless times before… but always Shopping and Eating. In fact, until recently, I always thought these are the only activities that we can do in this international city.
However, some friends had opened my eyes… so this time I made it my target to see the different sides of Hong Kong. I wanted to see the natural beauty in it. I wanted to do what I love—-running, hiking and swimming in this city.
Although most of my activities only took half day, in the end of the trip I felt much more fulfilled than all my past visits added together!
Although what I could achieve in one week was limited, I too, want to share my experiences, want to show you that Hong Kong is not only a city, but so many things… waiting for you to discover!
🌸There are plenty of sites out there explaining how to get there, so I won’t go into details… Please click my links to see the recommended sites.🌸
(Event #1) Cape Collision Battery
From Siu Sai Wan bus stop, it was just an easy walk up the Leaping Dragon Walk, but at certain point, you need to climb over a fence, walk into the brushes, but there is actually narrow route and stairs hidden in the brushes. It was not difficult. Also, when you follow the stairs down, you’ll soon see some amazing natural landscape along the sea, as well as the Cape Collision Battery!
(Event #2) Brick Hill / Nam Long Shan
From Wong Chuk Hang MTR station (beautiful columns in front of it), just walk up the slope passing through a few international schools, you will soon find the Nam Long Shan Trail. There are paved stairs and clear route. It does not take long to the Helipad and Brick Hill Summit. However, the view was so beautiful at all directions. You can oversee the Ocean Park, as well as the Aberdeen Channel. On the way, we even met a wild boar!
(Event #3）Victoria Harbour
One cloudy day, I ran from Quarry Bay to Sai Wan, along the coast, overseeing the Victoria Harbour. Although I had to run on busy roads at some points, it was pleasant to run along North Point Promenade, Victoria Park Road, Wan Chai Expo Drive, Central Pier Waterfront, Central and Western District Promenade.
If you run along these promenades or parks, you can occasionally find free water machine (usually next to the public toilet) to refill you empty bottle.
I particularly enjoyed running along Central Pier Waterfront. There are so many Piers going to Kowloon as well as many different islands. Each Pier has different style depending on where it goes to. Also, there were all kinds of ships at the Piers, ferries, passenger ships, as well as coast guard ships…
The HKU MTR station is under a wavy bridge, has a really unique view.
(Event #4）Lung Fu Shan & The Peak
From HKU MTR station, I walked up the hill of Pok Fu Lam Road. Then, I saw a very steep straight narrow stairs. I wondered where it leads to. A dog walker told me that it leads to Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail, which could lead to Belcher’s Falls which I was trying to go, so I simply followed him. He had two beautiful big dogs to lead the way. His dogs always enjoyed taking bath at the falls. He told me that the falls would have looked beautiful if it was 1-2 days after rain, but it was sunny, so the falls were quite dry.
After that, he told me if I kept walking up, I would pass the Pinewood Battery, and reach the Peak, and I could have an open view of the complete Victoria Harbour. Pinewood Battery was beautiful and worth visiting. Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail was so popular that there were even many tourists even on a weekday. Also, there were many ancient trees along the way. It was a beautiful trail and had an excellent view of the Victoria Harbour. I could easily find a bus to take me from the Peak to back to town.
(Event #5) Aberdeen & Stanley
One sunny morning, I ran from Kennedy Town to Stanley. Running along Victoria Road, overseeing Mount Davis and Cyberport was such unique experience. The road was so quiet and peaceful. Many luxury houses and western buildings along the way. At certain point, I saw a waterfall just right next to the road.
Then, here came Aberdeen. I really liked the Aberdeen Promenade. There you can see all kinds of ships and boats at the middle of city, especially the old style fishing boats that Hong Kong is famous for.
At Wong Chuk Hang, I met a runner, who volunteered to run with me through Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay Beach. The water was so clear and calm, white sand beach. I wish I could swim in these beaches next time. The runner taught me a shadowed road surrounded by trees until Chung Hom Kok, at last to Stanley Plaza. From Stanley, I took a bus to Sai Wan Ho. The bus passed through Tai Tam Reservoir. The view was amazing.
