Think of Hong Kong and you'll see super-tall skyscrapers, crowded streets, and one of the world’s busiest harbors. While urban density and commerce are certainly the region’s most well known characteristics, this special region on China’s seaboard is a surprisingly diverse and beautiful natural destination.
You see, while many visitors think of Hong Kong as a city, the region is actually a large expanse of natural areas, beaches, and protected nature reserves. From tall mountainous areas to gorgeous beaches offering warm water and fantastic sand, Hong Kong is a great natural destination that few people really know about.
Home to outlying islands that are sparsely populated and packed with beautiful flora to scenic destinations in otherwise dense areas like Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Hong Kong is packed with natural attractions that often go missed by visitors and locals alike.
If you want to see another side to Hong Kong on your next trip to the region, take a look at these beaches, mountains, walking destinations, and natural hotspots. From inner-city viewpoints to immersive areas of dense bush and jungle, Hong Kong is a great place to get out and enjoy the outdoors while still being close to the city.
Shek O Beach, Hong Kong Island
There’s more to Hong Kong Island than skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls. The small but popular beach at Shek O, on the island’s southern side, is one of the best weekend day trip locations in Hong Kong. Accessible by minivan from Shau Kei Wan MTR station, the beach is a short trip from Central and the Kowloon Peninsula.
