Hong Kong’s Natural Scenery

The natural scenery of our countryside and marine areas makes Hong Kong the fascinating region it is. This article provides an overview of Government’s efforts to conserve our natural environment, and covers the natural attractions that you can visit, experience and enjoy.

Environmental Conservation

Hong Kong’s environment, with its rugged landscapes, wide ocean spaces and sub-tropical climate, houses an unmatched range of ecosystems, plant and animal species. To ensure this diversity is preserved and nurtured, the Government is extremely careful in planning and acting upon a range of conservation strategies, and devising publicity and educational activities. 

Since 2004, a policy has been in place to regulate, protect and manage the natural resources that constitute Hong Kong’s biodiversity. By balancing social, economic and environmental considerations, the Government is working to ensure that we can enjoy and benefit from our natural environment both now and in the years to come.

Greening

An important element of conservation efforts in Hong Kong is the Greening Master Plan. Combining plans for all districts, the Master Plan outlines the design and implementation of greening works using suitable plant species.

A complement to this plan is the Green Hong Kong Campaign, launched by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in 2000. The LCSD also runs a Green Education and Resource Centre in Kowloon Park at which you can participate in greening activities and enhance your environmental awareness.

To help maintain and preserve existing plant life in Hong Kong, the following Register records the details of the Old and Valuable Trees.

Parks, Zoos and Gardens

You can also visit the parks, zoos and gardens managed by the LCSD to enjoy a piece of nature in the city.

Walking Trails

If you want to do a little more to experience Hong Kong’s greenery, you can always try hiking on our scenic walking trails. Various hiking trails will take you out into the countryside, with routes for everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers.

Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark

The geosites of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark offer unique geological, natural and cultural features. Interested parties should not miss the chance to visit them:

A brochure and a map of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark can be downloaded through the following links.

Country Parks

Very popular as weekend destinations, our country parks include vast areas of natural beauty, more plants and animals than you might imagine and breathtaking views of land and sea.

A full list of our country parks with links to descriptions, major attractions and information on environmental significance is available on the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website.

Wetlands and Bird Watching Spots

If wetlands interest you more, Hong Kong has three major areas you are sure to enjoy: the Hong Kong Wetland Park, the Mai Po Wetlands and Tsim Bei Tsui. A common feature of these areas is their wonderful spots for bird watching. Apart from these areas, there are a number of bird watching  hotspots in Hong Kong.

Marine Parks

Our Marine Parks house a diversity of ecosystems and provide a wide variety of ways to let our visitors enjoy the moments being close to nature. Being protected from development and commercial fishing activities, these marine parks include Hoi Ha Wan, Yan Chau Tong, Tung Ping Chau and Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau. You can snorkel, scuba dive, swim or even kayak in Hoi Ha Wan, Yan Chau Tong and Tung Ping Chau Marine Parks to appreciate our underwater world, including coral communities, fish, seaweed beds etc. Moreover, you might even have a glimpse of our famous Chinese White Dolphins at play in our Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park!

Further information on our Marine Parks is available through the following link.

Beaches, Water Sports Centres and Islands

Hong Kong has a wealth of beach, water sport and island attractions for you to enjoy. From a relaxing afternoon on a beach to a day or more on an outlying island, there is always a new experience in store.

Beaches

Our beaches are very popular destinations for people wanting to get away from the hustle and worry of everyday life. From the south side of Hong Kong Island to the many country parks and further to the outlying islands, our beaches have something for everyone. The LCSD manages 41 gazetted public beaches, many of which have nearby dining and other recreation facilities.

Information on Hong Kong’s public beaches is available through the following link.

Water Sports Centres

The LCSD manages five water sports centres. Each year, thousands and thousands of people attend the water sports training programmes, including dinghy sailing, windsurfing boards and kayaks, and regattas organised by the Centres. The Centres also offer tailor-made package training programmes to meet the specific requirements of organisations, individuals and groups.  Holders of water sports certificates may hire the relevant craft for self practice.

Islands

If you are a little more relaxed in your approach to life, why not take a ferry to an outlying island? Lantau, Lamma, Peng Chau and Cheung Chau, just to name a few, all offer numerous ways to take a relaxing break after a long week at work.