Best places in Hong Kong to live close to nature
Hong Kong is renowned for its impressive blend of urban hustle and natural beauty, offering both vibrant city life and easy access to stunning country hikes. If you're an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and living close to nature, there are several neighborhoods that are perfect for you. Below is a guide to the best places to live in Hong Kong, where you can be close to some of the best country hikes:
1. Sai Kung
Hike Access: Sai Kung is often referred to as the "back garden of Hong Kong" due to its lush greenery, scenic views, and proximity to many hiking trails. The area is surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastline, with several accessible hiking routes.
Top Hikes:
Hong Kong Trail (sections passing through Sai Kung)
Tai Long Wan – a stunning beach hike with turquoise waters and dramatic landscapes.
Sharp Peak – a challenging hike with incredible views of the coastline and islands.
Why live here: Sai Kung offers a more relaxed, suburban feel compared to the hustle and bustle of central Hong Kong. It has spacious homes, many of which come with sea views or access to the country parks. It’s ideal for families or those looking for a quieter lifestyle but still within reach of urban amenities.
2. Clear Water Bay
Hike Access: Just a short drive from Sai Kung, Clear Water Bay offers beautiful beaches and easy access to several scenic trails.
Top Hikes:
Clear Water Bay Country Park – a large park with a range of paths for different fitness levels.
Tung Lung Island – reachable by ferry from Clear Water Bay, offering a great hike with coastal views.
High Junk Peak – a slightly more challenging trail with stunning panoramic views.
Why live here: Clear Water Bay is known for its residential areas near the coast, combining natural beauty with a peaceful atmosphere. It’s one of the best places to live if you want quick access to hiking while still having a peaceful, family-friendly environment. Properties here are also known for being more spacious compared to other urban areas.
3. Tai Po
Hike Access: Tai Po, located in the New Territories, is another excellent choice for hiking lovers. This area provides a great mix of outdoor access, shopping, and residential comfort.
Top Hikes:
Tai Mo Shan – the highest peak in Hong Kong with panoramic views. It’s located just a short distance from Tai Po and offers both easy and more difficult hiking options.
Plover Cove Country Park – offering picturesque hiking routes with views over reservoirs and mountains.
Shing Mun Reservoir – offers shorter, easy-to-moderate trails with views of the reservoir and surrounding hills.
Why live here: Tai Po is a great location for those seeking an outdoor lifestyle but don’t want to sacrifice access to amenities. The area offers a suburban feel with more affordable housing compared to central Hong Kong, and you’re close to some of the region’s most famous hiking spots.
4. Discovery Bay
Hike Access: Located on Lantau Island, Discovery Bay is another tranquil area with easy access to both hiking and nature. While the community is known for its expat-friendly atmosphere, it also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
Top Hikes:
Lantau Peak – one of the highest peaks in Hong Kong, offering a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Silvermine Bay – a more relaxed route with coastal views and lush greenery.
Ngong Ping 360 – a scenic route leading to the Ngong Ping village, including the famous Tian Tan Buddha.
Why live here: Discovery Bay is an attractive option for families and expats looking for a more peaceful lifestyle while still having quick access to hiking trails. The area has a strong community vibe and features a variety of modern amenities, including a beautiful beach, restaurants, and shopping areas.
5. The Peak
Hike Access: The Peak is one of the most iconic residential areas in Hong Kong, and it’s situated close to many hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Top Hikes:
Victoria Peak Circle Walk – a relatively easy and short trail that offers amazing views of Hong Kong's skyline and harbor.
Mount Austin and Pok Fu Lam Reservoir – paths that lead through peaceful greenery while offering sweeping views of the city.
Why live here: Living at The Peak means having proximity to urban amenities while being right next to nature. The area boasts luxury homes with panoramic views and offers easy access to hiking trails with breathtaking city vistas. While it's on the pricier side, the area offers tranquility and privacy with the convenience of being near the city.
6. Lantau Island
Hike Access: Lantau Island is a haven for nature lovers, with plenty of trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Lantau offers not just mountains but also beautiful beaches, making it a great spot for hiking and relaxation.
Top Hikes:
Lantau Trail – a long trail running the length of the island, featuring diverse landscapes from coastal views to mountainous terrain.
Sunset Peak – a challenging trail with stunning views, especially at sunset.
Wisdom Path – a shorter and easier hike that takes you through lush woods to a beautiful Buddha monument.
Why live here: Lantau Island is known for its combination of natural beauty and modern amenities, with areas like Tung Chung offering new housing options. It’s also home to the famous Ngong Ping 360 cable car and Tian Tan Buddha, making it perfect for those who want a balance between outdoor adventures and a convenient lifestyle.
7. Shatin
Hike Access: Located in the New Territories, Shatin provides access to a wide variety of hiking trails and is also one of the more developed and affordable areas in Hong Kong.
Top Hikes:
Ma On Shan – a moderately difficult hike offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Shing Mun Country Park – with a mix of walking and hiking paths, this park is great for quick escapes into nature.
Lion Rock – one of Hong Kong’s most iconic hikes, providing excellent views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Why live here: Shatin is a bustling area with a range of residential options, including more affordable flats and apartments. It’s well-connected to other parts of Hong Kong, making it convenient for both work and leisure. With numerous hiking spots nearby, Shatin offers the perfect combination of outdoor activities and modern city life.
8. Yuen Long
Hike Access: Yuen Long, located in the northwestern part of Hong Kong, offers easy access to some of the less-visited but equally scenic hikes in the New Territories.
Top Hikes:
Pat Sin Leng – a series of peaks offering amazing views and a chance to hike through countryside landscapes.
Mai Po Nature Reserve – a flat trail ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the wetlands.
Why live here: Yuen Long is a more affordable area compared to central Hong Kong, yet it still offers access to plenty of natural beauty and hiking spots. It's a more tranquil and rural environment, ideal for those who want to be close to nature but still within reasonable commuting distance of the city.
For those who love hiking and the outdoors, Hong Kong offers a variety of neighborhoods that allow you to enjoy both a vibrant urban life and easy access to nature. Sai Kung, Clear Water Bay, Tai Po, and Lantau Island are especially appealing for their proximity to country parks, scenic trails, and an overall peaceful living environment. Each of these locations has its own unique charm and range of properties, catering to different lifestyles while keeping you close to some of Hong Kong’s best hiking spots.
