Hong Kong offers green spaces for escapes in the great outdoors
IAN STALKER
Often futuristic Hong Kong is eager to host people who appreciate soothing displays provided by Mother Nature.
A destination that’s often associated with ultra-modern structures also wants international travellers to realize that most of the destination is largely untouched, providing visitors with a large amount of green space great for those wanting to explore the outdoors during their vacation.
“Many of you may know Hong Kong for its exceptional shopping experiences, world-class cuisine and dining, and unique culture that brings together both the East and the West. But what many of you may not know is Hong Kong’s hidden treasure: our natural landscapes…our Great Outdoors,” Michael Lim, Canadian director for the Hong Kong Tourism Board, told those on Hand for a recent Toronto gathering.
“Hong Kong is home to many skyscrapers, and yet nature is absolutely everywhere and the breadth of outdoor experiences will astound you. In fact, 70% of its territory is country parks and nature reserves, which is why it really doesn’t take long at all to get from the bustling city centre to the very top of a mountain or to the coral under the sea. Hong Kong’s natural spaces are unbelievably accessible! You’ll find yourself deep in nature just 30 minutes from the downtown core. From hiking up breath-taking mountaintops to relaxing on our pristine beaches, from cycling across scenic routes to exploring our over 250 islands, our great outdoors offer a kaleidoscope of adventurous options for every traveller and outdoor enthusiast.
“The only question is – what will you explore?”
The event was held at Toronto’s Altea Active fitness club, with those on hand participating in a spinning class while viewing a video that showed Hong Kong’s natural side, with an instructor jokingly asking, “Is everyone fine? Is everyone alive?” after the class ended.
Participants then had a hot yoga class where they heard the calming soundscapes of Hong Kong beaches, islands, and other natural features. That was followed by Hong Kong-inspired dishes prepared by Altea Active’s chef, who’s from Hong Kong.
Jorge Lee of the tourism board’s Toronto office told the gathering energetic sorts will appreciate Hong Kong.
“There is a biking trail and a cycling trail for everyone,” he said, adding trails vary in difficulty, with some easy and others more challenging.
Lim later said his office wants to showcase nature in a part of the world where geological formations dating back 400 million years can be found but added that Hong Kong also offers a “multitude of experiences — the dining, the shopping, the nature — it’s all there.”
More information can be found at DiscoverHongKong.com.
Seen here are Catherine Chiu, Royal Scenic; Lisa Lau, Okushu Tours; Lim; Lee; Shirley Rourke, Goway; Yuen Kan Wong, HKTB; Lisa Zupancic, Vision Travel; and Jennifer Siu, Hong Kong Tourism Board.
