Hong Kong’s Top 10 : Walking Routes and Promenades

The Peak Circuit

Taking
about an hour to complete at a gentle pace, this loop around Victoria
Peak, formed by Harlech and Lugard Roads, offers jaw-dropping city
panoramas to the north, boundless sea views to the south, and glimpses
of millionaire homes among the greenery en route .

Temple Street Night Market

Allow
plenty of time, not for the distance (Temple Street is no more than
half a mile end to end), but to explore the funky pageantry of hawker
stalls, fortune tellers, medicine men and opera singers that set up here
every night.

The MacLehose Trail

The
trail spans over 60 miles (100 km) across the New Territories, so only
bona fide outdoor types will attempt the whole length. But certain
sections are easily accessible (try the lovely part around the High
Island Reservoir) for visitors who value the prospect of being back at
the hotel bar by nightfall.

• Info from HKTB

Central to Western via Hollywood Road

Central’s
futuristic office towers and concrete canyons give way to the low-rise
charm of antique shops, galleries and bars the further west you go,
ending up in Western’s archetypal Chinese shopping streets and
docksides. A must.

Cultural Centre Promenade

On
weekends this short walkway from Kowloon Star Ferry around past the
Inter-Continental is invaded by innumerable families and their rampaging
children. At other times, though, it offers one of the most animated
harbour views you will see anywhere .

Nathan Road

A
joyously tacky and tawdry strip, the Golden Mile, Hong Kong’s own
Broadway, runs up the Kowloon peninsula, passing hotels and tourist
shops at the upscale southern end, before downgrading into the sleazy
karaoke lounges and low-rent storefronts of central Kowloon. Just don’t
buy any electronics along the way .

The Hong Kong Land Loop

Almost
all of Central’s prestige commercial towers are in the portfolio of one
company, Hong Kong Land, which has thoughtfully connected its
properties with aerial walkways. The buildings include Jardine House,
Mandarin Oriental, Princes Building and the Landmark Centre. Do the
circuit, if only for the ethereal experience of seeing downtown Hong
Kong without touching the ground.

The Praya, Cheung Chau

This island praya
(or waterfront road) is everything the main drag of a backwater fishing
town should be: a rambling tableau of fresh catches, boats tying up,
market stalls and skipping kids. Look out for the splendid hand-pulled
water carts that are the island’s only fire engines .

The Central Green Trail

Just
minutes from the banks, malls and offices of downtown, this signposted,
hour-long trail from the tram terminus at Hong Kong Park opens up a
lush hillside world of trees, ferns and rocks. A beautiful, shady
surprise.

Victoria Park

One
of the city’s larger green sites, Victoria Park is best visited in the
early morning, when tai chi devotees exercise. Through-out the day there
are people-watching opportunities and restful walks, away from urban
pressures .