Nature Retreats in Hong Kong | Relaxation & Wellness

Long Ke Wan is located in the southeastern part of Sai Kung Peninsula, north of the East Dam of High Island Reservoir, within the Sai Kung East Country Park, Hong Kong. It is one of Hong Kong's most beautiful and pristine beaches, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. Surrounded by mountain peaks and headlands, this natural bay creates a secluded paradise-like environment and has been selected as one of the 'Top 10 Natural Scenic Spots in Hong Kong'. The beach is also known as the 'Maldives of Hong Kong' due to its stunning natural beauty. Long Ke Wan features a campsite managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which is one of the designated camping sites along the MacLehose Trail Section 1. The area was once home to Long Ke Village, which carries historical memories of past settlements. However, the beach is relatively remote and can only be reached by taxi or a 3-hour hike, with limited facilities including only one toilet at the campsite. Despite the challenging access, the breathtaking scenery of clear waters, soft sand, and surrounding natural landscape makes it a worthwhile destination for experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts.

High Island Reservoir East Dam is located in the southeastern part of Sai Kung Peninsula within Sai Kung East Country Park, Hong Kong. The reservoir was constructed by building two massive dams at the eastern and western ends of the strait between High Island (Leung Shuen Wan Chau) and the Sai Kung Peninsula, effectively separating the sea channel in between. Opened in 1978, the reservoir covers a total area of 6.67 square kilometers and has helped alleviate Hong Kong's water shortage problems. The East Dam area is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and features world-class geological wonders formed by a supervolcanic eruption 140 million years ago, including spectacular hexagonal rock columns, sea caves, and the iconic Po Pin Chau sea stack. The High Island Geo Trail near the East Dam offers an easy walking route with comprehensive facilities and interpretive signs explaining the reservoir's history and geological features. Visitors can admire the beautiful reservoir views, verdant mountains, impressive breakwater constructed with dolosse (anchor-shaped wave breakers), and the dramatic Po Pin Chau, which was originally part of Fa Shan but became separated by marine erosion to form a standalone sea stack. The site is marked by a giant blue anchor-shaped stone at the trailhead and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Penfold Park is a public park located in the center of Sha Tin Racecourse in Sha Tin, New Territory, Hong Kong. Covering over 20 acres of lush greenery, the park was built and is managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Originally named Sha Tin Racecourse Park when it opened on May 11, 1979, it was renamed Penfold Park on September 18, 1979, in honor of Major-General D.J.S. Penfold, who served as the General Manager of the Hong Kong Jockey Club from 1972 to 1979. The park serves as the 'lungs of Sha Tin' and attracts over 15,000 visitors monthly, offering a safe, clean environment with expansive green spaces. It is a pet-friendly venue and can be used for equestrian competitions and other community activities. Notably, Penfold Park served as the venue for the equestrian events during the 2008 Olympic Games. The park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on non-racing days (opening at 9:30 AM on trial days, typically Tuesdays), but is closed on race days and Mondays (unless Monday is a public holiday, in which case it opens on Monday and closes the following day). Located within the racecourse grounds near Shing Mun River and Ho Tung Lau, the park provides a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors to enjoy nature in the heart of the city.

Lingnan Garden is a classical Chinese-style garden located within Lai Chi Kok Park in Sham Shui Po, Kowloon. Covering 12,500 square meters with approximately 2,600 square meters of water features, it showcases traditional Lingnan architectural style from southern China. The garden was designed to introduce the Lingnan garden style to Hong Kong, drawing inspiration from four famous gardens in Guangdong Province: Keyuan in Dongguan, Liang's Garden in Foshan, Qinghui Garden in Shunde, and Yuyin Shanfang in Panyu. Named after 'Lai Chi' (lychee), a famous fruit of the Lingnan region, the garden features courtyards, winding corridors, and ornate decorations divided into 10 scenic spots centered around a pond. Architectural structures radiate from the central pond and are linked by porches and corridors, showcasing intricate plaster decorations, elegant woodwork, stone carvings, pottery sculptures, and rockery made from Tai Hu stones. The garden features longer eaves reflecting southern China's wetter climate, muted grey tones with green and earthy red tiles, and colorful fiber-optic lighting along the eaves that adds charm at nighttime. The Eastern Gate serves as the main entrance, leading to an open courtyard with a phoenix mosaic and classical fairy tale relief. Visitors can explore hexagonal pavilions, arched bridges over the moon pond, and traditional stone boats. The garden offers educational programs where students can engage in traditional literati activities including dueling couplets, playing chess, appreciating flowers, and distinguishing tea leaves. Open daily with free admission, it provides a peaceful retreat showcasing authentic southern Chinese garden architecture and culture.

Tai O Promenade is a scenic waterfront walkway located in the historic fishing village of Tai O on the western coast of Lantau Island. The promenade extends along the main channel, offering visitors stunning views of the traditional stilt houses built over tidal waters, which preserve the authentic fishing village architecture and culture. This peaceful walkway provides an excellent vantage point to observe the unique lifestyle of this centuries-old fishing community, often called the 'Venice of Hong Kong'. The promenade is open 24 hours daily with free admission, making it accessible for visitors to explore at any time. Along the walk, visitors can see flowering gardens, prowling cats, and the characteristic wooden houses on stilts that have defined Tai O's landscape for generations. The area offers a step back in time, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, transporting visitors to a slower-paced way of life. Accessible by bus from Tung Chung MTR station, the promenade serves as a gateway to exploring the village's narrow alleyways, local seafood shops, and boat tours to see Chinese white dolphins.

Victoria Peak Garden is a Victorian-style public garden located near the summit of Victoria Peak on Mount Austin Road, originally serving as the gardens for Mountain Lodge, the Governor of Hong Kong's summer residence. The garden covers approximately 1.8 hectares and is divided into three zones based on topography, all linked by pathways. This beautiful open green space offers wonderful mountain and harbor views, making it a rare peaceful retreat in Hong Kong. The garden is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with free admission, providing visitors with constant access to this historic Victorian-era landscape. Located just a 15-20 minute walk from the Peak Tram terminus, it features a small car park and public facilities. The garden maintains its historical character while serving as a popular spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying panoramic views away from the crowded Peak Tower area. The Peak Garden and Mount Austin Playground area is notably less windy than other parts of Victoria Peak, offering a more comfortable environment for families and visitors.

Shek O Beach is a sandy public beach located on the southeast tip of Hong Kong Island, known for its white sand beaches and good quality, shallow water with very gentle waves. The water quality is fair and gazetted Grade 2, often rated as 'good', making it a popular choice for swimming in summer. The beach features fine sand, clear water, and stunning mountain and sea views, cradled between two mountains and facing the South China Sea. It is a popular weekend and holiday destination offering a calm, family-friendly vibe. Facilities include barbecue pits (20 stoves), changing rooms, showers, toilets, and accessible facilities. Lifeguard services operate during summer season from April to October. The surrounding Shek O village is characterized by colorful houses creating a European-style atmosphere, with local restaurants serving Thai and seafood cuisine. The area is favored by expat families and laid-back locals for its relaxed beach village atmosphere while maintaining easy city access.

Tai Mo Shan Country Park is a 1,440-hectare protected natural area established on February 23, 1979, encompassing Hong Kong's highest peak at 957 metres , . The park features diverse landscapes including grasslands, forests, waterfalls, and historical tea plantation terraces from the 17th century . It is renowned for being the coldest place in Hong Kong, with frost and icicles occasionally forming on upper slopes during cold spells , . The park borders Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve to the east and Shing Mun Country Park to the south . Key attractions include the spectacular Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls with its 35-metre Long Falls , panoramic views of Northern and Western New Territories, and the Visitor Centre featuring climate change exhibitions . The park is home to over 100 bird species and rich biodiversity . Recreation facilities at Rotary Park include 60 barbecue stoves, campsites, and the family-friendly Tai Mo Shan Family Walk , . The summit offers breathtaking views of Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi, and even Shenzhen on clear days .

Hong Kong Wetland Park is a world-class conservation, education and tourism facility located in the northern part of Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long. The park demonstrates the diversity of Hong Kong's wetland ecosystem and serves as a haven for wildlife with incredible biodiversity. It features various wetland habitats including freshwater marshes, streams, mangrove beds, mudflats, paddy fields, fishponds and reed beds. The park includes exhibition galleries and visitor facilities in the Visitor Centre, along with outdoor wetland reserve areas for visitors to explore nature and observe wildlife. Open from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays to Sundays and public holidays (closed on Tuesdays except public holidays), the park offers an educational and recreational experience for families and nature enthusiasts.

Pets Chill Garden is a pet paradise and dog hotel located in Kam Tin, Yuen Long, offering a large grass area and covered swimming pool for pets. This kennel facility provides various services including dog boarding, event venue rental, adoption days, and even pet weddings. The venue features secure fencing and ample space for dogs to run and play, making it particularly suitable for active dogs that love outdoor activities. Regular customers trust the facility for boarding services, and the venue is known for its high cost-performance ratio and water activities. Pets Chill Garden serves as a recreational destination for pet owners looking for a safe and spacious environment for their furry companions in the New Territories.

Shun Sum Yuen Farm is an award-winning sunflower farm located in Siu Hum Tsuen, San Tin, Yuen Long, Hong Kong. The farm is famous for its spectacular sunflower fields and has been operated by a flower farmer for over 40 years. Since 2012, facing eviction pressures, the farm owner has been determined to plant rice every year and has welcomed volunteer farmers over the past three years. In 2016, the farm participated in the 'New Territories Rice Growing Project'. The farm features sunflower fields, lavender gardens, rose tunnels, and Japanese-themed photo spots including torii gates. Currently blooming with cosmos and sunflowers, the farm offers a perfect blend of traditional farming and modern agritourism experience.

Lam Tei Reservoir, also known as Tiger Pit Reservoir, is a funnel-shaped irrigation reservoir located at the back hill of Lingnan University in Fu Tei, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong. The reservoir covers an area of 17,000 m² and was officially opened in 1957 by then Governor Alexander Grantham. Originally built for irrigation purposes, it has become a popular hiking destination and Instagram hotspot in recent years due to its distinctive green water and scenic surroundings. The reservoir is accessible via hiking trails and is considered a beginner-friendly hiking route, often serving as a stop along the Tuen Mun Trail. Visitors can enjoy walking across the bridge and taking in panoramic views towards Kau King Shan mountain.