Where to go running in Hong Kong: Enjoy the beautiful waterfalls, beaches, and stunning views the city has to offer
After all the feasting over the holiday season, you might be on the bandwagon to join an outdoor fitness class, a CrossFit studio, or an independent fitness studio. They are all great options to get back into the routine, but have you considered staying fit for free? Hong Kong has some great running trails, and we are revealing our top six favourite routes. Here are our picks for where to go running in Hong Kong. See you on the trail!
Where to go running in Hong Kong
1. Bowen Road
Bowen Road is a traffic-free and mostly flat 3km stretch that is suitable for all runners. Spanning across Magazine Gap Road in the west and to Stubbs Road at the east end, the quickest access point is from Wan Chai Gap Road. The route is situated half-way up a steep hill—Getting there itself is a great workout. Once there, enjoy the fantastic view of Central, Wan Chai, and Happy Valley while losing yourself in your running rhythm.
Map to Bowen Road Fitness Trail
2. Lantau—Discovery Bay Loop
Take the ferry at Central Pier 3 to start a 10-km loop around Discovery Bay. From the ferry terminal, head along Discovery Bay (DB) Road and turn right onto Seabird Lane and follow it in a loop, past Discovery Bay College. Once back on DB Road, go up to the DB Tunnel and then to Sienna Avenue, which will eventually lead back to DB Road. Go past the ferry terminal and head to SeaBee Lane, then back to DB Road, past the shopping centre, and follow DB Road to the end. Some perks of this route: no cars (though you need to look out for the occasional golf cart), and an array of delicious options, such as Il Bel Paese, available at the end of the run.
3. Tam Tam Reservoir—From Parkview to Repulse Bay
This is the most perfect 5.5km run that starts at Parkview on Wong Nai Chung Gap and ends on the beachy Repulse Bay. Take a bus to Parkview on Wong Nai Chung Gap, and start your run! It is a combination route—there’s some easy road running and more technical trail running involved. During your jog, you will see a little bit of everything—bridges, streams, and waterfalls. End the run with a dip in the sea.
4. Waterfall Bay Park and Telegraph Bay
This route is located on the southwestern side of Hong Kong Island, starting at Wah Fu Estate, the public housing estate in Pok Fu Lam and ending at Cyberport. In this pleasant 6.6km route, you will come across a great view of Lamma Island, a seaside garden of porcelain deities, and of course, waterfalls. In the past, the waterfalls in the area were a vital source of freshwater for pirates—food for thought while jogging on this family-friendly route.
5. Lamma Island—Hung Shing Yeh Beach Loop
Wondering where to go running in Hong Kong? Take the ferry at Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island. From Hung Shing Yeh Beach, run to Picnic Bay to Mo Tat Wan following the Lamma Family Trail. This is a fun run full of moss-covered railings, gigantic banyan trees with their sweeping twig-like vines draping over phone lines, and architectural ruins that can spark your imagination. After the run, try out one of Lamma Island’s yummy seafood restaurants!
Map to Hung Shing Yeh Beach Loop
6. Rocket Man—From Sai Kung to Shatin Pass Road
This is a gruelling but gratifying 16.7km trail from Kei Ling Ha Lo Wai Bus Stop in Sai Kung to Shatin Pass Road, a short taxi ride to Diamond Hill MTR station. A route for a more experienced runner, the path runs through Ma On Shan, with many hills and stairs along the way. Though challenging, the beautiful nature trail is surrounded by lush green mountains and grassy bluffs, and on a clear day, you will see a gorgeous view of Sai Kung and its surrounding area.
