Islands, beaches, hiking trails and even cycling trails are all easily accessible from the city of Hong Kong.  Who would have thought?!  There is so much to see and do beyond the city and most people don’t even scratch the surface.

For returning visitors, why not spend a day reacquainting yourself with the city, explore some of the lesser known neighbourhoods like Sham Shui Po, Wan Chai and Kennedy Town. Discover delicious street food, wet markets and boutique stores and then spend a few days exploring the outlying islands and beaches.

Here’s our top tips for visitors looking to dig a little deeper:

Lamma Island Escape

Only 30 minutes from downtown, Lamma Island is a popular getaway for both locals and travellers. It’s known for its hiking trails, multicultural shops and cafes, and renowned seafood dining. Traditions of local fishing communities have been preserved on the island, which will give you a chance to experience what life might have been like during the fishing boom.

Sunset Junk Boat Cruise

Enjoy a spectacular view of the skyline across Victoria Harbour on an authentic Chinese junk. You will learn the heritage of this Chinese DukLing, which not only is a classic sailing junk but also one of the top ten tourist attractions in Hong Kong, as well as one of the top ten antique sailing junks in China. More info here.

Foodie Tour in Sham Shui Po

Enjoy an authentic local experience in the working-class neighbourhood of Sham Shui Po. Start your morning in a Cha Chan Teng (café) with a local style breakfast, followed by a traditional pudding shop, snack at a speciality soy store, have lunch in a Chiu Chow-style restaurant, afternoon tea at a long-established bakery and dinner a handmade-noodle shop.

Northeast New Territories Geopark Tour

You won’t believe it until you see it with your own eyes! Such an amazing vast area with peaceful century-old villages, ancient temples and untouched fields also exists in this well known cosmopolitan city. The northeast part of the New Territories is really a hidden gem, given it can only be accessed by sea. The relatively remote islands and geological attractions are part of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

Deserted Beaches Hike

Hike through the remote villages of Sai Wan and Ham Tin, where you are welcomed by white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Locally the area is known as Big Wave Bay, a popular surfer’s destination. Visit the half abandoned historical village of Chek Keng, in which furniture and cooking utensils stand still in time. Though it’s just 20 kilometres from Kowloon, it will make you feel a world away.

Scenic Cycling trip

Rent a bike and cycle from Sha Tin to Tai Po. Pass beautiful mountain and coastal scenery in the New Territories and enjoy an unobstructed view of the majestic Pat Sin Leng, a distinctive mountain range that consists of eight peaks in a row when you glide along the Tolo Harbour Cycling Track, which is arguably the most picturesque cycling route in Hong Kong.