Camera IconA half-hour drive from the high-rise city centre, I'm in a kayak ready to paddle around a jungle coastline with not a building in sight. My days exploring the jungles on the doorstep of this city of nearly eight million people are eye-opening.
Hong Kong's Undeveloped Landscape
Despite its reputation as one of the world's great cities, about 75 per cent of Hong Kong's land is undeveloped. More than 40 per cent is designated as protected country parks and special areas. This is worth considering for WA travellers using Cathay Pacific to fly to Hong Kong and often on to Europe. The Hari Hong Kong is encouraging travellers to slow down, stay longer and discover the green side of Hong Kong.
Exploring Wan Chai's Heritage and Trails
Back at street level, Wan Chai invites exploration at a slower pace. Guests can visit historic landmarks such as the Blue House and the old Wan Chai Post Office, or trace the layered stories of Lockhart Road, immortalised in fiction such as The World of Suzie Wong, before returning to The Hari Hong Kong and its exquisite collection of art and books. Within 15 minutes' walk of the hotel on Lockhart Road, guests can step onto a trail system with hike loops as long as 50 kilometres. There are steep green trails and paved paths leading to The Peak.
Popular Hiking Routes
- Wan Chai Green Trail to Wan Chai Gap: Intense uphill training.
- Bowen Road Fitness Trail: A flat walk.
- Wan Chai Heritage Trail: For culture.
Stay Longer with The Hari Hong Kong
The Hari Hong Kong is offering packages designed to encourage guests to “Stay Longer with Us”. There are exclusive rates for extended visits, and its “A Night on Us” offer gives 25 per cent off a four-night stay. Both packages also give discounts at the hotel's Italian ristorante Lucciola, contemporary Japanese restaurant Zoku, alfresco The Terrace bar and The Lounge, an all-day sitting area with a compelling collection of art and books.
General Manager's Perspective
The Hari Hong Kong's general manager Edward E. Snoeks is out and about weekly on 20-kilometre walks in the hills all over Hong Kong. “Our natural splendour is all the more amazing for its accessibility,” he says. “Down here in Wan Chai, you can wander Lockhart Road, visiting heritage sites and the ghosts of Suzie Wong's world, and minutes later be out among hiking routes that reveal a completely different Hong Kong, albeit one with common tailorbirds and red whiskered bulbuls, forest canopies and panoramic harbour views.”
For more information, visit thehari.com/hong-kong.
Back in Wan Chai
- The Wan Chai district itself is also worth exploring at a slower pace — from its markets and gritty streets to historic landmarks such as the Blue House and the old Wan Chai Post Office.
- The stories of Lockhart Road are immortalised in fiction such as The World of Suzie Wong.
- Victoria Harbour is just minutes away.
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