For someone who's fond of treating their eyes with pretty scenery and loves moving around, cycling's a cool sport that kind of lets you experience the best of both worlds. Even though Hong Kong is an extremely hustling city with narrow roads, insane traffic, rude drivers, and generally not cycling-friendly in every aspect, there are still places where you can cycle with some peace and quiet and also easy to reach. (Not so much during the weekends these days.) Here are some of the routes that I frequented.
I used to live on the campus of CUHK, which is surrounded by bike lanes and has bike parking areas. This prompted me to get my own bike; hence as a bonus, you can also spot me riding different rental bikes throughout the post and eventually purchasing and falling in love with my first bike, a Giant Escape, a few years ago.
NAM SANG WAI
Nam Sang Wai is always described as the backyard of Hong Kong and has been the target for developers for as long as I can remember. Although you would need to ride on the road for a few parts of this route, it is still an extremely popular cycling destination, probably due to the ease of reaching the starting point, the short distance, and its flat gradient. Together with a pleasing view along the way, it is a leisurely ride that can be done by almost anyone.
Moreover, Hong Kong is the bustling chaos that it is, the landscape here changes every day. Go visit Nam Sang Wai while you still can!
To go there, you can start at Yuen Long MTR station, where you can find several bike rentals nearby. You would then be riding along Kam Tin River on Nam Sang Wai Road and finally reaching this iconic bridge in no time. There are signs showing the directions along the way.
If this course is too short for you but you still want to head there for the scenery, you can choose to extend the route to Ha Pak Nai for a stunning sunset, further explained below, or try out the new Sheung Shui to Yuen Long bike lane before heading there. (The new trail isn't built that nicely. I didn't quite enjoy it, FYI.)
MA TSO LUNG
Sheung Shui to Ma Tso Lung is another easier route with delightful views, and multiple photo spots and brings you to the border between Hong Kong and China.
Starting from San Wan Road, where several bike rentals are located, you would cross Po Shek Wu Road bridge and turn into Choi Yuen Road. Then cross the Shek Sheung River via the blue bridge near Sheung Shui Ambulance Depot, with high chances of seeing cows chewing on the grass below. Ride along the riverbanks until you see another bridge crossing the Ng Tung River, then you will see the enormous water pipes.
It's quite fun climbing over the pipes and watching trains dash by next to you. They create a cool city vibe for portraits. Continuing with our trip, cross back to the opposite side of the river, and you can either turn into the twisting Fai King Road for some variations or continue along the Ng Tung River until you reach the Tak Yuet Lau Police Post at the border.
Then turn left and ride along what separates Hong Kong and China, where you will be surrounded by extensive farmlands and a glimpse of the Shen Zhen skyline. The road quality here is bumpier and rougher, but the feeling of being in nature is definitely there.
After circling back and passing by Ma Cho Lung Lutheran New Village, it is a constant steep uphill towards Ma Tso Lung Police Post, where you can see Shen Zhen with fish ponds in the foreground and also stunning sunsets if you're lucky.
Riding back via Liu Pok Road and along Ng Tung River without stopping for photos took us less than an hour. This isn't a long cycling route, but the constant change in landscape and road type made it an interesting one.
One of the perks of cycling for me is definitely the ability to reach places that aren't usually covered by the public transportation networks. You can turn back whenever you want on this trail like after reaching a specific destination you want to go to and not riding the entire route I mentioned above.
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AREA
Is it just me, or is anyone else also craving anything travelling-related ever since the pandemic hit? The good news is that Chek Lap Kok, where Hong Kong International Airport is located, contains a seashore perfect for viewing plane landings and gorgeous sunsets, and you can also ride your bike to get there.
Starting this half-day trip in Tung Chung, bike rentals are available at Yat Tung Estate and Ma Wan Chung Village nearby. Ride on the bike lane along Yu Tung Road until you see the fire station and turn left into Shun Tung Road, passing by Tung Chung Swimming Pool and staying on the bike lane.
Not long after, you'd have to leave the bike lane and cross the bridge into the island of Chek Lap Kok via Chek Lap Kok S Road. Continue along the shoreline via S Perimeter Road until the end of the runways, and remember to follow traffic rules at the roundabout.
The route itself isn't particularly technical, nor does it require much stamina. Still, there are usually many construction trucks and large buses driving on the same road which can be intimidating or dangerous for people not confident in riding on roads. Remember to ride in a single file if you're in a group and cycle as if you're driving: stay on the left side of the road to let cars pass you when you can, look before going into the roundabouts or crossing roads, follow the car lanes as you ride, and bring headlights and tail lights if you plan to stay until after sunset.
I've been to multiple times for most of the destinations in this article because I genuinely enjoy these places. For this particular route, it was where Robert and I went on our first date all those years ago. The boulders along the shore made this a pretty secluded hangout spot, with nothing but tranquillity, sounds of waves splashing, and just the two of you (maybe, during the weekdays).
INSPIRATION LAKE
It doesn't mean that you cannot enjoy Hong Kong Disneyland if you're not into theme parks, the thrills from different rides, or if you're too old to be excited by the cartoon characters; as just next to the resort lies Inspiration Lake, where you can have picnics and relax with your friends. And Inspiration Lake can also be reached by cycling from Tung Chung or Sunny Bay.
Again we're starting at Yat Tung Estate in Tung Chung. This time, instead of north to Chek Lap Kok, we're riding east towards Sunny Bay. Again, take the bike lane along Yu Tung Road until you see the fire station and turn left onto Shun Tung Road, passing by Tung Chung Swimming Pool. Here, we're turning into Tung Chung Waterfront and Ying Hei Road till seeing the gas station. There's a small hidden path behind the gas station that would lead you to a road to continue your ride along the waterfront.
After around 1.5 km, there's a pedestrian underpass along another large water pipe that brings you back to Cheung Tung Road, on which you'd cycle for about 6 km. Again, please, please, please follow traffic rules: single file, follow the lanes and directions, ride on the left side of the road, and don't stop suddenly on the road. There would be cars zooming past you all the time, but it's a long straight road making it not that hard to ride.
Exit at the junction of Sunny Bay Salt Water Pumping Station, and it will bring you to this view of Yam O Wan.
Passing by Sunny Bay station, you can take a slight rest before cycling up Sunny Bay Road, on which you will eventually see the Welcome to Hong Kong Disneyland sign at the roundabout. Take the first exit at the roundabout into Magic Road, take the third exit at the next roundabout into Inspiration Drive, and you'll find yourself arriving at Inspiration Lake.
During weekdays, it is quite serene being there and is a soothing place for you to breathe and rest up before riding back. You can also leave via Sunny Bay or Disneyland nearby.
For both of the times I've ridden this route, it was already near sunset when I arrived as we started late, leaving us not really the time to picnic there or even walk around, but the picturesque scenery along the way is still worth the ride. (Headlights and tail lights!!)
TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR
Tai Tong Sweet Gum Woods has always been super packed with people who're desperate to experience autumn colours every December. Ever since we're all grounded in Hong Kong, Tai Lam Chung Reservoir has also quickly become a crowd favourite among holiday hikers due to its effortless hike and the magnificent views that transport you out of Hong Kong. Did you know that you can combine these two into an exciting day cycling trip?
This is one of the longest routes on the list, bringing you from Yuen Long through Tai Tong and Tai Lam to Tsuen Wan West. Like the Nam Sang Wai route, we're starting at Yuen Long Station but turning into Long Ho Rd at Pok Oi Hospital this time. Continuing onto Kiu Hing Road, the traffic would start to lessen and slow down, and the ride would become more leisurely until the strenuous uphill at Tai Tong Shan Road. Passing by the barbeque area and car park, you would be greeted by the infamous sweet gum woods at the top of the climb, which would look better the further you ride into it.
To be honest, I think the maple leaves there are quite overhyped. I didn't want to come merely for those, thus continuing the journey onto Tam Lam Chung Reservoir. Since we were riding road bikes, we followed the cemented road of Tai Lam Nature Trail, and I really enjoyed all the twists and turns, ups and downs that we rode through, which made this so much different from what we usually cycle. The eventual view of the "thousand islands" of Tai Lam Chung Reservoir was rewarding, and the route was so much quieter than its hiking counterpart.
Continuing our way down, we left Tai Lam Nature Trail through Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Main Dam and Tai Lam Correctional Institution. Here, the road became flat and straight once more, with car lanes in both directions. At the junction between Tai Lam Chung Road and Castle Peak Road, you can choose either turn right for Tuen Mun or turn left and end the journey at Tsuen Wan West. Tuen Mun would be nearer, but Castle Peak Road is one of my favourites for road cycling due to its little traffic and few traffic lights, guaranteeing a smooth ride.
Along the way back to Tsuen Wan West, you would be treated with views of Sham Tseng, Tin Kau, and an orange overhead structure that has been dubbed as Hong Kong-styled torii.
To this day, this day trip still serves as the most intriguing cycling route I've done in Hong Kong. As I revisited the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir on foot a few years after this with a ton of people hiking with me that day, how I wished I was cycling there again instead.
HA PAK NAI
Ha Pak Nai, again in the far North-Eastern end of Hong Kong, is often rated as one of the best sunset viewing spots in Hong Kong. It can be reached by minibus 33 from Tin Shui Wai, but what's the fun of doing that? Plus, you can avoid the giant queues of minibuses back to Tin Shui Wai after sunset if you cycle there.
Starting at Tin Shui Wai Station, ride along Tin Ying Road towards the north and turn left into Tin Wa Road. At Lau Fau Shan Road, you'd need to ditch the bike lane and ride north until reaching the roundabout, where you'd see a large sign saying "Lau Fau Shan". There, the road becomes more narrow and filled with lots of heavy trucks going both ways. You might need to stop and let them pass first for safety. At the roundabout, turning right would bring you to Tsim Bei Tsui, but we're turning left into Deep Bay Road for Ha Pak Nai this time.
The road to Pak Nai is pretty chill, with very few slopes here and there. Near Pak Nai, a small section of Nim Wan Road lies just next to the sea. Travelling by bike makes it easy for you to just stop and snap a few pics before continuing on. Not long after, you can already see Ha Pak Nai beach on your right.
Robert immediately regretted riding on the wet beach after seeing his bike, as he got sand all over his bike, haha. But I think it's okay to push your bikes onto the beach. The rocks on the beach and it being at the west end of Hong Kong created a unique and unobstructed view of sunsets. Again, remember the headlights and tail lights for the dark, and you'll be all set.
TAI MO SHAN
Tai Mo Shan is the tallest mountain in Hong Kong, peaking at 957 m high. At the top, you can see a panoramic view of almost all of Hong Kong, and better yet, watching the sunrise from there is like no other experience.
To be completely frank, even though cycling to the top of Tai Mo Shan has been on my bucket list forever, I haven't had the chance to ride it yet and had Robert drive us there instead. But this is the ultimate scenic ride in Hong Kong that would make you feel like having a road trip.
For this route, you would be riding entirely on the road with high-flow traffic, making this already a more challenging course without considering the steep slope. At Tsuen Kam Interchange near Tsuen Wan Station, turn into Road Twisk and prepare yourself for the steep climb. When climbing such large slopes that just go on and on, it is essential to pace yourself and breathe properly.
At Tai Mo Shan Country Park Visitor Centre, turn right to go onto Tai Mo Shan Road and continue the slow climb. After passing the Tai Mo Shan Road Top car park, the road becomes more narrow as cars would typically stop at the car park and not go further ahead. A few more pushes would bring you to the top, where a magnificent view awaits.
Sunrises from the top of Hong Kong are really one of the most breathtaking scenes I've ever seen (no pun intended), even though it can be quite windy up there. If you're lucky, you might even be able to see a sea of clouds from there.
HONG KONG ISLAND LOOP
The Hong Kong Island Loop is a renowned cycling route that offers a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, making it a must-try for both locals and visitors. Spanning 40 km, this ride takes you through the heart of the city, along picturesque coastal paths, and up challenging inclines, providing a comprehensive experience of Hong Kong's diverse environment.
We began our adventure at Central MTR station, one of the busiest transportation hubs in Hong Kong. Opting for a night ride allowed us to bypass the heavy daytime traffic and enjoy the city in a different light. Cycling through the city center at night was a surreal experience. The usually bustling streets were calm, and the towering skyscrapers that line Victoria Harbour were beautifully illuminated.
As we made our way to Shau Kei Wan, the route began to change. We were soon met with a steep incline leading to Tai Tam Reservoir. This part of the journey was particularly striking, as the darkness of the night added an eerie yet serene atmosphere.
After conquering the hills, we continued south along the coastal roads, which offered some of the most scenic views of the ride. Passing through Stanley, Repulse Bay, and Deep Water Bay, we were treated to stunning vistas of the South China Sea. The coastal stretch was refreshing, with the cool night breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the shore providing a soothing backdrop.
The west coast of Hong Kong Island was a less familiar territory for me. This part of the ride took us through Pok Fu Lam, an area known for its lush greenery and tranquil reservoirs. The route here was less urbanized, providing a stark contrast to the earlier parts of the journey. Cycling through the quiet roads of Pok Fu Lam, we could truly appreciate the natural beauty of the island.
Our journey culminated as we cycled back into the urban landscape of Sheung Wan, one of my favorite areas in Hong Kong. Known for its vibrant mix of old and new, Sheung Wan's streets were beginning to stir as we made our way through, with early morning vendors setting up their stalls. The ride concluded at the Central Piers, where we were greeted by a breathtaking sunrise over Victoria Harbour.
Completing the Hong Kong Island Loop had been a long-standing item on my bucket list, and the experience did not disappoint. Despite the physical demands of the ride, especially the challenging climbs, the diverse landscapes and the sense of accomplishment made it all worthwhile. The journey offered a unique perspective on Hong Kong, highlighting both its vibrant urban life and its serene natural beauty.
Download my route gpx file here:
100KM "BIG ROUND"
The "Big Round" is a renowned cycling route that circles Kowloon and the New Territories, spanning approximately 80-100 kilometres. While the specific path can vary, the most commonly followed route today begins in Tai Wai, travels along Tai Po Road to Sham Shui Po, then continues to Mei Foo, Tsuen Wan West, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sheung Shui, Fanling, Tai Po, follows the Tolo Harbour cycling track, and finally returns to Sha Tin. When I embarked on this route, I started from City One, as I was residing there at the time.
The journey's most exhilarating segment is at the outset. Descending from Tai Wai into Sham Shui Po along Tai Po Road amidst a swarm of taxis provided an adrenaline rush. Cycling past Kwai Chung Container Terminal offered an intriguing industrial perspective. Upon reaching Tsuen Wan West, we transitioned into a more conventional cycling stretch, free from congestion and traffic signals. The segment from Tsuen Wan West to Tuen Mun delivered one of the smoothest rides in Hong Kong.
Post Yuen Long, the extensive stretches of straight roads, devoid of scenic views, can become quite monotonous. We navigated this section between 3-4 am, battling drowsiness. Reaching Tai Po, a well-known cycling area, was a welcome relief. If you have cycled in Hong Kong, you are likely familiar with Tolo Harbour, a location I frequented almost daily during my time at CUHK. We completed the loop, covering 90 km in approximately 5 hours.
Similar to our experience with the Hong Kong Island Loop, we undertook this route overnight to avoid traffic. However, maintaining alertness without the physical challenge of steep climbs proved difficult. At that time, we were relatively inexperienced in covering such long distances. But it still posts as a fun challenge for us.
Download my route gpx file here:
As we wrap up our exploration of Hong Kong’s cycling routes, it's clear that this vibrant city offers a diverse range of experiences for cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner looking to explore the city on two wheels, Hong Kong’s cycling paths provide the perfect blend of adventure and discovery.
I hope this guide inspires you to hop on your bike and experience the incredible cycling opportunities Hong Kong has to offer. Whether you're chasing the sunrise over Victoria Harbour or enjoying the peaceful trails along Tolo Harbour, there's a route here waiting for you. Happy cycling, and may your rides be filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.
Comments