Take a look at our ultimate guide to cycling in Hong Kong and discover the best trails to explore on two wheels
Hong Kong may not be the most bike-friendly city, but it does offer various trails which are sure to keep beginners, families and even adrenaline junkies happy. We’re letting you in on where to look for the best summer routes to enjoy on wheels.
See also: 10 Country Parks And Nature Reserves To Visit In Hong Kong
Inspiration Lake
Inspiration Lake is found next to Hong Kong Disneyland in Lantau, and is as “magical” as it can be. It has a lush landscaped arboretum, rose and butterfly gardens, a giant fountain in the middle of a shimmering lake, and two options for biking: pedal boats (for two or four people) and surrey bikes (for three or six people). You can rent the surrey bikes for an hour, and the pedal boats for either one hour or just 30 minutes. Trust us, the leg work can be quite a bit of workout.
The price ranges from $70 to $150 per bike, depending on the number of seats and rental duration. The recreation centre also has a convenient store that sells ice-cream, cold drinks, healthy snacks, and occasionally steamed vegetable packs for lunch. It’s a one-stop shop for a no-fuss day out of biking and picnicking.
How to get there: Walk from Disneyland Resort MTR station for around 20 minutes via Fantasy Road and a walking tunnel.
See also: Hong Kong Hikes—Plus Where To Eat And Drink After
From Tung Chung to Sunny Bay
If you’re looking for a longer route, the nearby well-paved route in Sunny Bay is a nice alternative. The flat 15km road from Tung Chung to Sunny Bay offers panoramic views of the South China Sea, and a small detour to the historic Tung Chung Battery that overlooks the Long Ping 360 cable cars and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The Thai, Indian or seafood restaurants nearby are good options to eat before your journey.
To start, simply head to Ma Wan Chung village near Yat Tung Estate to rent a bike. There are a number of bike rentals to choose from in the area. A popular option is Sunny Bike Shop, which offers bikes that are in good condition for around $60 for a half day rental. Ride towards Tung Chung Crescent to enter the cycle network. It’s a straightforward ride along Yu Tung Road that will lead you to Sunny Bay. End your journey with a small exploration on Luk Keng, where the secret Cheung Sok lighthouse at the tip of the tombolo rewards you with views of Tung Wan.
How to get there: Walk for around 20 minutes from Tung Chung MTR station via Shun Tung Road or Tat Tung Road to the bike rental.
Nam Seng Wai
Known for its wetlands, reed beds, abandoned farms and fishponds, this haven in northern Yuen Long is one of the most popular and family friendly places for picnicking and biking. The site is crisscrossed by the Kam Tin River and Shan Pui River, making it a fertile and ecologically important site for migratory birds. Rent a bike from the shops in Yuen Long, and follow the cycling trail that connects with Shan Pui Road. Bikes costs around $50 for a day on weekdays.
As you ride, you'll see the landscape gradually change from a bustling urban scene, to rustic villages and wetlands. When you reach Nam Seng Wai Ferry Pier, take the rowing ferry to the other end where a natural paradise, secluded from the town centre by Kam Tin River, awaits. The easy cycling path is sheltered by River Red Gum woods. You can take a break from time to time at the wooden bridge, or fly kites at the open greenery. If you have time, check out the nearby Mai Po Nature Reserve, where 380 species of migratory birds take refuge.
How to get there: Get off at Yuen Long MTR station Exit B and head to On Lok Road for bike rentals.
See also: Hong Kong Hikes: The Best Trails On The Outlying Islands
From Shing Mun to Tai Mei Tuk
Start your day at Shing Mun River, a waterway which was transformed from a cove in the 1970s, that now empties into Tolo Harbour. For extra convenience, some bike rentals in Tai Wai allow you to return the bikes at your destination in Tai Mei Tuk after your journey for an extra charge. Ride along this river – which is incredibly popular during Dragon Boat Festival – to the city’s science and technology complex, the Hong Kong Science Park, which features the state-of-the-art Charles K. Kao Auditorium. Here, you can grab refreshments by the lake, before continuing the journey from Shatin to Pak Shek Kok Promenade in Ma Liu Shui. Beware that there is a 2km pedestrian-only pavement, but the walk here offers you great views of Pat Sin Leng, the “mountain range of eight deities”.
From Tai Po Waterfront Park, ride on for another 8km to Tai Mei Tuk. The meandering path along Plover Cove Reservoir is a scenic and peaceful ride. You may end your journey by exploring the stunning waterfall at Bride’s Pool, which is a 20-minute ride until you come across Bride’s Pool Nature Trail entrance. Alternatively, enjoy some Hakka dishes like fried oyster omelette near Lung Mei Beach. Prices for bike rentals vary according to the shops and rental duration, and can range from $40 to $120 for the whole day.
How to get there: Hop off at Tai Wai MTR station. Rent a bike in the nearby bike rental and ride along the cycling track until you reach Shing Mun River.
From Ng Fan Tin to Clearwater Bay
For seasoned cyclists, 15 designated mountain bike trails can be found in the local country parks. The 8.5km High Junk Peak Mountain Bike Trail isn’t for the fainthearted; it is steep and requires climbing for some gravel sections. The trail also doesn't have any replenishment stations along the way, so make sure you have plenty of water with you before setting off. If this doesn’t scare you off, the trail rewards the determined with stunning vistas of Clearwater Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
The trail starts at Ng Fan Tin, and is a quick ascent to Sheung Yeung Shan and Miu Tsai Tun. At the highest point of the trail at 344m is High Junk Peak, a vantage point overlooking the Ninepin Group, a cluster of 29 islands made up of volcanic rock remnants from an explosion dating back to the Cretaceous period in the eastern waters of Hong Kong. It’s the perfect spot to take in the sunset on a clear day. Descend from the peak and carry on until you arrive at the country trail at the junction near distance post C3106. It will take another 20 minutes before you reach the bus stop on Clear Water Bay Road. Reward yourself at the seafood restaurants in the area for a well-deserved evening.
Note that this cycling trail isn’t open during weekends and public holidays.
How to get there: From Diamond Hill MTR station, take bus 91 to Ng Fan Tin. Across the bus stop is a pavilion. Take the flight of stairs next to it to start.
See also: Hong Kong Water Sports: Your Guide To Surfing, Paddle Boarding, Wake Boarding And More
BMX Bike Park
Calling all the daredevils. Transformed from Gin Drinkers Bay Landfill in Kwai Tsing, the Hong Kong Jockey Club International BMX Park was built for the BMX event of the East Asian Games 2009, with funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It is Hong Kong’s only BMX Bike Park, currently managed by the Cycling Association of Hong Kong. BMX Park occupies 39,200 square meters and features a 35m-long BMX track.
It is the only qualified venue for BMX racing in the city. But it isn’t only for competitive cyclists; the park offers classes by qualified coaches and all the proper gear needed for all levels, including kids and beginners. A two-hours BMX coaching package, which includes entry and equipment rental costs $300 per person.
How to get there: Take minibus 404M from Kwai Fong MTR Station.
Editor's Note: The park has been under renovation since March 2019 and is expected to reopen September 2020.
