If you’re a health and wellness fan, Autumn is an ideal time to visit Hong Kong. The cosy weather combines with the city’s majestic natural landscape, offering all manner of ways to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Below, with the assistance of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, we look at some of the health and wellness activities you can experience from this Autumn onwards.
Get ready to embark on a revitalising journey to Hong Kong, where travellers can enhance their physical and mental well-being while uncovering the hidden gems of this world-class wellness paradise. Explore like never before!
Get Active by Taking Part in World-Class Sporting Events
2024 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon: Hong Kong’s largest cycling event and carnival promises new excitement (13 October)
Turn up the energy dial and join the city’s largest cycling event. 6,000 cyclists from all around the globe will race for glory, backdropped by Hong Kong’s incredible natural and man-made scenery. This year’s edition will be bigger and better, with new elements, including enhanced routes through four tunnels and three bridges with incredible views of Hong Kong’s natural landscape and the spectacular Victoria Harbour.
Other key highlights include a new finishing point for the enhanced 50- and 32-kilometre rides at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). The expansive harbourside district will also host a brand-new sports- and cycling-themed carnival open to all, featuring photo-worthy installations, a cycling-themed market, yoga, stretching and dancefit workshops, and local drinks and delicacies – all set beside Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline.
TransLantau: Lace up for an ultramarathon backdropped by the rugged surrounds of Hong Kong’s largest island (8–10 November)
The TransLantau by UTMB invites long-distance runners of all experience levels to explore the rugged landscapes and untamed beauty of Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest island, presenting four races of varying difficulty levels. One of the legendary levels that runners can take on is the 120-kilometre ultra challenge, which takes in diverse landscapes of the two country parks on the island.
Lantau Island starkly contrasts Hong Kong’s bustling cityscape, providing runners with a remarkable journey passing iconic landmarks such as the Tai O fishing village, the majestic Big Buddha, and more.
Oxfam Trailwalker 2024: Ascend Hong Kong’s highest peak in the name of charity (15–17 November)
As the largest hiking fundraising event in Hong Kong, Oxfam Trailwalker promises adventure seekers an extraordinary journey up the city’s tallest peak, Tai Mo Shan, providing spectacular views of Hong Kong’s singular juxtaposition of natural and urban landscape from 957 metres high. This year, a new 40-kilometre route is available for new and less experienced participants, but be prepared for challenging uphill sections and rugged terrain.
HONG KONG STREETATHON: Let the streets guide you on this urban fun run (8 December)
The renowned HONG KONG STREETATHON takes place entirely within the city’s urban centre around Victoria Harbour and is headlined by a cross-harbour half marathon through Hong Kong and Kowloon. Adding to the excitement, the 2024 edition will introduce a new Five-Senses Marathon concept, creating a fully immersive running experience for all the senses. Make a pit stop to enjoy traditional local village delicacies, such as poon choi, at supply stations along the route.
Hong Kong 100: Race through the city’s UNESCO Global Geopark (15–17 January)
Hong Kong 100 is a signature trail running event that takes place in the lesser-explored countryside of Hong Kong. The routes traverse an incredible range of natural landscapes, including the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, remote and unspoilt beaches, ancient forests, nature trails, reservoirs, and steep hills. Contestants enjoy breathtaking views of nature and a chance to explore some of Hong Kong’s hidden gems.
Restore and Rejuvenate on a Retreat for the Soul
Besides sports activities, feeding the mind and soul should not be overlooked on the path to rejuvenation. Hong Kong is home to a number of world-class day spas, perfect for an afternoon of pampered relaxation. It also has a diverse natural ecosystem with easy access to urban centres for those looking to take a beat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, achieve mental relaxation, and alleviate stress.
Connect with nearby nature for therapeutic activities
Wherever you are in Hong Kong, you’re never too far from a tableau of unspoiled natural beauty. There are many therapeutic ways to experience Hong Kong’s rich green landscape, including forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku)—which has been found to lower blood pressure, heart rate, levels of anxiety, and stress-inducing hormones—and hiking on one of Hong Kong’s myriad trails, which offers the opportunity to slow down the pace of the every day and be immersed in nature.
Island hopping between Hong Kong’s many outlying islands has long been a popular way to escape the city for a day and discover its spectacular natural wonders. One such wonder is the breathtaking and expansive views of the archipelago at the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, which can help quiet the mind and alleviate stress.
Take a break at a five-star urban spa retreat
Sky-high views await on the 116th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Hong Kong, the world’s highest spa. The top-tier spa boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, creating the perfect backdrop for individuals or couples seeking pampering and wellness experiences.
Inspired by the five elements and principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chuan Spa at Cordis, Hong Kong, is a serene sanctuary for holistic wellness. Through techniques such as Chinese acupuncture, stone therapy and Gua Sha, the spa’s holistic approach addresses imbalances in the body, helping to alleviate physical discomfort, emotional distress, and mental tension. This comprehensive method fosters a profound sense of relaxation and well-being.
For a rejuvenating travel experience this season, look no further than Hong Kong. Plan a holistic healing vacation to rediscover the city in a new light and nourish the mind, body and soul.
For more information on all of the above, please visit www.discoverhongkong.com.