I’m convinced Hong Kong could be the best hiking destination in the world.

The trails are right there — you can be in Central, jump in a cab, and twenty minutes later you’re in the hills watching eagles circle and looking out across lakes and reservoirs.

Most of these images are from Tai Tam Country Park, where the reservoirs cut through dense forest and the trails climb quickly to open ridgelines.

The famous Hong Kong Trail — 50 kilometres end to end — passes straight through here, linking Victoria Peak to Shek O via the Tai Tam reservoirs and Dragon’s Back ridge.

Other routes branch into the Wilson Trail and the MacLehose Trail, each running for more than 70–100 kilometres across the New Territories.

What makes it special is the access: world-class mountain and coastal hiking threaded directly into one of the most crowded cities on earth.