[Editor’s note: The Hong Kong Tourism Board launches its “360 Hong Kong Moments” campaign, which aims to show the city’s various sceneries. Below is their press release.]

Hong Kong’s city skyline is considered to be the best in the world, having more skyscrapers than any other could possibly have. Unknown to many is that Hong Kong is more than that. It has more than 250 islands, 24 country parks, six marine parks, and a marine reserve.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has recently launched its “360 Hong Kong Moments,” allowing visitors to explore the city from all angles and to enjoy everything it has to offer. It has also partnered with National Geographic to specifically feature the wilderness of Hong Kong: the great outdoors.

The City of Nature

Did you know that Hong Kong is home to over 240 species of butterflies and more than 550 species of birds? According to National Geographic explorer Astrid Alex Andersson, about 40% of the city is actually made up of protected country parks which have a lot of very diverse wildlife in them, including these different species of birds and a plethora of insects. 

Slow down and get a peaceful retreat in this nature that Hong Kong boasts of as you visit these places:

Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve

Located behind the 300-year-old Hakka Village, Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve is a protected site famous for butterfly watching. Over 240 species of butterfly can be found here, including the Common Birdwing and White Dragon Tail varieties. Also, one-third of the butterfly here are considered rare breeds.

Mai Po Nature Reserve

Known as Hong Kong’s “Bird Paradise,” Mai Po Nature Reserve is a haven for more than 550 different species of birds and some others that migrate here during autumn and winter. It also has a high diversity of wetland habitats – including gei wai (intertidal ponds), freshwater ponds, intertidal mudflats, mangroves, reedbeds, and fish ponds. 

Hok Tau Reservoir, Pat Sin Leng Country Park

Originally built to regulate irrigation water supplies for nearby agricultural fields, Hok Tau Reservoir, which is located in Pat Sin Leng Country Park, has now become a popular hiking destination with rewarding views of mountains above and lakes below. 

Sai Kung: The Back Garden of Hong Kong

How interesting is it to know that 85% of Hong Kong’s land is formed by supervolcano eruptions from over 145 million years ago? Check out Sai Kung, part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark that serves as a reminder of Hong Kong’s geological past.

National Geographic explorer Jonathan Cybulski explains that the magmatic column formations that Sai Kung has made it not only a unique place in Hong Kong but also in the whole world.

Aside from its natural attractions, Sai Kung also boasts of having a cultural setting, specifically in the “ghost island” of Yim Tin Tsai. Literally translating to “Little Salt Pan” in Cantonese, Hakka settlers from over 300 years ago used to develop salt farms on the island and was their source of living, thus the name. 

A short 15-minute boat ride from Sai Kung, Yim Tin Tsai’s historical significance and spooky vibe are for those on the lookout for something new to explore – be it a hiking or fishing trip, or even a cultural visit to the remaining Hakka villagers. 

Get a 360-degree view of Hong Kong’s great outdoors

These are just some of the places that you can visit in Hong Kong’s countryside. With the HKTB’s “360 Hong Kong Moments” campaign, you will agree that Hong Kong is more than just a concrete jungle. It’s a place where you can take a break, smell the forests from up above, and visit the shorelines down below. 

For more content on Hong Kong’s Great Outdoors, visit Discover Hong Kong and National Geographic’s Hong Kong: City of Nature and Hong Kong: From rock stars to underwater wonders. – Rappler.com