Hong Kong Hiking Festival Returns Dec 13 with Three Routes Around Lai Chi Wo
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Hiking Festival returns on December 13 with three curated routes exploring the traditional Hakka village of Lai Chi Wo and its surroundings. The event, organized by the HikingJoy association, offers routes ranging from 2 to 10 kilometers, catering to hikers of different skill levels. Participants who complete their chosen route will receive a complimentary souvenir medal and sponsor gift pack. A special Hakka basin cuisine banquet and farmers' market will run concurrently, with the Shenzhen Mountaineering Association recruiting 100 to 300 mainland participants and pre-briefing them on environmental protection.
Key Points
- The festival sets three hiking routes: a 10-kilometer trail from Wu Kau Tang to Lai Chi Wo (3-4 hours), a 4-kilometer loop via Mei Zi Lam (2-2.5 hours), and a 2-kilometer village exploration route (1-1.5 hours)
- Participants who finish any route receive a free commemorative medal and sponsor gift bag, with optional Hakka basin cuisine available for an additional 300 yuan
- HikingJoy chairman Hui Hon-sing notes that the last ferry from Lai Chi Wo departs at 3:30 PM, encouraging hikers to stay for the cultural festivities
- The Shenzhen Mountaineering Association aims to recruit 100 to 300 mainland hikers and will conduct pre-trip environmental awareness briefings via messaging groups
- Last year's event attracted 198 participants; organizers project 700 attendees this year with the addition of a new route
Why It Matters
The festival highlights growing cross-border interest in Hong Kong's countryside attractions while addressing environmental concerns raised by the Shenzhen association, which cited mainland visitors' occasional harmful behavior in rural areas. By integrating heritage conservation with outdoor recreation, the event supports grassroots preservation of Hakka villages that government resources cannot fully cover .
The festival highlights growing cross-border interest in Hong Kong's countryside attractions while addressing environmental concerns raised by the Shenzhen association, which cited mainland visitors' occasional harmful behavior in rural areas. By integrating heritage conservation with outdoor recreation, the event supports grassroots preservation of Hakka villages that government resources cannot fully cover .