Hiking Hong Kong: The Bowen Road Trail

Stretching from Mid-Levels to Wong Nai Chung Gap, the Bowen Road Trail is a popular walking / jogging / running route on Hong Kong island. Why? Because it's bang in the middle of central – making it an easy access route for anyone looking for an easy post-work amble – and is probably the flattest walk on the island. If you're sceptical about what this trial can offer because of being located in the midst of the concrete jungle, fear not, we promise there will be moments you forget you're walking in between towering skyscrapers.

For a post-work walk, we recommend starting near 5 Bowen road, right at the beginning of the trail where it steers off from Magazine Gap Road, and head along to Lover's Rock in Wan Chai. Depending on how energetic you're feeling, you can either walk up from Central or quickly hop in a cab if you're short on time. This walk can take around 1 1/2 - 3 hours depending your pace and how often you stop to take pictures or rest at the top.

Starting point:

Here is where the Bowen Road Trail begins, veering off from Magazine Gap Road and heading towards Wan Chai, you wouldn't normally think much of this route at first. It looks like any other road in Central.

However, this soon changes into lush greenery emerging along the sidewalks.

The pathway may be marred by various signs and roadworks close to the beginning, but keep going and you'll be rewarded. Follow the road straight ahead, don't get distracted by the buildings to the left, there are much better views along the way.

Soon you'll be surrounded by trees on both sides of the pathway, obstructing any view of the residential blocks and high-rises that sit on the other side. You'll really begin to feel like you are somewhere with much more green space than Hong Kong. Though, you may want to remember to spritz some mosquito repellent all over you if you tend to get bitten.

Are you amazed at how green it is along the trail yet? You'll often come across other walkers, joggers, runners and even some folks doing Tai Chi in the two playgrounds that appear part way through the walk. Despite this though, the route is quiet, calm, and peaceful.

This is certainly a view that ranks highly for us: the Bank of China, glistening in the light of the sun beginning to set, against the rustling green leaves.

Along the way, there'll be gaps in the trees that allow you to have a peek at how far you've come as the skyline changes with every step of the way. You'll find yourself level with The Centre in Wan Chai before you know it, where the noise of the city becomes barely audible.

Around 2.8km in and you'll have almost made it to our ending point. As you pass Wan Chai's Hopewell Centre, continue to follow the path until you come across a small shrine. This shrine, doused in the colour red, marks the upcoming entrance to Lover's Rock.

Here comes the last section of the walk, and probably the hardest part at the end of a long day: the staircase. To reach Lover's Rock, you'll have to climb the staircase up the hill to the top. It's fairly steep, but if you're relatively fit you should find you have no problem with it. If not, there are a couple of rest points along the way – a second shrine and seating area for those needing a quick breather.

You'll reach the 9 metre high monolith, made of granite, said to have the power of granting single women husbands, giving wives babies, and ensuring happy marriages to all who worship it. A symbol of old traditions and superstitions still thriving in a now modern city. Light incense, lay red banners, or simply gaze upon the stone in a moment of silence if you wish, but the real reward lies a few feet behind the rock.

Ideally, hitting Lover's Rock just before sunset would be the perfect time to relax and take a moment to enjoy the city and high-rises in front of you change in their appearance. On a clear day, the sky will be filled with orange and pink hues and the buildings will begin to glimmer with light before dark finally sets in.

The concrete jungle in front of you will change fast. From the grey and white concrete and glass that dominates the earth, to the blue hue that appears during the magic hour, engulfing the city just as the sun reaches the horizon and the vehicles light the road like a fire blazing through the skyscrapers.

But don't forget that you'll have to pull your eyes away from the mesmerising sights of the city soon to head back home. The pathways darken substantially, but street lights will help you find your way home.

Walking back along the Bowen Road trails is almost as mesmerising as the view from Lover's Rock.

The buildings come alive with light, pulsing and dancing in their own unique style.

For those who haven't done so already, this is a must for locals and travellers alike who want a view that differs a little from The Peak or the famous skyline seen from the Avenue of Stars, and a great way to get in a little exercise on weekday evenings.