Five Ways to Enjoy Hong Kong in the Spring
When it comes to spring, we think of flowers in bloom and lush greenery — a stark contrast to neon lights and skyscrapers, which is what mostly Hong Kong embodies.
But there’s more to this electrifying city than just massive shopping centers and impressive business districts. Beyond the towering buildings, there are beautiful parks, fun beaches, and a hidden oasis of natural beauty waiting to be explored. Not to mention, Hong Kong is one of those destinations that is so well-adjusted to the seasons, offering a variety of unique events and seasonal delights throughout the year.
In Spring (March to May), the city enjoys pleasant weather perfect for outdoor activities. Hong Kong also welcomes the flowering season with various festivals, from traditional Chinese cultural celebrations to contemporary music and art shows. Whether you’re a resident or touring the city on holiday, we’ve got a few ideas on how you can experience the blooming beauty of spring in Hong Kong.
Go Hiking and Enjoy the View
Hong Kong’s spring climate is very mild and pleasantly warm, with daytime average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C, which grows warmer as it transitions to the summer months.
This makes it the ideal time to explore the city’s parks. For adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers, hike along scenic trails and be rewarded with breathtaking views as you conquer some of the city’s best peaks. Don’t miss out on popular spots like Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak that was once a volcano, and the curving mountain ridge trail Dragon’s Back, which cuts across Shek O Peak in Shek O Country Park.
Want the view without having to work for it? Visit Victoria Peak (a.k.a. The Peak) for a relaxing picnic overlooking the stunning Hong Kong skyline! You can head up via The Peak Tram, Asia’s first funicular railway. Up there, you can enjoy The Peak Tower, which is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and a spectacular viewing platform called Sky Terrace 428. This is also the location of the Madame Tussauds Museum, the Peak Galleria Mall, and the serene Victoria Peak Garden that looks straight out of a Victorian novel with its fairytale-like gazebo and well-manicured lawns perfect for a leisurely promenade.
Join the Fun, Join the Festivities
One of the best things you can experience in Hong Kong this season is attending one of their many festivals. And there’s a ton of them! One of the most popular ones are the Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Dragon Boat Carnival.
The former is a much-awaited annual event that showcases the best of local and international talent in the performing arts. The festival features a range of performances from music and dance to theatre and opera productions. This year, the festival is featuring a stellar lineup of over 1,300 international and local artists in more than 125 performances of over 45 programs. There are piano masterclasses, plays, ballet exhibitions, and orchestra concerts, which can fill up your spring itinerary.
On the other hand, the Dragon Boat Festival is a celebration that commemorates the life and death of an ancient poet named Qu Yuan. This holiday is celebrated through thrilling dragon boat races, traditional drum performances, and a whole lot of rice dumplings called zongzi! There’s also the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade, where Tai O villagers would parade statues of deities on small boats to drive away bad luck. It’s an event filled with traditional rituals like cai qing (plucking the greens) and is a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture.
Another seasonal delight is the Hong Kong Flower Show, which takes place from Mar. 14 to 23 at Victoria Park. This annual botanical showcase will be packed with flower and gardening stalls, food and beverage counters, as well as boutiques selling handicrafts, books, and more. Tickets to the event are priced at HK$14.
Go on a Spring Seascape
Some may say beaches are for the summer, but we say taking a dip in spring can be just as amazing. We need more sun, sand, and waves in our lives, and Hong Kong has much to offer in that department with its surfer-friendly scene and sandy shorelines.
Head over to Big Wave Bay, which the city’s surfing community go-to, well-known for its huge swells. It’s only a 30-minute drive from central and has great facilities such as board rentals and cafes.
Other shorelines you can dip your toes in are Shek O Beach, Hong Kong’s most popular back beach with its calm waves, peaceful atmosphere, and dog-friendly setting; and Long Ke Wan Beach, a pristine sandy stretch on Sai Kung East Country Park lauded as one of the best beaches in the world due to its soft white sand, clear waters, and rustic hillside.
Take a Junk Boat Cruise
Riding a junk boat is another great activity this season, providing you with a unique way to witness the city’s stunning waterfront and harbor.
These cruises allow guests to board a traditional Chinese junk boat, which has been sailing the waters for over 60 years! These vessels have been restored to their original design, so you’re technically riding a piece of history as you set sail into the city’s scenic harbor.
Choose a day excursion or a cruise under the stars and be captivated by the view! A few companies are providing these cruises, and one of them is Dukling Harbour Cruise, which provides daytime and sunset cruises with pick-up points at the Avenue of Stars. A tour costs around HK$220 per person. You can book your slot here.
Have a Family Fun Day
Theme parks require long days under the sun, so the most ideal time to go is this season when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy long hours outdoors without suffocating in the heat.
Hong Kong has several fun parks you can choose from, but there are a couple of standouts on the list that you should definitely carve a space for in your itinerary.
Ocean Park HK is a marine-themed park where you can encounter a variety of exotic animals and learn more about the country’s ecosystems and conservation efforts. There’s a grand aquarium, interactive experiences with the animals, and a myriad of events that change every few months, so there’s always something new to discover there! It’s a great destination for families looking for a more laid-back fun day, or for adrenaline junkies who want to experience a few turns on thrill rides since the park also doubles as a theme park with various rides and attractions like roller coasters, ferris wheels, and cable cars.
Disney fans will also be happy to know that one of the six Disneylands in the world is located in Hong Kong. Spend your day in the Happiest Place on Earth and step into the magical world of your favorite Disney movies through heart-stopping rides, enchanting shows, and memorable character encounters. Spring in Hong Kong Disneyland starts with a Lunar New Year event, which transitions into their summer-themed celebrations. The parade on Main Street U.S.A. also changes depending on the season, and you might be able to catch some seasonal delights in one of their bakeries or restaurants, too!
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