Hong Kong is the centre of international trade due to its bustling commercial harbour. The city was once a British protectorate shielded from the regional communist upheaval that took place decades ago, making it a safe haven for capitalists in the region. With time the country’s economy kept growing at a breakneck speed, which drew in world famous tourist resorts, entertainment venues and designer boutiques. Many travellers that come to Hong Kong come to experience the glamorous shopping malls and exciting entertainment that is on offer. Few have even heard of a different side of Hong Kong further away from the city. The hills surrounding the commercial district have recently undergone a transformation; it has become a tourist attraction in itself for the scenic beauty as well as the various adventure sports that are on offer.
Whether you are by nature adventurous or just a business person looking to forget the day’s work, mountain biking out on the hills would be an enjoyable experience. The Hong Kong Mountain Biking Association (HKMBA) which was initially a collection of expatriates who liked cycling on weekends, has grown into a professional sports body that encourages locals as well as tourists to try out this sport. The HKMBA has been instrumental in setting up several biking trails in various parts of the island that are of varying difficulty.
Each trail has been planned out so that the difficulty of the course varies so that an absolute novice and a professional rider can both enjoy this outdoor activity in Hong Kong. A popular trail among tourists is the one that goes through Hoi Ha village. This trail starts off gently on paved road before coming to the tougher terrain so that beginners can get a feel for their bikes as the ride progresses. It passes through some beautiful countryside scenery and also some rural villages, which allows riders to experience a bit of rural living in Hong Kong.
Another popular trail for more advanced riders is the Tsai track; here while on the climbs and the tops of the hills riders can see across the ocean in to mainland China.
Those visiting the city and looking for a well placed Hong Kong hotel from which to explore and experience the region can stay at Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong features contemporary accommodation options and comforts that help make for a truly memorable stay.