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Despite the image of Hong Kong as a teeming city, there are large isolated seacoast areas and mountains with walking paths. Forty percent of Hong Kong's land is鈥嘾esignated as country parks.
Walking tours of Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the outlying islands are the best ways to see this part of the South China coast. For hikers and pleasure walkers alike, the hills, beaches and woodlands provide trails for exploring, picnicking鈥嘺nd鈥噀njoying nature.
Deep Water Bay
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The Hong Kong Jockey Club runs races at the courses in Happy Valley and Shatin, in the New Territories. Horseracing is a popular pastime in Hong Kong. Races are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and some Wednesday evenings from September until the end of June. Races start at 1300 and 1800 and it is advisable to arrive at least one hour early if you intend to get into the public enclosures. Entrance fee is HK$10. Racing lasts from three to six hours. You can walk to Happy Valley in about 20 minutes. A taxi costs about HK$45.
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ICE SKATING
Ice-skating is available at the City Plaza Phase II Shopping Center at Tai Koo Shing on the Hong Kong Island. No booking is necessary. Weekends are crowded.
The ice-skating rink is open from 0930 hours to 2200 hours Monday to Thursday. Prices range from HK$45 to HK$70 per session. Admission includes rental skates.
To get to Tai Koo Shing take the MTR to Tai Koo Shing Station and follow the signs. It is a ten-minute taxi ride from Fenwick Pier.
Professional soccer is played at Hong Kong Stadium in Happy Valley. Amateurs play in public parks. The nearest public park is Southorn鈥嘺playground, which has a soccer field (asphalt) and basketball courts.
Another rugged sport played here is Rugby. This is similar to American football but with less protective鈥噀quipment worn. The "Rugby Sevens" is played in Hong Kong each year.
Other sports in Hong Kong include field hockey, which is a fast and furious brand played mostly by young Indian, Ceylonese and Portuguese residents. A slow, but technical sport is lawn bowling, played at numerous clubs.
Tony the Tailor
Hong Kong is a paradise for runners. The terrain is varied, with many difficult hills and even if you are a beginning jogger you’ll find a suitable place to run.
The flat 2.5-mile stretch of Bowen Road on Hong Kong Island is the preferred place of hordes of joggers and those looking for flat terrain. You can run around Victoria Peak or select any of several dozen paths lining Hong Kong’s picturesque reservoirs.
For competitors, there is something going on almost every weekend. For an up-to-date race schedule and contact numbers, check out these websites: www.avohk.org or www.geocities.com/colosseum/park/2358. Just click on the hot link for the running calendar.
The only softball field is in Kowloon City reachable by public transportation.
The Softball Association requires 48 hours notice for use of the field on weekdays only. Fees and charges are: Usage fee: HK$400.00 per hour (Day time), HK$600.00 per hour (Night time), Ground Marking Fee: HK$200.00 per game, Umpires: HK$200.00 per game.
The league season is October to May, but private games are played all year round.
