Genevieve Pang

Aside from our world-famous cityscape with towering skyscrapers, Hong Kong is also known for having plenty of lush nature and greenery with fantastic hiking trails. In a renewed governmental push, eco-tourism is going to be a key part of the strategy to boost our economy. Building on the increase of tourist arrivals in the city – which rose by 10 percent to exceed 16 million visitors in the first four months of 2025 compared to the year before – the Hong Kong government aims to strengthen our appeal to international travellers through promoting a ‘tourism is everywhere’ concept, pushing ecological and cultural attractions to meet changing preferences and travel patterns. Of the nine new ‘tourist hotspots’ named in the scheme’s blueprint in May, eco-tourism is set to be a major focus. Well-known hiking destinations such as the Peak, Tai Mo Shan, Lantau Peak, and Sai Kung will receive special attention as part of the ‘Four Peaks’ tourism project. Highlighting the city’s close proximity to nature, this green tourism strategy focuses on the Peak Trail (High West Section), the Ngong Ping Trail (Nei Lake Shan Section), the Sharp Island Country Trail, and Rotary Park to Tai Mo Shan Viewpoint, chosen for their accessibility, short routes, spectacular scenery, and convenient access to transportation. Upgrading trail facilities is going to be a crucial part of the transformation, including setting up hiking information boards and directional signage, and improving connections to nearby

Good news for everyone who loves a good show – the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) has announced its programme for the 2025-2026 season, and its packed schedule of flagship events includes the WestK Cabaret Festival, a first for Hong Kong! Leading these artistic experiences in mid-August is the highly successful Cantonese musical The Impossible Trial, which is returning to Hong Kong for its third run after a mainland China tour. Visitors can also expect to see a mix of tradition and modernity at the Black Box Chinese Opera Festival, with a choice between three award-winning Chinese opera productions running from October 11 to 26. Jazz music lovers are going to be well catered for, with Freespace Jazz Festival coming back from November 6 to 9, presenting a dynamic blend of pop, jazz, and folk music; followed by legendary jazz vocalist and five-time Grammy-winner Dianne Reeves set to headline in November 2025 – an unmissable event in a season calendar of 30 programmes and 700 performances. Photograph: Courtesy Lee Chia-yeh Other notable performing arts during WestK’s 2025-2026 season include Cloud Gate Dance Theatre’s Lunar Halo production, which promises to be a mesmerising blend of contemporary dance, LED visuals, and a soundtrack scored in collaboration with Icelandic band Sigur Rós. From November 20 to December 6, get moving with the third edition of Freespace Dance, where avant-garde movement works will explore the evolution of the dance medium – look out for a pe

Even in our city known for its relentlessly fast pace and challenging work-life balance, the need for improved well-being and good health is growing – perhaps imperatively so. Aligning with global health trends, Hong Kong residents are showing a greater desire to prioritise better living instead of simply longer living. Manulife’s Asia Care Survey 2025 highlights a shift in mindset among participants, with 77 percent of respondents redefining health as the power to live well, live independently, and engage in fulfilling activities as part of their preferred lifestyles, not simply living illness-free. Hongkongers also appear to be embracing holistic ageing as part of life’s many milestones over maximising lifespan – almost 47 percent of respondents emphasise maintaining good physical and mental health in order to age gracefully, putting personal freedom, dignity, and purpose on equal footing with pursuing longevity, though achieving financial freedom comes at a close second at 41.3 percent. And how are Hongkongers addressing critical health issues? 68 percent of respondents are embracing preventative health, building up resilience, and taking care of mental health and emotional well-being – all factors identified as key concerns for attaining long-term vitality. Normal ageing is increasingly being seen as less of a negative thing to combat, and the focus is on maintaining a good quality of life instead.  However, another study shows that men have some catching up to do with re