Celebrities savour tourism board’s ‘Four Corners of Hong Kong’ great outdoors campaign
Thailand’s Eye Kamolned Ruengsri and Taiwan’s Payne Peng and Wayne Huang explore stunning countryside’s mountain trails and coastal islands
Striking images of Hong Kong’s rolling green mountain ridges dotted with red azalea flowers, or a quaint lighthouse on an unspoilt island are not the first things that come to mind when many people think of the cosmopolitan city.
Many thousands of people from around the world, who come to compete along spectacular countryside trails and paths in annual world-class hiking and running events such as the Hong Kong 100 Ultra Marathon and the TransLantau by UTMB long-distance race, are already aware of its outstanding natural beauty. Yet most people are oblivious to the city’s abundant countryside and breathtaking terrains, which are suitable for all kinds of visitors.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) dedicated online platform, Hong Kong Great Outdoors, developed over the past decade, provides virtual experiences for global audiences to explore the city’s enticing outdoor landscapes.
It recently launched a new video campaign, “Four Corners of Hong Kong”, which aims to showcase the outdoor adventures the city offers. The campaign transports audiences to the east in Sai Kung, to Po Toi Island, Stanley and Ap Lei Chau in the south, to Lantau Island in the west, and to Robin’s Nest Country Park in the north. Each location highlights Hong Kong’s diverse scenery and unique outdoor experiences, from scaling mountains to diving into the sea.
Yet, it is hard to beat word-of-mouth recommendations, particularly those of celebrities. HKTB invited actress Eye Kamolned Ruengsri from Thailand, and Payne Peng and Wayne Huang from Taiwan, to travel around a diverse range of scenic attractions and share their experiences on social media with their many followers to help bring them to the attention of a wider audience. The videos capture the unique charisma of each of the celebrities as they use their own storytelling skills to highlight the beauty of the natural landscapes.
Huang, a popular singer, was joined by actor Peng, one of the stars of the acclaimed drama series, Oh No! Here Comes Trouble, as they explored the south of Hong Kong Island, including Stanley and Po Toi Island – the city’s southernmost tip.
“HKTB has always used different approaches to promote the world-class greenery of Hong Kong globally,” Huang says. “For this video series, they have applied various creative treatments.”
The energetic duo explored the areas in a lighthearted and engaging way in their short film, which resembles a variety show.
“I think this kind of video is really meaningful, taking the audiences to discover the beauty of Hong Kong in detail. I’m sure it will appeal to you all,” Huang says.
While Huang was captivated by watching the stunning sunset view while at Nam Kok Tsui Lighthouse, Peng says his most enjoyable memory was of him attempting to kayak along the city’s beautiful shoreline.
Before sharing their experiences online, Huang and Peng mentioned they had already told friends about their new-found perspectives on Hong Kong.
“We went from the mountains to the sea … I never thought you could explore Hong Kong this way,” Peng says. “I could really experience the ‘slow’ side of Hong Kong. When I returned to Taiwan, I shared my experiences with my friends. They said they really wanted to try it themselves – and they’ve booked their flights.”
Similarly, Ruengsri, a Thai actress known for her roles in hit dramas such as Notification and the Thai version of My Love from Another Star, says receiving the invitation from HKTB helped her discover a side to the city she had never imagined.
“This trip truly filled my heart,” she says. “I don’t know how many times I’ve been to Hong Kong, but this was the first time I got to experience nature.”
Ruengsri explored the hiking trail around Robin’s Nest Country Park at Sha Tau Kok, near the border with mainland China, while stopping to admire the flora and birds and other wildlife along the way.
She also visited nearby historic sites, including the MacIntosh Forts – seven observation posts built as border defences along Shenzhen River between 1949 and 1953 – and a pillbox, or observation post, constructed by Japanese forces during World War II.
Ruengsri hopes her experiences of visiting the city’s countryside will inspire her followers to connect with Hong Kong’s natural wonders, in addition to enjoying its more famous tourism offerings.
“After doing this project, I feel that Hong Kong is not just a city or a place to go shopping,” she says. “It would be great if our Thai viewers invited each other by saying, ‘Hey, let’s go hiking here. It would be amazing’.”
The video campaign also focuses on the eastern and western corners of the city: in the east, lesser-known gems – including Hong Kong Unesco World Geopark, ancient villages, hidden beaches and mountain ridges offering 360-degree views of spectacular coastal scenery – can be found along the snaking MacLehose Trail as its winds its way across the Sai Kung Peninsula; competitors take the same route during the early stages of the Hong Kong 100 Ultra Marathon.
In the west, viewers are transported to Lantau Island, the home of challenging trail running races including the UTMB World Series’ Hong Kong ultra-marathon event, which takes runners through the rugged, hilly terrain of two country parks. The island, Hong Kong’s largest, is also home to popular tourist spots including the charming fishing village of Tai O, the impressive mountaintop Big Buddha and the nearby Po Lin Monastery.
Watch the video to discover Hong Kong’s hidden gems and adventures with three celebrities.