Forget the usual image of going to Hong Kong just to "eat" and "shop." In 2026, the trend of "Runcation" (Run + Vacation)—where you run while traveling—is booming unstoppable, with Run Clubs emerging worldwide.
One of the dream destinations voted best by traveling runners is "Hong Kong," a city with friendly streets, connected sidewalks, and charming street life you’ll never see just sitting in a car.
Thairath Online takes you to check in on a legendary City Run route that climbs from skyscrapers up to The Peak, offering million-dollar views that will make you fall in love with Hong Kong from a new perspective. Lace up tightly and join the run along The Route Wan Chai - The Peak, "From Concrete Jungle to Floating Greenery." Running Insider guarantees this is a "must not miss" route, letting you experience Hong Kong 2-in-1: starting in a bustling economic district before gradually climbing up, leaving the noise behind for the peaceful greenery, rewarded with a breathtaking bird’s-eye city view that makes you forget fatigue. The route is about 7 kilometers, taking 1.5 to 2 hours, with a moderate to challenging difficulty due to over 400 meters of elevation gain. Recommended times are 06:00 for morning light or 17:00 for sunset viewing.
1. Start at Wan Chai & The Blue House Warm up at MTR Wan Chai Station (Exit A3). Here you’ll find the first landmark, the "Blue House," a classic colonial-style blue terrace building. Snap some photos for your story, then set your Google Maps destination to “The Peak Tower Sky Terrace 428.”
2. The real climb begins on Wan Chai Gap Road From the city streets, you’ll enter Wan Chai Gap Road, a path cutting through the urban bustle into nature. Along the way, you’ll meet many local Hong Kong runners, so you won’t feel alone. The route is shaded by large trees that nicely block the sun.
3. Highlight: Barker Road Once you pass various intersections and reach Barker Road, you’ll find it worth the effort. This is the most "valuable" viewpoint, running parallel to the mountain, offering panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour. Early morning visits are recommended for fewer cars, beautiful photos, and occasionally catching the vintage, romantic sight of The Peak Tram passing with skyscrapers in the background.
4. Final destination: The Peak Push yourself a bit more to reach The Peak summit, where urban development and nature converge. At the top, you’ll find shopping malls and restaurants ready to welcome you to cool down, recharge, and enjoy high-altitude views of Hong Kong city.
Along the route, Running Insider also recommends two must-visit spots: Bakehouse (The Peak Tower branch), famed for its legendary long queues for egg tarts. This branch is special with an exclusive menu item, the "Puff with Red BBQ Pork"—a collaboration with the famous Sun Kwai Heung BBQ pork shop, featuring crispy puff pastry filled with fragrant charcoal-grilled pork, guaranteed to delight.
Halfway Coffee (The Peak branch) is an artsy coffee shop perfect for coffee lovers to check in. Tucked behind the mall, it has a chill atmosphere ideal for sipping a quality cup of coffee, rewarding your heart and body after the run.
For the return trip, if you don’t want to run down, there are two options: The Peak Tram—a classic tram ride down to Garden Road Station (Central side) for 82 HKD, offering a full scenic descent; or Citybus route 15—a double-decker bus from The Peak Galleria to Central for a lighter fare of 13 HKD, taking about 40 minutes to enjoy city views comfortably.
In 2026, try changing your usual plane ticket for a new experience trip. Pack your running shoes and discover Hong Kong from a perspective you’ve never seen before. We guarantee you’ll fall in love with this city even more.