Yes, Hong Kong has beaches and yes, they’re worth seeking out. Take in a classic at Repulse Bay or Shek O, or seek out the lesser-known shores of Big Wave Bay or Ham Tin Wan.

Escape the concrete jungle by exploring one of the manicured green spaces of Hong Kong. Get lost in the hedge maze at Kowloon Park, take yourself on a leisurely amble in Victoria Park or be dazzled by the flora and fauna (tortoises included) on display at the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest of its kind in the world.

Strange and stunning rock formations from 400 million years ago can be found at Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, one of the city’s many famous but unexpected natural spaces. Take a guided tour of the park to see the volcanic rock piled into hexagonal columns – it, ahem, rocks.

Hong Kong is a city best enjoyed at street level, where you can haggle with market vendors, grab an egg tart on the go and bathe in the omnipresent neon glow. So go pound the pavement and enjoy its irrepressible energy.

Indulge your inner child with a day out at Hong Kong Disneyland, which adds a few eastern touches to the Americana – like a park layout designed in accordance with feng shui and local Disney-inspired cuisine such as dimsum.

Hong Kong’s best view is at the top of Victoria Peak, which towers a mighty 552 metres high. Take the Peak Tram to the lookout where you can gape at the city skyline, or walk the popular Morning Trail up to the top.

Traditional wooden sailboats dating back to the Han Dynasty still dot Hong Kong’s harbour. You can charter one for a cruise around the outlying islands or splurge and upgrade to a modern yacht with catered food and flowing drink.

Perched atop a mountain on Lantau Island is the 34-metre-tall Tian Tan Buddha. Join the flocks of admirers who climb the 268 steps up to the base of the “Big Buddha” for a closer look at its enormity.

You might not technically be outside, but take a ride in one of Hong Kong’s cable cars and you’ll be treated to a pretty spectacular view of the great outdoors. The aerial gondolas connect downtown Tung Chung with the highland of Ngong Ping and offer a beautiful look at the landscapes of Lantau Island below.

Relieve stress, balance your yin and yang then soak up the sun by starting your day the way locals do: with a Tai Chi class. The city’s parks are typical staging ground for the classes, some of which are even offered in English.

Lantau Peak is one of Hong Kong’s favourite places to see the sunrise and once you reach the top, you’ll know why. But you have to earn it. You'll need to head off on the hike at 4 am to be at the summit when the dawn breaks around two hours later.

For the fresh air without the exertion, pull up a stool at one of Hong Kong’s many outdoor eateries. Grab a budget bite at one of the lively 'dai pai dong' street food stalls around the city or upgrade to a spot on the outdoor terrace of a hot-right-now restaurant like Duddell’s.

A green oasis in the middle of Kowloon’s metropolis, Nan Lian is a tranquil garden in typical Tang Dynasty style - complete with pagoda, tea pavilion, koi pond and Buddhist pines. Come here for postcard-perfect relaxation.

Hong Kong has a wealth of hiking trails to choose from but if you only do one, make it Dragon’s Back. One of the easiest and most centrally-located walking trails in Hong Kong offers ocean views and ends at the glorious Shek O beach. Scenery has made this hike a favourite with local residents.