Many are shocked to learn that not far from the typical Hong Kong cityscape of the island are Hong Kong's country parks. These are protected areas, where development is forbidden. They account for some 40% of the land area and include wild marshlands, home to the widest varieties of birdlife in the world.

In fact about 70% of Hong Kong is undeveloped comprising woodland, grassland and agricultural land. There are many hill walking tracks, and for the more adventurous and action seeking, rock climbing, paragliding, cricket, hockey (ice and field), golf, tennis, mountain biking and the fullest range of water sports.

There are also many opportunities to pursue Asian-origin interests such as yoga, tai chi, dragon boating, martial arts, mahjong to name but a few.

There are many public and private clubs that have tremendous indoor and outdoor facilities, like lawn bowls, squash courts, ten-pin bowling, gyms, badminton halls, basketball, and lots more. Kids (young and old!) are well catered for.

Rugby has grown in stature since Hong Kong began hosting its annual international sevens tournament 20 years ago. In 2005, Hong Kong played host to the IRB World Cup Sevens for the second time.

Horse racing is the most popular leisure activity, with enthusiastic spectators frequenting Happy Valley and Sha Tin race courses, either just to watch, but more often to bet and try to win some money. Horseracing and football betting are the only legal forms of gambling in Hong Kong.