Hong Kong, China

Central: Western & Eastern Harbourfront Promenades

JJ Lim

The running along Victoria Harbour near Central is historic and scenic. It’s among the most iconic waterfront paths in the world, with fantastic views of the water, skyline, and surrounding mountains. There are two sections (not connected, but there are government plans to possibly do so): Western and Eastern Harbourfront Promenades.

Western Harbourfront Promemade. Also known as the Western Harbourfront Promenade, this is a great bet from Central hotels. Owing to numerous improvements over the years, it’s now possible to run for up to 8 km one-way between Tung Lo Wan Fire Station @Victoria Park Road and the Belcher Bay Promenade in Kennedy Town. The paved path features great views as you pass the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Observation Wheel, Star Ferry terminal and numerous piers, and the Arts Center. At Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, there’s an indoor public swimming pool. Note: At the Ferry Terminal, it’s possible to run along the paved road — you’ll see other runners there.

  • Add-On: Paths in Victoria Park @Victoria Park Road.
JJ Lim

Eastern Harbourfront Promenade. Also known as the Quarry Bay Promenade, this paved path starts just west of the east harbor crossing bridge, and runs for about 2.4 km east, terminating just past Aldrich Bay Park. There are great views of the bay. Sites include the Sir Alexander Grantham Memorial and the Law Courts. Access at the western end of path is Quarry Bay MTR, and Shau Kei Wan to the east.

  • Add-On: Near Quarry Bay, just south of the MTR station, is a series of trails and paths including the Po Luen Path and Sir Cecil’s Ride. More info.

 

Essentials
  • Main promenade path is up to 8 km (5 miles) one-way; Quarry Bay Promenade is 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
  • Short Run: 51m (168 feet); Long Run: 182m (599 feet)
  • Depends on route
  • Multiple MTR stations: Hong Kong, Central, Admiralty, Sheung Wan

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JJ Lim
8 months ago

First of all, thank you for the wonderful website that unites running with travelling and exploration.
I’d like to point out that there has been numerous improvements made to this route over the years, and it is currently possible to do a continuous run of 8km (in one direction) without encountering any traffic lights or stops. Start/End points or vice-versa should be Tung Lo Wan Fire Station (Victoria Park Road) & Belcher Bay Promenade, Kennedy Town.
The only point to note would be to pay attention when encountering the Macau Ferry Terminal. Google Maps suggests taking the pavement which is the safer option, which will be a short 50m detour away from the waterfront. Most of the local runners will however simply run along the covered/sheltered road, which serves also as a drop-off point for tour buses, which also means that the vehicles are not likely to be going fast.
There are runners sharing that dual-lane road with vehicles at almost any time of the day, hence it is fairly safe to run alongside the road. Of course, common sense and mutual respect still applies.
This route is a weekly must-do for me, unless I’m travelling and running some other route on greatruns, and in my opinion the most scenic waterfront route in the world 🙂

Essentials
  • Main promenade path is up to 8 km (5 miles) one-way; Quarry Bay Promenade is 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
  • Short Run: 51m (168 feet); Long Run: 182m (599 feet)
  • Depends on route
  • Multiple MTR stations: Hong Kong, Central, Admiralty, Sheung Wan