With over 7 million indwellers it is not surprising that many of us believe Hong Kong to be a highly urbanised region – and in many parts it is. Yet, three quarters of its 1,000 plus kilometre square surface area is in fact countryside – and with an increasing number of available flights to Hong Kong from the United Kingdom and Ireland – it is expected that more and more of us are soon to discover its green side in 2010.

The landscape of the Hong Kong is very various, with a dramatic coastline of beaches and bays leading to tree-covered hills and mountains up to around a thousand feet. One such area, Repulse Bay, is now one of the most desirable parts of the region and includes a sheltered and popular beach which is perhaps best seen from the Ocean Park cable car ride.

In stark opposition to the still and protected coast, the Pat Sin Leng mountain range in the north east and includes eight amazing peaks all averaging around 520 metres in height and named after the Eight Immortals. The area is protected by the Pat Sin Leng Country Park and benefits hiking trails for visitors of all types of fitness, as well as habitat of significant natural interest – such as Sha Lo Tung and Ting Kok.

Apart from inland parks, there are also a number of marine-focused nature reserves and parks such as Tung Ping Chau Marine Park on the small north eastern island of Ping Chau. Unlike much of Hong Kong the island is very flat and population has declined in recent years with much of the area given over to nature. This is maybe most evident with the abundance of coral and other marine life – which are popular diving sites at weekends.

On of the oldest and most unspoiled regions of Hong Kong is Aberdeen Country Park which covers 423 hectares of the southern uplands and has grown to become known as Hong Kong Island’s ‘back garden’. Despite its distant feel, Aberdeen is accessible to everyone and even boasts a picnic area for those with disabilities – also as nature trails, a designated Tai Chi terrace, a hiking trail and a barbecue area. The park is also home to a number of dams which are visible at the beginning and end of the nature trail.

For an area that varies again, the Hong Kong Wetland Park is a well-developed conservation facility that offers galleries on conservation and habitats for a number of florae and faunae. The unique crocodile-like false Gharial can be spotted here, as well as the rare mouse deer or Chevrotain.