Hong Kong countryside’s natural beauty, festive activities draw crowds on Christmas Day, as John Lee urges ‘warmth and kindness’
- People hit hiking trails of Tai Lam Country Park to celebrate holiday, while city leader urges people ‘to care for individuals from different backgrounds’
- City’s top Catholic priest during midnight mass also asks residents to reflect on populism and dangers of polarised society
The natural beauty of Hong Kong’s countryside and the fervour of festive celebrations drew large crowds of revellers on Christmas Day, while the city’s leader urged people to show “warmth and kindness” after he spent time with youth groups over the weekend.
The city’s top Catholic priest also had a message for residents at mass in the early hours on Monday, calling on them to reflect on populism and the dangers of a polarised society.
Later in the morning, hundreds of people hit the trails of Tai Lam Country Park in Yuen Long amid the cool weather, with a Post reporter estimating nearly 1,000 people had passed through the Tai Tong section over a two-hour period to admire the spectacular foliage of sweet gum trees.
Bus operator KMB has arranged a special service for Christmas Day and Boxing Day to help hikers travel to the park from Yoho Mall on Tai Tong Shan Road. The company said it was the “best time to watch the beautiful scenery of the red-leaf sea”.
William Chan, 35, who runs an education company, was among those who made the trek and even took the time to paint the scenery in watercolours.
“My job requires me to be in town during this period,” he said. “But this is a great way to spend Christmas.
“It’s very peaceful to be away from the crowds and tourists in urban areas, and I enjoy sharing this beautiful scenery with everyone here.”