Celebrities savour tourism board’s ‘Four Corners of Hong Kong’ great outdoors campaign

Striking images of Hong Kong’s rolling green mountain ridges dotted with red azalea flowers, or a quaint lighthouse on an unspoilt island are not the first things that come to mind when many people think of the cosmopolitan city.

Many thousands of people from around the world, who come to compete along spectacular countryside trails and paths in annual world-class hiking and running events such as the Hong Kong 100 Ultra Marathon and the TransLantau by UTMB long-distance race, are already aware of its outstanding natural beauty. Yet most people are oblivious to the city’s abundant countryside and breathtaking terrains, which are suitable for all kinds of visitors.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) dedicated online platform, Hong Kong Great Outdoors, developed over the past decade, provides virtual experiences for global audiences to explore the city’s enticing outdoor landscapes.

It recently launched a new video campaign, “Four Corners of Hong Kong”, which aims to showcase the outdoor adventures the city offers. The campaign transports audiences to the east in Sai Kung, to Po Toi Island, Stanley and Ap Lei Chau in the south, to Lantau Island in the west, and to Robin’s Nest Country Park in the north. Each location highlights Hong Kong’s diverse scenery and unique outdoor experiences, from scaling mountains to diving into the sea.

Yet, it is hard to beat word-of-mouth recommendations, particularly those of celebrities. HKTB invited actress Eye Kamolned Ruengsri from Thailand, and Payne Peng and Wayne Huang from Taiwan, to travel around a diverse range of scenic attractions and share their experiences on social media with their many followers to help bring them to the attention of a wider audience. The videos capture the unique charisma of each of the celebrities as they use their own storytelling skills to highlight the beauty of the natural landscapes.

Huang, a popular singer, was joined by actor Peng, one of the stars of the acclaimed drama series, Oh No! Here Comes Trouble, as they explored the south of Hong Kong Island, including Stanley and Po Toi Island – the city’s southernmost tip.

“HKTB has always used different approaches to promote the world-class greenery of Hong Kong globally,” Huang says. “For this video series, they have applied various creative treatments.”