Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan: The Ultimate Waterfront Walk and Jog Along Hong Kong Island
Stretching across the entire northern edge of Hong Kong Island, the waterfront route from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan is one of the city’s most rewarding urban walks and runs. What was once a fragmented series of promenades is now, for the most part, a continuous harbourfront experience that combines skyline drama, neighbourhood character, and rare flat ground in a famously hilly city.
Whether you are a long-distance jogger, a weekend walker, or a visitor wanting to experience Hong Kong at human pace, this route offers a unique perspective on how the city meets the sea.
At a Glance: Route Overview
Start: Kennedy Town waterfront
Finish: Shau Kei Wan waterfront / typhoon shelter area
Distance: Approximately 13 kilometres
Terrain: Largely flat, paved promenade and boardwalk
Difficulty: Easy to moderate due to distance rather than elevation
Best for: Walking, jogging, sightseeing, photography, sunset views
The route follows Victoria Harbour almost the entire way, passing through some of Hong Kong Island’s most contrasting districts, from quiet residential western neighbourhoods to the dense commercial heart of the city, and onward to the working harbour landscapes of the east.
Why This Route Is Special
Unlike Hong Kong’s country trails, this walk or run requires no climbing, no technical footing, and no navigation skills beyond following the water east. The reward is not wilderness, but something equally compelling: constant motion.
Ferries cut across the harbour, container ships slide past, trams rumble just inland, and the skyline evolves kilometre by kilometre. You are never far from food, transport, or shelter, making this an ideal long route even for less experienced walkers or runners.
Section One: Kennedy Town to Belcher Bay
The Calm Before the City
The journey begins in Kennedy Town, one of Hong Kong Island’s most liveable neighbourhoods. The waterfront here feels open and relaxed, with wide paths, seating areas, and unobstructed harbour views.
This westernmost section is ideal for easing into the route. Early mornings are particularly peaceful, with dog walkers, runners, and elderly residents practising tai chi against the backdrop of container terminals across the water.
For joggers, this is an excellent warm-up zone. For walkers, it is a chance to settle into a rhythm before the city becomes busier.
Section Two: Western District Promenade to Sheung Wan
Residential Harbourfronts and Local Life
As you move east, the promenade continues through the Western District, an area that feels distinctly local. The skyline is lower here, and the waterfront is used as much by residents as by visitors.
You will pass playgrounds, resting pavilions, and fishing spots where locals cast lines into the harbour. Inland, wet markets and old apartment blocks hint at the neighbourhood’s working-class roots.
This stretch remains relatively uncrowded compared with Central and Wan Chai, making it a favourite for steady-pace runners who want uninterrupted movement.
Section Three: Central Waterfront
Hong Kong at Full Volume
The transition into Central is dramatic. Buildings grow taller, ferry traffic intensifies, and the promenade widens to accommodate crowds.
This is Hong Kong’s postcard section: glass towers, Star Ferry crossings, and long harbour vistas toward Tsim Sha Tsui. Walkers will likely slow down here, drawn to viewpoints, public art, and people-watching opportunities.
Joggers should be prepared for heavier foot traffic, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Early mornings remain the best time for uninterrupted running through Central.
Section Four: Wan Chai Promenade
Open Space in the Urban Core
Wan Chai’s waterfront feels more spacious than Central’s, with long straight paths and fewer bottlenecks. The harbour opens up visually, and breezes are stronger here, offering relief on humid days.
This section is popular with runners training for longer distances, thanks to its flat, uninterrupted layout. Walkers will appreciate the sense of openness and the contrast between the calm water and the dense city just a few blocks inland.
Sunset is particularly striking along this stretch, as the light reflects off both the water and the glass towers behind you.
Section Five: Causeway Bay to North Point
Parks, Playgrounds, and Community Energy
Past Wan Chai, the route enters Causeway Bay and North Point, where the waterfront becomes more park-like. Expect basketball courts, jogging tracks, fitness equipment, and families enjoying the open space.
This is a lively, community-focused section. You may need to adjust pace due to children, cyclists, and casual strollers, especially on weekends.
For walkers, this area offers plenty of seating and shade. For joggers, it is best treated as a relaxed mid-route segment rather than a place for speed work.
Section Six: The East Coast Boardwalk
Under the Highway, Above the Water
One of the most distinctive parts of the route is the East Coast Boardwalk, which runs beneath the Island Eastern Corridor. Far from feeling dark or oppressive, this section has been thoughtfully designed with lighting, viewpoints, and themed rest areas.
Here, the city feels raw and infrastructural. You run or walk beside concrete pillars, seawalls, and open harbour, with traffic roaring overhead and waves lapping just metres away.
This stretch marks the psychological halfway point for many travellers and offers a sense of accomplishment, especially for those completing the route in one go.
Section Seven: Quarry Bay to Shau Kei Wan
Working Harbour and Local Character
The final kilometres take you past Quarry Bay and toward Shau Kei Wan, where the harbour becomes more industrial and traditional. You will see typhoon shelters filled with fishing boats, maintenance docks, and small working piers.
This area feels distinctly less polished than Central or Wan Chai, and that is part of its appeal. It offers a glimpse into the maritime side of Hong Kong that still underpins the city’s identity.
Reaching Shau Kei Wan feels like a genuine finish line. The neighbourhood’s local restaurants, markets, and transport connections make it an excellent place to stop, eat, and reflect on the journey.
Practical Tips for Walkers and Joggers
Timing and Pace
Walking: Allow three to four hours, depending on stops.
Jogging: Strong runners can complete the route in 90 minutes to two hours.
Best time: Early morning for runners, late afternoon or early evening for walkers.
Hydration and Supplies
Bring water, especially in warmer months. While shops are never far inland, there are long waterfront sections without direct access to vendors.
Footwear and Clothing
Comfortable walking shoes or road-running shoes are sufficient. The surface is paved throughout. Sun protection is essential, as shade is inconsistent.
Exit Points
One of the advantages of this route is flexibility. Multiple MTR stations sit just inland, allowing you to shorten the journey at almost any point.
Who This Route Is For
Urban explorers who want to understand Hong Kong beyond shopping malls
Distance runners seeking a flat, scenic long run
Casual walkers looking for a safe, well-maintained route
Visitors wanting a comprehensive, ground-level view of the city
Walking or jogging from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan is not just about distance. It is about continuity — watching neighbourhoods, architecture, and harbour life transform step by step.
Few cities offer such a long, flat, and visually engaging waterfront route through their urban core. Whether completed in one ambitious go or broken into sections over multiple days, this journey captures Hong Kong at its most dynamic and human scale.
