There was an update on the Round-the-Island Trail in Hong Kong last week when a question in the Hong Kong government about progress on the trail’s construction was asked.
Responding to a request for information on where the project stands, and what obstacles there are for its completion, Secretary for Development, Bernadette Linn, gave an overview of the trail, which runs for approximately 60km, connecting the harbourfront promenades on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island and a number of existing promenades and countryside walking trails in the Southern District.
So far, Linn said, 85% of the trail has been connected, with the target of completing 90% of the trail within next year and completing the remaining works by the end of 2031. The project has progressed in phases since 2023 to close missing links and upgrade existing sections, following the eastern section of the East Coast Boardwalk opening last month, which now connects the 13km harbourfront from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan.
In the Central and Western District, waterfront sites like Shun Tak Centre and China Merchants Wharf remain privately owned or operationally constrained, preventing direct promenades, though nearby pedestrian links tie into adjacent areas. The Western District Public Cargo Working Area handles about 10% of Hong Kong’s total cargo volume and must retain its core function, Linn said, but rear walkways already connect promenades at both ends, with beautification works—including better signage and installations—due by the first quarter of this year.
“The Government will continue to liaise with the landowner to explore options for enhancing the at-grade pedestrian access at this location,” Linn said regarding Shun Tak. China Merchants Wharf’s rezoning for commercial and leisure uses will require a public promenade upon redevelopment.
For Kennedy Town’s New Praya road section, which lacks a dedicated footpath, the government is considering a boardwalk or seawall using last year’s streamlined Protection of the Harbour Ordinance mechanisms, with consultation proposals slated for the second quarter of this year.
“As regards the entrance to the Belcher Bay Promenade, although it is adjacent to a bus terminus and some large trees, as mentioned by the Hon Judy Chan, the road space meets the accessibility requirements and does not affect the overall connectivity,” Linn said.
“We will keep in view its usage and explore the feasibility to undergo enhancement with relevant departments from time to time.”
In Hong Kong Island’s Southern District, recent completions include a footbridge linking Cyberport Road to Waterfall Bay Park and a new trail from South Bay Beach to Chung Hom Kok Road. Ongoing works, such as the trail between Tai Tam Road near Pacific View and Lo Fu Shan Catchwater, plus Hairpin Beach beautification, will wrap up in the second and third quarters of this year, while two new sections—from Cape D’Aguilar Road to Shek O Beach, and Victoria Road to Sandy Bay rocky shore—start this year and are expected to be completed by year-end.
After reaching 90% connectivity, Linn said the final 6km—including Shau Kei Wan to Heng Fa Chuen and southern stretches like Brick Hill to Mills & Chung Path—pose technical challenges such as slope stabilisation, and this will push the project completion to 2031.
Regarding the road section along Big Wave Bay Road, Linn said the road space is very narrow here.
“Given the cost-effectiveness and the impact on nearby residences, it may not be suitable to construct a walking trail there. We are considering alternative proposals, such as rerouting the trail via Dragon’s Back, which has been recognised as Asia’s Best Urban Hiking Trail.”
Linn emphasised the Development Bureau’s “incremental approach” of tackling simpler sections first for immediate public benefit before addressing the more complex ones.
