Over the years, Hong Kong has become synonymous with the fast-paced hustle and bustle of city life — the towering skyscrapers, 24/7 shopping sprees and delectable food finds on every corner. The modern, innovative persona is what Hong Kong is known for. But amidst and beneath all the city glamour are more things Hong Kong can be proud of.

 World of flavors

Following a five-year hiatus, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival makes its grand return to the Central Harbourfront. The festival will also serve as a launching pad for a month of culinary celebrations taking place around Hong Kong. Throughout November, Taste Around Town will highlight over 300 of Hong Kong’s destinations to eat and drink, with a month-long program of exclusive discounts, limited-time menus and more that will reinforce Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s great dining cities. The HK Bar Show will spotlight a number of bars around the city offering specially crafted Hong Kong-inspired libations, including a number that recently appeared on Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

Also new to the festival is the Tasting Theatre, a series of hands-on workshops available for visitors of all ages feeling inspired to roll up their sleeves and don an apron.

Racing events

Hong Kong’s largest international cycling event, the Cyclothon, happens on 22 October, with participants speeding through streets and roads with roaring crowds alongside 5,000 other cyclists from around the world. This world-class race offers grandstand views of Hong Kong’s city skyline and stunning natural landscape over its three-tunnel, three-bridge 30- and 50-kilometer routes, which include roads and thoroughfares opened exclusively for the cyclists.

For those who prefer to be on their own two feet, Hong Kong’s moderate winter climate is ideal for outdoor running, as seen with the upcoming Hong Kong Streetathon on 17 December, which will reap an expected 20,000 runners. Registration is open now via the event website: streetathon.com.

Outdoor adventures

There are a number of alternative ways to explore Hong Kong on two wheels for cyclists of all skill levels.

One unmissable journey can be found in the form of a 55-kilometer-long track that connects Tuen Mun to Sha Tin. En route, riders can explore some of the city’s rich cultural history with the path boasting easy access to centuries-old temples and other historic structures and monuments. It’s a culturally and historically rich bike ride for history lovers who also want to get their cardio exercises in.

If water is more your style, head to Sai Kung Country Park’s Three Fathoms Cove (Kei Ling Ha Hoi), located in the Sai Kung Peninsula, and step onto a stand-up paddleboard to take in charming seafront villages framed by incredible geological formations and marvel at breathtaking views as fish swim beneath your feet.

But if you prefer to have your feet on land, rock climbing on Tung Lung Chau is where it’s at. Guarding the east entrance to Victoria Harbour is the small but mighty subtropical island of Tung Lung Chau, one of Hong Kong’s true hidden gems.

Visiting Hong Kong entails new experiences each time and, this year, Hong Kong puts on a new face for its reinvigorated lineup of anticipated events. The city boasts its ability to shapeshift, fitting into everyone’s taste, and with a few months left in the year, it beckons you to make the most of it and try something new.