Hong Kong Leads the World in Daily Steps, Driven by Urban Design and Active Lifestyle
Hong Kong has once again cemented its position as the world’s most active city, with its residents averaging an impressive 10,663 steps per day. This remarkable figure, revealed in the 2025 Garmin Connect Data Report, marks the second consecutive year the city has topped global rankings for daily step counts. The report, which analyses fitness and activity trends worldwide, paints a vivid picture of Hong Kong’s energetic populace.
The data indicates that Hong Kong’s average daily steps not only significantly surpass the global average of approximately 8,300 steps but also show an increase from the previous year’s average of 10,340 steps. This sustained high level of activity can be attributed to a confluence of factors deeply ingrained in the city’s fabric.
The Interplay of Urban Design and Daily Commutes
A key driver behind Hong Kong’s exceptional step count is its distinctive urban design. The city’s high-density environment, coupled with an exceptionally well-developed public transport network, necessitates a significant amount of walking as an integral part of daily life. For many residents, commuting involves extensive walking to and from public transport hubs, making each journey an opportunity to clock up steps. This seamless integration of walking into the daily routine transforms everyday commutes into substantial physical activity.
A Thriving Hiking Culture Fuels Activity
Beyond the daily grind, Hong Kong boasts a robust hiking culture, particularly evident on weekends. The city’s proximity to stunning natural landscapes, including numerous country parks and scenic trails, provides residents with ample opportunities for recreational hiking. These weekend excursions contribute significantly to the overall high step counts, demonstrating a commitment to fitness that extends beyond the confines of the urban environment. This dual focus on active urban living and dedicated outdoor pursuits creates a powerful synergy that propels Hong Kong to the top of the global activity charts.
Global Activity Trends and Hong Kong’s Place
The 2025 Garmin Connect Data Report also sheds light on global activity trends, indicating a general rise in overall activity levels worldwide. Following Hong Kong, other top-ranking countries include:
- South Korea: Averaging 9,969 steps per day.
- Spain: Recording an average of 9,937 steps.
- China: With an average of 9,794 steps.
- Ireland: Completing the top five with an average of 9,735 steps.
These figures highlight a growing global consciousness towards maintaining active lifestyles.
Beyond Steps: A Rise in Racquet Sports and Balanced Workouts
The report delves deeper than just step counts, revealing fascinating trends in specific activities. Globally, racquet sports have experienced the most substantial year-on-year growth, soaring by an impressive 67 per cent. This category encompasses popular sports like tennis and badminton, as well as the rapidly emerging sport of pickleball.
In Hong Kong, pickleball has been identified as the city’s hottest new sport, with a staggering 281 per cent increase in recorded sessions, reaching 8,961. This surge in popularity underscores the city’s embrace of new and engaging fitness activities.
Furthermore, the data indicates that Hong Kong residents are increasingly focusing on a balanced approach to fitness. Indoor running and strength training in the city have seen notable increases of 18.33 per cent and 22.51 per cent, respectively. This suggests a growing awareness and dedication to incorporating both aerobic conditioning and strength development into their fitness routines, leading to more comprehensive and effective workouts.
