By Jon Butters

Wandering through the heaving streets of downtown Hong Kong, it's hard to believe there are so many opportunities for climbers beyond the skyscrapers.

Over the past decade, many new climbing sectors and dozens of routes have been developed on the volcanic cliffs and granite outcrops on Hong Kong's hills and coastlines, providing fantastic climbs in stunning and easily accessible locations.

Climbing is growing in popularity in Hong Kong. Da Verm, an indoor climbing center that opened in Sheung Wan in 2011, has more than 6,000 registered members on its system, while venues such as Go Nature in Kwun Tong and government-built walls in Po Wing and Kai Tak have opened more recently.

These places help climbers prepare for the cliffs of Hong Kong. Here are five of my favorite climbing routes, all within an hour of the middle of the city.