Stressed? Virtual reality forest bathing is here to relax you

Forest bathing, aka shinrin-yoku, is a new stress relief trend based on the belief that getting in touch with Mother Nature can bring rejuvenating and restorative benefits. For lazy busy Hongkongers, or those too afraid to venture anywhere without AC, this healing practice is being brought to Mong Kok.

To re-create a surreal forest journey, the appropriately named The Forest has collaborated with Jasmine Nunns, Hong Kong’s first Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Certified Forest Therapy Guide, to identify and capture beautiful hideaways in Hong Kong, including Kau Tam Tso, Bride’s Pool, Wu Kau Tang and Mirror Pool – all brought to life in Mong Kok via VR technology.

Thanks to this pop-up VR studio, from now until April 30, Hongkongers can go on a nature walk and de-stress without making the trek to the countryside. To make it a fully immersive wood-like experience, there’s also a luxurious campsite set up next to the studio – all it’s missing is a campfire and some mosquitos. Even better, for every ‘like’ on Facebook, the Forest will donate $1 to forest conservation charities and provide guests with discount coupons. Time to take on a walk on the wild side!