Opened in 1991 on the site of Victoria Barracks garrison and costing a staggering $400 million, Hong Kong Park encompasses eight incredible hectares that visitors will find fascinating. Designed to complement the natural environment, the facility blends nicely with the surroundings and some of the garrison’s buildings have been preserved and utilized. This park offers an oasis of serenity in the bustling city with the ponds, streams, waterfalls, aviary, greenhouse and mature, valuable species of trees creating a world apart from the city. With the outdoor area of Hong Kong Park open from 6AM – 11PM, there are a multitude of activities available for the whole family.

Initially opened in 1864, the small Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens offer visitors to Hong Kong a big impact and it is free. This unique space is divided in two by a roadway and a subway that allows visitors to stroll from one part of the park to the other. With more than 1000 species of plants planted in a way that showcases their natural beauty, walkways let you wander through this green haven and absorb the stunning gardens that have been created. More than 400 birds, 50 reptiles and 70 mammals are housed within the park and there are both horticultural and zoological educational programs. With much of the park opening at 6AM, tourists have lots of time to get lost in the beauty of Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Because different areas close at different times, it is advisable to check the times before visiting the park so that you get the most enjoyment out of this gem.

Located on one of Hong Kong’s most historic sites, the Kowloon Walled City Park design drew inspiration from the Qing Dynasty’s Jiangnan garden style. Opened in 1995 and costing $78 million, the Kowloon Walled City Park has eight zones complementing each other and covering an amazing 31000 square meters. A number of features and relics from the former walled city have been incorporated in the design. The walkways throughout the different zones let you wander among the breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Open from 6:30AM to 11PM, this park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the quiet serenity and shed their stresses, even if only for a short time.

The largest park on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Park makes the most of having Causeway Bay as a backdrop. Named after Queen Victoria, there are over 5500 trees spread over the 19-hectare park. Admission to the park is free although there are some facilities within the park that charge a user fee. That said, there are several sports facilities, such as the roller skating rink and basketball courts, which are free to use. The more sedentary visitors can enjoy the pebble walking path, 2-hectare central lawn, and model pool. There are seating areas throughout Victoria Park. Easily accessed by public transportation, Victoria Park is open 24 hours a day.

Located at West Kowloon’s southern tip, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade offers visitors a chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of this waterfront park. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, cycle on the cycling track, enjoy the landscape, watch the children enjoy the play area, or sit quietly in the pergola and take in the sights and sounds. Open from 6AM to 11PM, there is plenty of time to spend letting the stresses of the day wash away as you enjoy the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade.

As with so many of the parks in Hong Kong, Quarry Bay Park is open from 6AM and 11PM. This park offers an exquisitely designed waterfront promenade to relax on, a serene Tai Chi Garden, jogging path, lookout towers, sports facilities, cycling track and a children’s area. It is a great place to take the family to for a relaxing day out leaving the hustle and bustle behind. Meander through Quarry Bay Park and enjoy the day or take your tennis racket or basketball to have a game or to work of some energy.

Take some time to enjoy the waterfront jewels that are designed to allow visitors to unwind and relax. There is so much to do in Hong Kong that it is easy to overlook these wonderful areas.