Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of green spaces in Hong Kong in spite of the massive population. Hong Kong has many parks and beaches that the western world is often unaware of. Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, and Kowloon Walled City Park are just three of the many green spaces that create serene havens within Hong Kong and are easily accessed by public transportation.
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.
