Park sights in Hong Kong
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A
Hong Kong Park
Designed to look anything but natural, Hong Kong Park is one of the most unusual parks in the world, emphasising artificial creations such as its fountain plaza, conservatory, waterfall, indoor games hall, playground, t’ai chi garden, viewing tower, museum and arts centre. For all its artifice, the eight-hectare park is beautiful in its own weird way and, with a wall of skyscrapers on one side and mountains on the other, makes for some dramatic photographs.
The best feature of the park is the delightful Edward Youde Aviary, named after a former Hong Kong governor (1982–86) and China scholar. Home to more than 600 birds representing some 90 different species, it’s nothin…
reviewed
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B
Kowloon Walled City Park
The walls that enclose this beautiful park were once the perimeter of a notorious village that technically remained part of China throughout British rule, as it was never included in the 1898 lease of the New Territories. The enclave was known for its vice, prostitution, gambling and illegal dentists. In 1984 the Hong Kong government acquired the area, rehoused the residents elsewhere, built pavilions and ponds filled with turtles and goldfish and planted exquisite trees and shrubs, including a long hedge coaxed into the form of a dragon. The park opened in 1996. Close to the Carpenter Rd entrance of the park is the renovated Yamen building, once an almshouse. It contains…
reviewed
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C
Kowloon Park
Built on the site of a barracks for Indian soldiers in the colonial army, Kowloon Park is an oasis of greenery and a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui. Pathways and walls criss-cross the grass, birds hop around in cages, and towers and ancient banyan trees dot the landscape. There’s an aviary as well as a Chinese Garden and Sculpture Walk, featuring works by local artists. Kung Fu Corner, a display of traditional Chinese martial arts, takes place here from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Sunday. The renovated Kowloon Park Swimming Complex comes complete with four pools and waterfalls. Visit on a weekday; on weekends there are so many bathers it’s difficult…
reviewed
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D
Victoria Park
At 17 hectares, Victoria Park is the biggest patch of public greenery on Hong Kong Island and is a popular place to escape to. The best time to stroll around is in the morning during the week, when it becomes a forest of people practising the slow-motion choreography of t’ai chi. At the weekend they are joined by Indonesian amahs, (domestic workers) who prefer it to Central. Between April and November you can take a dip in the swimming pool. The park becomes a flower market a few days before the Chinese New Year and is the site of the Hong Kong Flower Show in March. It’s also worth a visit during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when people turn out en masse carrying lanterns…
reviewed
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E
Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park
A rewarding 6km walk in the area starts from the village of Hoi Ha (literally ‘Under the Sea’) on the coast of Hoi Ha Bay, now part of the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, a 260-hectare protected area blocked off by concrete booms from the Tolo Channel and closed to fishing vessels. It’s one of the few places in Hong Kong waters where coral still grows in abundance and is a favourite with divers. You can visit anytime, but 1½-hour tours of the marine park are available in English at 10.30am and 2.15pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Be aware that you must register with the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD; 1823) in advance, though.
reviewed
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Tak Wah Park
Tak Wah Park in the centre of Tsuen Wan has ancient trees, footbridges over ponds and ornamental stone mountains. It’s a peaceful place and an ideal spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the town around it.
reviewed
