Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens

This is a pleasant and surprisingly expansive collection of fountains, sculptures and greenhouses, plus a playground, zoo and some fabulous aviaries. Along with exotic trees, plants and shrubs, some 160 species of bird reside here. The zoo is surprisingly comprehensive, with more than 70 mammals and 40 reptiles, and is also one of the world’s leading centres for the captive breeding of endangered species (there are 16 different species of endangered animal being bred here). Albany Rd divides the gardens, with the plants and aviaries in the area to the east, close to Garden Rd, and most of the animals to the west. The animal displays are mostly primates (lemurs, gibbons, macaques, orang-utans etc); other residents include a rather forlorn-looking jaguar and radiated tortoises. The gardens are at the top (ie southern) end of Garden Rd. It’s an easy walk from Central, but you can also take bus 3B or 12 from the stop in front of Jardine House on Connaught Rd Central or buses 40M and 13M from the Central bus terminus below Exchange Sq. The bus takes you along Upper Albert Rd and Caine Rd on the northern boundary of the gardens. Get off in front of Caritas House, at 2 Caine Rd, and follow the path across the street and up the hill to the gardens.