Do you sometimes feel less physically inclined to trailwalk on certain weekends, but still have a hankering desire to commune with nature? HK’s public parks offer a wonderful alternative to enjoying nature’s bounty minus the heightened cardiovascular exertion. Here are five of our picks for best spots to slow down, chill out and enjoy yet another – less frenetic! – side of our beloved #HomeKong.
5 Awesome Public Parks
Nan Lian Garden
This Tang Dynasty-style garden boasts hills, water features, hundreds of bonsai trees, rocks, wooden structures, and an eye-popping golden pagoda (above and below) called the “Pavilion of Absolute Perfection.” There’s plenty of eye candy here, including the stunning Long Man Lou waterfall, behind which sits a vegetarian restaurant. Make sure to drop by and enjoy a meal whilst being soothed by the sounds of water gently bouncing off rocks.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the MTR to Diamond Hill. It’s a short walk from the exit; just follow the signs.
Victoria Peak Garden
This park was the site of the Governor of Hong Kong’s Mountain Lodge. The lodge has since been demolished and on its place is a pavilion that provides sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and our city’s iconic skyline. There’s a gorgeous lawn with a traditional British Garden design just a few steps below. Animal lovers, rejoice – unlike other parks operated by the leisure and Cultural Services Department, pets are allowed here.
HOW TO GET THERE: Go up to the Peak by bus, taxi or tram. It’s a short walk from the transport terminus; look for the road signs.
Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park
This water park lies on the nature trail between Parkview to Stanley. It’s an artificial lake that used to be a functional reservoir built in 1889. Because of its smaller water storage capacity, the government decided to cease operations of the reservoir. Some of its original structures are classified as Grade III historic buildings. It reopened as a public park in 1986. The main draw here is paddle boating. You may rent 2- to 4-seat pedal boats and rowing boats from a hiring kiosk.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take bus 6 or 60 from the Exchange Square Terminus. Get off at the Wong Nai Chung Gap stop. Walk towards Parkview; you’ll see the lake on your right.
Hong Kong Park
This 8-hectare park sits serenely in the middle of the CBD. Fountains, waterfalls, an aviary and a greenhouse, a tea museum, a designated tai chi garden… There’s something for everyone here, including for folks who are content to simply watch bright koi fish frolic in the water, or turtles amble by. Bonus – you may use the ENTERTAINER app to redeem buy one get one free offers at LockCha Teahouse and L16 Cafe and Bar – both located inside the park.
HOW TO GET THERE: It’s 25 metres away from a tram stop, 30 metres away from Garden Road, and 200 metres away from Admiralty MTR station.
Kowloon Walled City Park
Among HK’s public parks, this one has a dark history. This was once the site of the Kowloon Walled City – a city within a city that was a lawless enclave. Throughout the 20th century fugitives and other criminals lived here in squalid maze of illegally constructed buildings. Everything from drug trafficking and prostitution to unlicensed dentistry flourished. In 1987, the colonial government took control over the area and resettled its inhabitants. What was once a slum has been turned into a Jiangnan-style garden of the early Qing dynasty, with eight beautiful themed areas.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the MTR to Lok Fu station, then take a taxi to Tung Tau Tsuen Road.
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