Parks in and around Kowloon -Seeking solace amidst the hustle

The Kowloon Park is over 13 hectares in area and is located about 3km away from Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong. However, there are several entrances to the park, including from Haiphong Road, Nathan Road, Canton Road, and Austin Road. A footbridge connects the park to the China Ferry terminal as well. The Park was opened in 1970 but was subjected to a major do-over in 1989. The key attraction of the park is the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. It is a museum that tells the history of the country, and the area. The Discovery Centre building was once called the Whitfield Barracks and was occupied by the British Army. There is a sports centre located within the park premises with indoor and outdoor swimming pools. A dance room, squash court, a fitness room, and an arena that is used for different purposes are all a part of the structure. Exhibitions and concerts are often held in a piazza at Kowloon Park, making it rather colourful and inviting during summer.

Standing tall among the skyscrapers, restaurants, and hotels in Kowloon Hong Kong is the historical structure of Kowloon Walled City Park. The current park was once the premises of Imperial Officers. Its history extends from the 15th century when it was first fortified due to the establishment of a signal station. However, the current walled city came into existence only in 1841 when the British invaded Hong Kong. There are six watch towers and four gates to the park, which are mostly intact to date. The formal naming of the walled city as a park took place in 1995, and eight distinct areas of scenic beauty were declared: the Yamen, the Old South Gate, Eight Floral Walks, the Garden of the Four Season, the Garden of the Chinese Zodiac, the Chess Garden, the Mountain View Pavilion, and Guibi & Fui Sing Pavilion. The park is open til 11 pm every day, and admission is free.

The Nan Lian Garden is the latest addition to the list of parks in Kowloon and is probably the most attractive and alluring park. It was opened in 2006 and is designed as per Tang Dynasty architecture. The Garden is spread over an area of 3.5 hectares and is the product of a collaboration between the Hong Kong Government and the Chi Lin Nunnery. The path of the Garden and its sectors follow the style of Jiangshouju Garden in Shanxi. If you wish to explore the entire garden, all you need to do is follow the walking path, which snakes all around the garden in a circular fashion. There are several water-based attractions here, namely, the Lotus Pond, Moon Wash, Blue Pond, Silver Strand Waterfall and Pin Brook.