Joanna James
Hong Kong is a busy place; small in size but packed with life. Though the culture is vibrant things get hectic in the big city, luckily Hong Kong has many stunning parks where you can escape it all.
The neighbourhood that now houses some of the best hotels in Kowloon Hong Kong like the value-for-money Dorsett Mongkok was once quite different. The infamous walled city of Kowloon was first built as a maritime defence station in the 15th century but over the year gradually morphed into a semi-lawless slum of poorly-built high-rises. The area was a breeding ground for criminal activity and was torn in the 1980s to create a beautiful Jiangnan garden-style park. The park has many beautiful water features and elegant walkways to meander through.
This graceful garden was once the summer residence of the Governor of Hong Kong during colonial times. However, the manor house was demolished in order to create this exceedingly green and aesthetically pleasing park for the people of Hong Kong to enjoy a little respite from city life. The views from these masterfully crafted lawns are simply stunning.
Yet another embodiment of elegant design and traditional values; the Sung Wong Toi Park is truly a place surrounded by an aura of calm. The park is dedicated to single large boulder inscribed with the Chinese characters Sung Wong Toi in remembrance of the last two boy emperors of the Song dynasty. It is said the inscription dates back to 1279.
As you admire the peach blossoms and lotuses in Tsing Ye Park you will definitely see the European influence in the architecture and design. There are many pavilions, statues and even an amphitheatre in the park. But then, nothing quite compares to the most stunning feature of Tsing Ye; the ornamental lake adorned with its beautiful waterfall.
This fairytale-like wonderland is tranquil and serene. Rock-lined pathways wind through the park to converge at a beautiful gilded pagoda. The park is serenaded by traditional Chinese music which adds a new depth to the atmosphere. You can also find many Koi ponds and other little waterways adding a little more magic to the place. If you do visit Nan Liang Garden be sure to stop at the Pine Teahouse for a cup of divine Chinese brew.
If you like to be alone with your thoughts for a bit or just enjoy nature in silence, Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park is perfect for you. Just as the name would suggest, the park is built around a small reservoir right in the heart of the city. You can hire a pedalo and take it for a spin on the lake and be sure to take a few breadcrumbs to feed the carps.
This massive park has really everything you could want in a park; play areas for the kids and scented gardens that are a joy for the senses. There is also even an artist's corner that exhibits the work of local artists.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
