Joanna James
While the island nation may be better known for its sky-piercing structures, Hong Kong is home to a surprisingly large number of green spaces. Built to preserve the natural beauty of the island and provide recreational hotspots for residents, these gardens are the lungs of the city.
As the first botanical and zoological garden to have been established in Hong Kong, this expansive patch of green down Albany Road is a must-visit highlight for nature lovers. Also identified as Bing Tau Fa Yuen in the native tongue, the venue is not only a charming leisure spot but also a research and conservation centre offering educational tours.
Boasting a collection of 27 floral species, the Chater Garden is another one of the island's best locations for tree huggers and avid strollers. The Tree Walk accessible at Chater Garden offers visitors a glimpse of the venue's rich biodiversity which includes not only delicate flowers and blooms but also fruit trees. This is also the ideal pit stop for those who are visiting the Hong Kong Zoo as the garden is a short walk from the wildlife hotspot.
Whether one is based at Park Hotel Hong Kong or any other property offering Hong Kong hotel deals, a tour of the island's best gardens would not be complete without a visit to this venue. Called the Centenary Garden for short, this parkland is divided into two zones with one containing an impressive fountain. Often used to host public events, this conveniently located green space is a stone's throw from the Hong Kong Coliseum and the Hong Kong Museum of History.
As an extension of the iconic Chi Lin Nunnery, the Western Lotus Pond Garden curiously does not contain any lotus flowers or ponds for that matter. But what the garden is known for is its lush, green lawns, walking trails and the bonsai exhibitions that take place periodically. Vegetarians can also grab a bite from the handful of plant-based restaurants inside the Western Lotus Pond Garden as the views alone are worth the stopover.
Ranked among Hong Kong's most dynamic wildlife reserves and natural enclaves, the Kadoorie Farms & Botanical Garden is another must-visit point of interest. Once called the Kadoorie Experimental and Extension Farm, the garden occupies pride of place on one of Hong Kong's tallest mountain summits. Its location atop Mount Tai Mo Shan is not the only reason to tour this botanical wonderland, however, as it is home to a large number of native plants and animals that are difficult to spot in the wild.
Located in Kowloon, this is one of the few historical gardens that are open to visitors in Hong Kong. Home to a memorial boulder that marks the reign of two Song Dynasty emperors, the garden sits at the crossroads where Ma Tau Chung Road and Sung Wong Toi Road meet. Boasting a scenic fountain and walking paths, the garden is also a favourite picnic hub for local couples and families.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
