Parks in Hong Kong

Known for its trademark steel and glass skyline, never the less Hong Kong is not devoid green. Scenically, it has a great deal to offer - a landscape rising from sandy beaches and rocky foreshores, woodlands and mountain ranges covered by open grassland and a variety of scenic vistas.

Urban parks and gardens and country parks have been designated to preserve the territory's natural beauty and enhance the quality of life of its residents.

1: Chater Garden

Hong Kong Island

Located in the Hong Kong SAR's Central district, Chater Garden is directly east of the Legislative Council building. Because of its proximity to government, the garden sometimes has been used as a location for political rallies and demonstrations. The garden is named after Sir Paul Chater.

2: Cheung Kong Park

Hong Kong Island

Located in Central Cheung Kong Park, the Cheung Kong Park is part of the Cheung Kong Center, but it is open to the public. Embedded with beautiful ponds and cascades, one can Relax on a comfortable bench to eat a sandwich as the noise of Hong Kong traffic fades into the distance.

3: Choi Sai Woo Park

Hong Kong Island

This park is located near the top of Braemar Hill. It serves as a social hub for the Choi Sai neighbourhood. Choi Sai Woo Park is a landscaped garden providing some freshness amidst the local housing estates and schools. There are two small basketball courts, as well.

4: Hong Kong Park Hong Kong Island Hong Kong Park is a public park by Cotton Tree Drive in Central. The park offers a natural, relaxing environment in the midst of Hong Kong's hectic business centre. Its main feature is Hong Kong's largest aviary. The vantage point is another great place from which to see the birds. Inside Hong Kong Park there is a greenhouse which holds plant exhibitions on occasion. And for athletes, the park also sports a squash court.

5: Kowloon Park

Kowloon

In the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, you will be surprised and delighted to discover this 14-hectare oasis. It boasts a jogging track through Chinese-style gardens. The park includes a large swimming pool, a sculpture garden, and an aviary.

6: Kowloon Walled City Park

Kowloon

The Kowloon Walled City was demolished in 1993, but, for decades, it served as an enclave of China in the middle of Hong Kong under British colonial rule. Crime Story, starring Jackie Chan was, in part, filmed in the empty Walled City as it was being dynamited. The area now is to be found in Kowloon City district, within Carpenter Road Park. The focal point of the elegant park is the Yamen, a Qing Dynasty three-hall structure containing a photo exhibit and relics from the Walled City.

7: Lai Chi Kok Park

Kowloon

This park springs out between Mei Foo housing estate and the West Kowloon expressway. The park provides green spaces, sports facilities and a classical Chinese Lignan-style garden. This is a remarkably lovely park, virtually unknown to tourists – and a great place to take photos.

8: Sung Wong Toi Park

Kowloon

A great big boulder perched atop a hill overlooking Kowloon Bay serves as a memorial to the last two boy emperors of the Southern Song Dynasty, Zhao Shi and Zhao Bing. They resided in Hong Kong from 1277 to 1279. The park was especially created as a home for the memorial after the boulder became dislodged and broken down to one-third of its original size after World War 2.

9: Urban Council Centenary Garden

Kowloon

This public park in Tsim Sha Tsui East was named in honour of the centennial of the establishment of the Urban Council. Since the demise of the Urban Council in 2000, the park is commonly known as Centenary Garden. The park has two sections, one of which is home to a huge fountain, while the other provides space for public events such as fun fairs.

10: Penfold Park

New Territories

The meticulously landscaped Penfold Park attracts thousands of visitors on weekends. The park is located at the centre of the Sha Tin Racecourse. It showcases statues of horses and is closed on race days.

11: Sha Tin Park

New Territories

Sha Tin Park is situated on the west bank of the Shing Mun River. The park consists of six gardens and features a variety of trees and shrubs, a waterfall and two banyan tree bridges. The South Garden provides great backdrops for photographs. At night, the park is perfect for ambling.

12: Po Tsui Park

New Territories

Po Tsui Park is located near Tseung Kwan O in the New Territories. Different kinds of trees are planted there and a wide range of leisure facilities are provided, including artificial turf grounds for soccer and field hockey, a hard-surface mini-soccer/handball pitch, tennis courts, a children's play area, and a jogging trail.

13: Tai Po Waterfront Park

New Territories

Tai Po Waterfront Park is the largest park in the New Territories. It is absolutely incredible, with an amphitheatre, bowling greens, a spiral lookout tower with a panoramic view of the Tolo Harbour, and a promenade. You'll love this one.

Country Parks

Aberdeen Country Park

Hong Kong Island

This sylvan park is outstanding as the only one with a picnic area especially designed to accommodate the disabled. Built around reservoirs on Hong Kong Island, the park's trails provide excellent walks and the park is easily accessible thanks to its proximity to urban areas. The beautiful scenery is the combined result of reforestation and natural regeneration. It is one of the oldest country parks in Hong Kong.

Pok Fu Lam Country

Hong Kong Island

Park Pok Fu Lam is supposedly where Hong Kong's floral emblem, the Bauhinia blakeana, was first discovered. It is a residential area on Hong Kong Island, connected to the Mid-levels, and Aberdeen by Pok Fu Lam Road. The park, located in the foothills of the Peak, encompasses Pok Fu Lam Reservoir – Hong Kong Island's oldest water storage facility. Pok Fu Lam Country Park is a great place for jogging in the fresh early morning air, and for bird-watchers to catch a glimpse of the Black-eared Kite.

Shek O Country Park

Hong Kong Island

The Shek O Country Park is home to the Dragon's Back – a ridge top trail between Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak and the steepest section of the Hong Kong Trail. There are plenty of barbecue and picnic areas in the park. Generally, Shek O is a very relaxing and enjoyable place from which to view Big Wave Bay.

Source: www.hong-kong-hotels.ws