Hong Kong is a world-class Asian city with some of the best free public park settings in Asia. Here are the top five park areas foreign tourists like the most, for their interest value, scenery, and walks.
Hongkong ParkHong Kong Park
World class and free
- 8 hectares (16 acres)
- World-class greenhouse with 2,000 plant species
- World-class large open aviary under net canopy
- Hong Kong's best and oldest 19th century British buildings
- Free good ceramics museum
Hong Kong Park isn't big in terms of acreage, but it is packed with interesting sights and exhibits. If you like Chinese tea or Chinese antique porcelain, then the Hong Kong Museum of Teaware housed inside Flagstaff House is a good place to stop for tea. The exhibits are some of the best in China.
The jazzy new architecture in the area including Lippo House (feminine curves) and the Bank of China Tower (masculine sharp angles) rise up above stolid and respectable Colonial buildings, and the contrast is a sight to see. A climb up the steps up the side of a small hill allows for a nice overlook of the aviary, the park, and city.
Kowloon Park
Kowloon ParkA restful break from the city
- 13.5 hectares or 33 acres
- Big enough to get lost on winding paths
- Aviary and bird pond
Kowloon Park is good for a change from the city streets and attractions around Kowloon. You can walk around and see the gardens and animals. Or just sit and rest on a bench. It lies alongside Nathan Road. TheKowloon Masjid sits on the southeast side.
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Garden
Free and really good small zoo and garden area
- 5 hectares or 12 acres
- World-class primate zoo
- Reptiles and birds
- 1,000 species of plants in outdoor gardens
- Near Hong Kong Park
The Zoological and Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to spend an hour or so. If you go during weekday working hours, it is quieter, making the place a wonderful place for tourists to go for a free stroll.
The various primates (about 13 species) are a world-class attraction because there are few places in Asia to see so many different kinds of primates together in one place in a nice environment. Some of the cages are big enough that the jumping and swinging animals are entertaining to watch.
Avenue of Stars + the Additional Pedestrian Walkway
Avenue of StarsA great tourists' sightseeing stroll...
- 450 meters of the Avenue of Stars
- World-class 8 pm light show
- World-class scenery
- And additional waterfront walkway extending 750 meters up the peninsula
Hong Kong is a notable world city for its Symphony of Light light show staged at 8 pm. The Guinness Book of World Records calls it the world's largest sound and light show. But even during the day, seeing the scenery along the Avenue of Stars promenade and the statues and handprints of actors and singers is worth a trip.
What is more, you can have a good walk seeing the ships and sites. The Avenue of Stars continues as a tree and bush lined strip of city park area and totals about 1.3 kilometers or about a mile of scenic walking along Victoria Harbor.
Kadoorie Farms
- Jungle paths
- Organic fields and restaurant
- Dozens of domesticated or wild animals
- Large area: 148 hectares or 365 acres
Kadoorie Farms is a local favorite for school class trips and outdoor adventures. The park and farm combo area sits on the lower slopes of Tai Mo Shan Mountain (957 meters 3,100 feet), the highest peak in Hong Kong, and the place is often used as a stopping or starting point for hikes.
The small 20 HKD (USD 2.50) entrance fee is well worth it. The hiking trails with waterfalls on the mountain are some of HK's good routes. Refreshments (20 HKD) and organic meals (starting about 70 HKD, 9 USD) are available.
See Hong Kong and its Parks with China Highlights
When booking a Hong Kong tour mention any park that you would like to visit and our expert sales team will fit it into your itinerary when making a quote.
