Positioned between towering mountains and glittering skyscrapers, Hong Kong Park is a verdant retreat from the urban landscape. Built on the former garrison site of Victoria Barracks in the bustling Central district of the city, this eight-hectare park marries artificial surrounds with green gardens, in fact there is actually a marriage registry within the park should you feel so inclined.
Other buildings within the park include the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Forsgate Conservatory - the largest in Asia, and the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. Flagstaff House Museum is the oldest colonial building in Hong Kong in its original location and houses a collection of antique Chinese tea paraphernalia as well as an onsite café to sample the brew. The Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre supports local sculptors, printmakers and potters and displays their wares in changing exhibitions. Rare Chinese ceramics and stone seals can also be viewed at KS Lo Gallery.
One of the park's top attractions is the Edward Youde Aviary, a well-designed tropical rainforest which is home to over 600 birds from 90 separate avian species. Walk along the suspended wooden bridge for an eye-level view of the birdlife within the trees' branches. A free guided bird-watching walk is held every Wednesday from 8am to 10am to learn more about the various feathered fauna. Flowing water is a significant feature of Hong Kong Park with waterfalls, streams, lily ponds, fountains as well as cliffs made from artificial rocks. You'll also spy a t'ai chi garden, indoor games hall, restaurant and playgrounds within the confines of the park. The viewing tower affords a great opportunity to take some dramatic photos of the nearby skyscraper buildings.
Entry to Hong Kong Park is free. To visit, the nearest MTR station is Admiralty and then it's an eight-minute walk down Drake Street and then right into Cotton Tree Drive.
