Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong Park Hillside View
Hong Kong Park (香港公園) represents a remarkable contradiction for a city that has already run out of space. It offers a quiet and pleasant walk through an artificially created environment thriving with all sorts of plants and trees, decorated with waterfalls, fountains and ponds. It is primarily a place for relaxation and an opportunity to escape Hong Kong Island's bustling way of life for a few hours. In addition to the stunning outdoor trek, visitors have several options in terms of indoor amenities located within the park including the Museum of Teaware, Aviary, Conservatory, Sports Centre and Children's Playground.
Lippo Centre Twin Towers
Hong Kong Park was a joint $398 million project that commenced in 1979 between the former Urban Council and Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club and completed in May 1991. Located in Cotton Tree Drive in Admiralty, the reserved 80,000 square meter area provides a leisure experience situated within walking distance from the local business venues that literally surround the park with skyscrapers. The most notable include the distinct Bank of China building and the twin office towers of Lippo Centre. The latter is also nicknamed The Koala Tree due to the design resemblance of koala's clutching a tree. Despite the majority of the facilities within the park have been developed as part of the recent project, the Flagstaff House has been there since 1846 as one of the initial developments undertaken by the British shortly after occupying Hong Kong. Since 1984 the building has become host to the Museum of Teaware which is the venue to learn all about tea down to every intriguing detail; including different varieties, tea ware and methods of preparation with an emphasis on historical facts and influence it had on Chinese culture over the centuries.
Pond Water Lilies
A first impression that instantly derives from Hong Kong Park is the flawless design and allocation of each element within the relatively limited landscape. Exotic flowers and trees blend beautifully with the artificially created waterfall and nearby pond which thrives with species of gold fish swimming amongst water lilies. Other natural habitats include frogs that although remain hidden within the thick vegetation, their distinctive noises can be heard throughout the garden during the summer months.
In addition to the stunning exterior the park offers the visitor the chance to see rare species of birds and plants. The Conservatory, one of the largest in Southeast Asia is divided into three sections; Display Plant House, Dry Plant House and Humid Plant House. Each of these sections is host to a diverse variety of plants ranging from cactuses to tropical plants. Despite the diversity the plants survive because of the artificially simulated environment that is required respectively by each variety. The Edward Youde Aviary is divided into two parts; Caged Display and Walkthrough. The latter is more interesting as the birds fly freely throughout the complex, but there also is a chance to have a closer inspection of the tree canopy.
Other indoor facilities include the Sports Centre and the Children's Playground. The Sports Centre accommodates a range of athletic events, including badminton, basketball, netball, volleyball courts and table tennis, all under an air conditioned environment. The Children's Playground is a safe and controlled multi-level platform designed for the younger audience. Mostly aimed at pre-school to school age, there are many activities that can occupy children offering both physical and mental creative stimulation. Miscellaneous facilities include several restaurants and refreshment kiosks spread across the park, both indoors and outdoors. Toilets are also available in various places.
A visit to the park can be combined with the must-see Victoria Peak which is also located nearby; exploring both sites would ideally require one full day. Besides, arriving early at the park offers the opportunity to watch the Tai Chi practitioners whilst taking their daily exercise. Hong Kong Park is accessible via Exit 'F' of MTR Admiralty station and subsequently only a short walk through the shopping centre Pacific Place where a 2-floor escalator leads just outside the park. Opening hours for the park are between 6am to 11pm daily and admission is free. Detailed opening hours for each of the indoor amenities can be obtained directly via the Hong Kong Park website.