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Header image courtesy of @shokwaav (via Atlas Obscura)
Originally published by Ching Yuen. Last updated by Alisa Chau.
When living in a city as crowded as Hong Kong, getting the breathing space that you need may seem like a dream beyond reach. But Hong Kong isn’t as devoid of parks and greenery as you may think. If you don’t have the frequent flyer miles—or the annual leave—for a tropical getaway, we’ve got your back. For the sake of your rest and rejuvenation, here are some of the city’s best hidden parks. Bet you didn’t know that some of these high rises have proper lawns!
The further you get from the city centre, the higher are the chances of seeing more green. Tsuen Wan Park is built along the coast near the pier, with a charming maritime theme adopted into its design. Within the green oasis, there is an artificial lake and waterfall lined with trees to provide shade and bring coolness into the air circulation during summer. It’s the perfect, most tranquil spot to get away from all of your worries and let the calming sounds of the waterfall wash them away.
Tsuen Wan Park, 59 Wing Shun Street, Tsuen Wan | (+852) 2408 9592
Note: Tsuen Wan Park may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Many have heard and visited the Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill, but what about the adjacent Nan Lian Garden? Nestled among high-rise apartment blocks, skyscrapers, and flyover highways is where you will find the sprawling park, the only Tang dynasty-style landscape garden in Hong Kong that still retains its original layout.
Designed using a one-way circular route that takes you around the best views of the garden, Nan Lian is the perfect example of how tradition meets modernity. Take in the ponds, waterfalls, and shrubbery as you go along and marvel at the peace and quiet that is in abundance in this hidden garden.
Nan Lian Garden, Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill | (+852) 3658 9366
Note: Nan Lian Garden may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
A small slice of hidden paradise can be found at The Upper House in Admiralty, which offers a secluded green space on the sixth floor with a view of the surrounding buildings in the area. It’s conveniently located for those working in the central business district to go to for a break—the sunset views are to die for and the atmosphere is relaxed.
What’s more, four-legged friends are also allowed to come along and explore the area between Mondays to Fridays. Weekends visits are also recommended for enjoying garden bites and picnic drinks. It sure offers a different side of Hong Kong that we don’t often see!
The Lawn, L6 (Portion A), The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty | (+852) 2918 1838
Note: The Lawn may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Everyone and their mum know about the Peak, but not quite as many have heard about the Victoria Peak Garden. Sitting just a short distance away from the tourist-packed Peak Tower and Peak Galleria, the hidden park may take a bit of effort to find, but your reward is another bit of secluded greenery to recharge in. If the appeal of real grass and sunshine isn’t compelling enough for you, here’s another perk: all pets are welcome!
Victoria Peak Garden, Mount Austin Road, The Peak
Note: Victoria Peak Garden may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
We know this park isn’t particularly hidden, but it sure is far enough away from the city centre and there are lots to explore. Tai Tong Organic EcoPark is located in the tranquil valley of Tai Tong village, which is only a 10-minute drive from Yuen Long. Occupying over a million square feet of land amongst lychee woods, it’s perfect for a day out with the family.
The EcoPark is also a key educational partner of Hong Kong’s schools and promotes environmental awareness. We’re convinced that it’s the perfect spot for an off-the-beaten-path date; frolic around the lotus fish pond, pick strawberries, go horseback riding—the possibilities are endless.
Tai Tong Organic Ecopark, 11 Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long
Note: Tai Tong Organic Ecopark may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
High rises aren’t just for living and working in; they can also be for farming! Holed up amongst concrete slabs, it may be difficult to appreciate the small beauties of urban life, but little green oases like Cityfarm can be found throughout Hong Kong.
These small farms make their homes amongst the rooftops of industrial buildings, aiming to foster respect and appreciation of nature through green living. Sunlight, organic soil, and natural fats—as well as professional guidance—help nurture the plants, and fresh organic vegetables are harvested on a regular basis. Finally, Hong Kong architecture is pulling double duty!
Enough with the green—let’s throw some other colours into the mix. Un Chau Estate has a truly hidden gem that appears only in springtime. Concealed by the crowded buildings of Hong Kong, this vast public housing estate contains a garden that is overlooked by many, but those who chance upon it could find a fairytale-like tunnel.
When spring comes, the ceiling of the tunnel is covered in vivid blooms, pink leaves, tiny white flowers, and vines that wind around the walkway. We challenge you not to twirl around singing like a Disney character!
Un Chau Estate, 303 Castle Peak Road, 303 Un Chau Street, Cheung Sha Wan
Note: Please be respectful towards your surroundings, as this is a residential area.
Located in western Sham Shui Po, Lai Chi Kok Park is an oasis in the bustling city. The multi-level park was constructed in a classical Lingnan style, which favours pale colours such as green and white and adopts large numbers of relief carvings and sculptures, dotted with structures like balconies and verandas.
The lower level, for instance, boasts a small garden surrounded by an impressive pond with a waterfall and fountain. In fact, this scenery is often adopted by local period dramas on television as the backdrop for an imperial garden. The upper levels also offer various sporting facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, as well as a kids’ playground.
Lai Chi Kok Park, 1 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok | (+852) 2307 0429
Note: Lai Chi Kok Park may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Kowloon Walled City Park sits on the very site of the former Kowloon Walled City, which was an infamous breeding ground of crime and debauchery in the SAR. In 1987, the shantytown was torn down and replaced with a park styled after a Jiangnan garden that boasts glamorous Chinese traditional greenery and water features.
Its dark history has been preserved in historical artefacts that are dotted around the public space, such as the yamen located in the centre of the park—the only building that remains of the old Walled City. This park is ideal for soaking up some culture while enjoying the quaint greenery.
Kowloon Walled City Park, Tung Tsing Road, Kowloon City | (+852) 2716 9962
Note: Kowloon Walled City Park may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
A hidden park gem perched on a cluster of high-rise residential buildings in Hung Hom, Hutchison Park is styled as a Chinese garden with a lot of greenery. A walk through the garden trail reveals decorated archways, stone bridges, pavilions, and ponds. The shade and greenery allow you to enjoy tranquillity within the concrete jungle. It’s also equipped with several children’s playgrounds, which will keep the little ones entertained.
Hutchison Park, Tai Wan Road, Hung Hom
Note: Hutchinson Park may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Although not quite “hidden” either, Kowloon Park is a spectacular and enormous public space amid the hectic neighbourhood of Tsim Sha Tsui. Once an army fortress that was handed over by the military for public use in 1970, the park now offers a seamless mix of multi-purpose arenas and relaxation areas. It houses the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, as well as the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool where you can catch some rays.
To relax in peacefulness, head to the Chinese Garden, which encompasses a two-tiered lotus pond linked by rock cascades, a maze garden, and a sculpture walk.
Kowloon Park, 22 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Note: Kowloon Park may be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Having lived in Hong Kong, Beijing, and London sure is a fun fact whenever people try to guess Ching’s accent. She loves switching between all these language channels and her “mother tongue” is just determined by how many drinks she’s had for the night! She loves movies, travelling, and exploring cities, from hidden alleys to gourmet dining, so feel free to hit her up if you need any suggestions for dinner!
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