These parks in Hong Kong are your serene escapes from the city...
From hitting the bike trails to camping, to visiting Lamma Island, there are a great variety of outdoor activities that you can do on the weekend. But for those who consider themselves a homebody, you can start with places that are a little bit more accessible and less energy-consuming – say, exploring the coolest city gardens and parks in Hong Kong? Now go enjoy the calming green landscapes and peace-filled settings, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
Where are the best parks in Hong Kong?
1. Victoria Park
Located in the heart of Hong Kong Island in Causeway Bay, Victoria Park is a diverse city hangout with accessible playgrounds and a wide selection of public facilities, such as tennis courts, basketball courts, roller skating rinks and a model boat pool which is a favourite for old and young. Have a seat at this lovely park when you feel tired from all the walking in shopping malls or when you want a quick break from all the noises and massive crowd in Causeway Bay. On Sundays, the park is buzzing with domestic helpers who like to catch up there on their day off.
Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
2. Kowloon Walled City Park
Kowloon Walled City Park sits on the site of the former Kowloon Walled City. After World War II, it was notoriously known as the hub for criminals, drug addicts, prostitutes and even unlicensed dentists; and in 1995, it was transformed into a park for residents to use. The Chinese-style gardens have preserved features from some of the original buildings, and it’s a must-go for those who are into culture and history. Definitely one of our favourite parks in Hong Kong.
Kowloon Walled City Park, Tung Tsin Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong
3. Hong Kong Park
Located in Admiralty, Hong Kong Park is one of the best parks in the city. Along with an artificial lake and a waterfall, there are also an array of modernised facilities, including a Tai Chi Garden for those who need space for practicing, an aviary for bird watching and the Vantage Point which provides a panoramic view of the park. Hong Kong Park also houses a selection of preserved historic garrison buildings that were built between 1842 and 1910, such as Flagstaff House, which was formerly the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces and is now a tea museum.
Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong
4. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park is named after the father of modern China Dr. Sun to commemorate his contribution during the Xinhai Revolution. It’s close to the city – approximately 15 minutes walk from Sheung Wan MTR – and a pleasant location for a quick picnic and a nice breath of fresh air. The Park also has a seven-a-side soccer pitch and two basketball courts for teens and children to get their muscles stretched and to sweat it out. It’s one of the most accessible parks in Hong Kong to go on a picnic.
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, 16 Eastern Street North, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
5. Nan Lian Garden
An oasis of calm in the busy city, Nan Lian Garden is a Chinese Garden in the Tang style that sits just next to Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill. Inside, visitors can walk around the beautifully curated space or spend time at the vegetarian restaurant. The garden is a photographer’s dream!
Read more about Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden.
Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Wong Tai Sin, Hong Kong
6. Yan Chau Tong Marine Park
If you don’t mind going a bit further off the beaten path, located on the northeast coast of Plover Cove Country Park, Yan Chau Yong Marine Park consists of a variety of landforms, featuring bays, peninsulas, rock cliffs, and sandpits. It’s renowned for its abundant fishery resources, as well as its mangroves and seagrass beds serving as the ecological habitats for different sea animals. It’s regarded as “Mini Guilin” (one of the most well-known scenic destinations in China) by locals in Hong Kong and is the perfect spot away from the hustle and bustle for sightseeing.
Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, Plover Cove Country Park Visitor Centre, Bride’s Pool Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong
7. Tin Shui Wai Park
For those living in the vicinity, Tin Shui Wai Park is a great spot to take your kids out for playtime, your doggo for a walk, or yourself for a quick run. In the middle of the park sits a large artificial lake, occupying about one hectare where kids can be seen playing with remote-controlled boats. There are a total of 15 fitness stations throughout the park and they’re elderly-friendly. Bring your rackets,basketballs, and skateboards to get active in the sports facilities.
Tin Shui Wai Park, 6 Tin Shui Rd, Tin Shui Wai, Hong Kong
8. Lai Chi Kok Park
The residential neighbourhood of Mei Foo is quaint enough without this public park, you can imagine how peaceful it’d be to sit here in silence and read a good book or soak in some sun. The Lingnan Garden at Lai Chi Kok Park is perfect for a pristine walk and if you’re a photography enthusiast, capturing the cultural essence of Hong Kong with a concrete backdrop will surely bring out some interesting photos. As the seasons change, so do the colours of this park. Around this time in spring, the park is covered with blankets of flora and fauna, and around autumn the leaves actually turn brown (not too common in Hong Kong).
Lai Chi Kok Park, 1 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
9. Tamar Park
An urban oasis smack dab in the middle of Admiralty, Tamar Park is the perfect place to get reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its green lawns and stunning views of Victoria Harbour, this park is ideal for spreading out a picnic blanket and relaxing. Adjacent to the Central Government Offices and a stone’s throw away from the Admiralty MTR Station, you can easily venture into Tamar Park for outdoor events and exercise sessions.
Tamar Park, Harcourt Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong
10. Tuen Mun Park
A major park in the New Territories, Tuen Mun Park is a beautiful mass of greenery conveniently located near Tuen Mun Town Hall, Tuen Mun Public Library, and Tuen Mun MTR Station. This 12.5-hectare park houses the popular Reptile House where you can marvel at different species of lizards and snakes. A lovely place to visit on a family day or even for a day of solo exercise, Tuen Mun Park has a model boat pool, roller skating rink, playground, and leisure area. Photographers will also enjoy exploring the diverse trees, shrubs, and plant species dotted around the park and will no doubt spot some colourful landscape.
Tuen Mun Park, Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
[This article was originally published in September 2018 and updated in 2023 by Min Ji Park.]
