Going for a walk in a Chinese-style garden will transport you to an entirely different environment and provide some tranquillity to take your mind off everyday stressors.
LessLocated in the midst of Lai Chi Kok Park, this garden is modelled after the Lingnan style – one of the major garden styles following Sichuanese and Jingnan that divides a garden into a combination of multiple courtyards, and uses elements like towers, bridges, and corridors. Lingnan Garden has plenty of winding paths that divide the courtyard and features ten scenic spots that naturally flow into each other.
True to Tsuen Wan’s unique blend of old villages among high-rise buildings, Jockey Club Tak Wah Park is a Chinese garden located right in the heart of Tsuen Wan’s business district. It was built on the former grounds of the Hoi Pa Hakka village, and contains some of the village’s original buildings. A pond full of koi and turtles can be found at the centre of the park, which can be seen from the surrounding paths or from one of the few pavilions that cut into the pond.
Originally a Chinese military fort, the Kowloon Walled City was once a densely packed and lawless territory within Hong Kong. After its destruction in the 90s, the site was designed into a Jingnan garden reminiscent of the early Qing dynasty, with eight sections that blend into each other, a chess garden, and several pavilions. Visit the exhibits inside the Yamen – a declared monument and one of the main attractions – where you can learn about the history of the Walled City.
Part of Chi Lin Nunnery’s large temple complex, Nan Lian Garden is a secluded Tang dynasty-style garden in Diamond Hill. The centrepiece of the garden grounds is the golden pavilion sitting in the middle of the lotus pond, so head here and take in the tranquil and calming atmosphere. Offering an experience unlike anywhere else in the city, Nan Lian Garden is the ideal retreat for a little peace and quiet.
Hollywood Road Park has historical value, as it used to be the site of Possession Point – the location where the Royal Navy first arrived in Hong Kong – and Tai Tat Tei, a flea market once filled with hawkers and stalls. Nestled in between residential buildings on the slope of Hollywood Road, this park boasts traditional Chinese architecture such as a gateway with bright red pillars and green tiles, moon gates, and a pagoda by an artificial pond that is home to several tortoises.
Hutchison Park may be one of the smaller venues on our list, but like the saying goes, good things come in small packages. Located in Hung Hom’s residential area, this park is complete with rock gardens, ponds, and a tai chi area. It also features plenty of rest areas underneath large, shady trees, making it the perfect spot for some much-needed unwinding.