Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong (must see)

What was once a military site and later used by a school has been transformed into a place where trees, water and heritage mingle with urban surroundings. Hong Kong Park opened to the public in May 1991 on grounds that once belonged to the old Victoria Barracks, a large British military complex. It spans about eight hectares, offering a surprisingly calm green retreat.

As you stroll in, you’ll find paths winding under leafy canopies, around an artificial lake with koi and turtles, past a waterfall, streams and ponds. Historic buildings from the colonial era remain: the elegant Flagstaff House, erected in 1846, now welcomes visitors as the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, while the former barracks buildings like Cassels Block house the Hong Kong Visual Arts Center.

For a twist beyond gardens and history, the park’s standout attraction is the Edward Youde Aviary - one of the largest walk-through aviaries of its kind. Here you’ll wander along elevated wooden pathways through lush greenery, while over 500 birds - many from tropical rainforests far beyond Hong Kong - fly overhead or perch in treetops. Below them, streams and ponds complete a verdant, almost jungle-like atmosphere.

As you enter from Kennedy Road, the first feature you meet is the Children’s Playground. On your left stands the Hong Kong Visual Arts Center, and just beyond it lies the Hong Kong Park Sports Center. To the right of the playground is the Edward Youde Aviary. If you continue walking past the aviary, you’ll reach the Fighting SARS Memorial and the adjacent Tai Chi Garden. From here, head north-east toward the Lake, a quiet spot with koi, turtles and a small waterfall. Continuing uphill in the same direction brings you to the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, the most prominent historic structure in the park.