HELLO! HONG KONG TOP PICK | Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is the oldest park in the territory. Built in 1860 and partially opened in 1864, they were completed in 1871.
The gardens, with an area of 5.6 hectares, are divided into eastern and western parts by Albany Road. These are connected by a pedestrian subway. The eastern part, known as the Old Garden, comprises the children’s playground, aviaries, a green house and the fountain terrace garden. It is also home to birds such as the American flamingo, Bali mynah, Hawaiian goose and red-crowned crane. The western part, or the New Garden, is mainly home to mammals, including the Bornean orangutan, buff-cheeked gibbon, emperor tamarin and raccoon, as well as reptiles like the elongated tortoise and spurred tortoise.
On top of the zoological and botanical attractions, visitors can also enjoy features of historical importance, such as the Memorial Arch, the Bronze Statue of King George VI and the Pavilion.
Did you know?
Locals sometimes call the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens by the nickname ‘Bing Tau Fa Yuen’. Bing tau means the head of soldiers and ‘fa yuen’ means garden. The name came about because the park was once the site of Government House, and for a certain period, the Governor also served as the Commander of British Forces in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest zoological and botanical centres in the world. Photo credit: toothpicnations.co.uk
Address: Albany Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Island
Telephone: +852 2530 0154
Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk
How to get there:
MTR Admiralty Station, Exit B. Walk along Garden Road for 15–20 mins uphill to Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.