Have a break from the bustling streets and skyscrapers and take your pick of the rose garden, wild bird lake, children's playground, sports complex, and much more.
Once a British military base that was strategically positioned with access to the harbour, the park began to be developed in 1970 and has now grown into a recreational complex offering a wide variety of landscapes and activities. As a green space spanning 13.5 hectares in downtown Hong Kong, this really is a treasure and allows locals and visitors to benefit from a well-deserved rest from the concrete blocks. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view out over the sea!Once you’re in the park, there’s plenty to keep you occupied if you’re not happy to simply sit around. Take a stroll in the Chinese Garden, for example, and soak up the serene atmosphere of the lotus pond or watch the terrapins clambering about the rock cascade. You might also like to take a turn into the calmly captivating Sculpture Garden, where works by world-renowned artists are on display as permanent or temporary exhibits.One of the park’s centrepieces is the so-called Piazza, an arena for outdoor performances and other events. On Sundays, these might be kung fu routines and lion dancing. The Kowloon Park website has up-to-date information.If you’re with young children, there are a couple of playgrounds that you could take them to, one of which even has fortresses to inspire the most imaginative of youngsters. There is also the slightly tamer option of the maze garden, otherwise you could make your way to the 7-a-side soccer pitch which guarantees fun for all ages.The park houses a large sports centre with an indoor swimming pool complex that consists of 4 heated pools, one of which is Olympic-sized. This complex is big enough to host 1,500 swimmers at once. The outdoor pools are open in the summer. Check the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website for opening hours and entrance charges.Kowloon Park is very easy to reach. Simply take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui and leave the station via Exit A1.
