Historic sites, traditional architecture and lush gardens make Kowloon Walled City Park one of Hong Kong’s most significant landmarks. Find ancient relics, the famed Yamen building and quiet gardens just a few minutes from the busy streets of Kowloon.
British and Chinese forces have fought over this site’s fortified signal post since its construction in 1668. The area was damaged by the Japanese in 1945 and later fell into slum-like conditions until 1995 when it underwent a reconstruction. Many of the city’s original designs and relics were used to guide the new park’s plan. Now, visitors can explore the park’s eight sections covering 2.4 hectares (5.9 acres) of space. Each section is influenced by the Jiangnan garden style, which dates back to the early Qing dynasty.
Begin your exploration at the only remaining building from the original walled city, the Yamen building. The southern China-style construction is made up of three rows of houses and is the location of the park’s office and a modest museum. See if you can find the “Almshouse” inscription above the front entrance, a symbol for the building’s former use as a care facility for the elderly.
Wander around the gardens to Old South Gate, the old main gate to the city with original 19th-century signs. Stroll along the park’s winding pathways, past tranquil ponds, magnolia trees and meticulously shaped bonsais. Each of the paths is named after streets in the ancient walled city.
Climb aboard the sea vessel inspired Mountain View Pavilion, with its curved roofs and wooden decks. Look out into the ancient designs of the Garden of the Chinese Zodiac. All 12 of the zodiac animals point in different directions in this garden plot.
Visit Kowloon Walled City Park for free any day of the week until late. The park is located a little way out of the city but is easily accessible via the area’s convenient bus service.
