Take a break from the city in a peaceful green space and experience Hong Kong's outdoor park culture, as people flock here for tai chi sessions and public debates
As Hong Kong’s largest city park, more than anything this is a great spot to relax and get away from the noisy and crowded streets. It's also an amazing place to see locals congregate too, and apart from groups practising martial arts or holding forums, it also provides a setting for events and festivals throughout the year.The park is named after Queen Victoria, hence the statue by the main entrance. There are several facilities on offer in the park, including a running track, an outdoor pool and even a mini zoo where you can see peacocks and turtles.If you turn up early enough in the morning you'll catch a group slowly flowing through the motions of tai chi routines in unison – a mesmerising and peaceful way to start the day. Tai chi is said to be Hong Kong's favourite form of exercise and the Hong Kong Tourism Board puts on beginner classes free of charge for anyone interested. Check the website for more information. The weekends bring together groups practising other martial arts.The Lunar New Year Fair takes place in Victoria Park and comes out in an explosion of colour with beautifully adorned flower and fruit stalls, while every March sees the arrival of a new Hong Kong Flower Show. The Mid-Autumn Festival takes place in September, when traditional Chinese lanterns adorn and light up the gardens.Victoria Park hosts the Hong Kong Tiananmen memorial vigil which takes place on 4th June every year. It also provides a platform for the City Forum, a current affairs debate between politicians, academics and other public figures which is aired on Radio Television Hong Kong. Aside from the topical discussions, it’s interesting to go along to these debates to see the so-called “Uncles of Victoria Park”, a group of elderly pro-Beijing men who come along to the Forum to make their voices heard. Another regular sight is the amahs who come down on Sundays. These are the hundreds of Indonesian and Filipino ladies who work as domestic helpers and come to the park to relax on their day off.Victoria Park is located between Causeway Bay and Tin Hau MTR stations. From Causeway Bay you should take Exit E and walk down Great George Street. From Tin Hau, turn left out of Exit A2, and walk straight down the road.
