Since 1997, the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden has been a permanent fixture of Kowloon’s Mong Kok district. This unusual garden was built to preserve the tradition of the bird stalls that once inhabited the streets of the area. Come to the garden to meet the locals that make a visit their daily ritual and to see the bird stalls that have helped to create the precinct’s calming atmosphere.
Wander around the traditional Chinese-style gardens to discover ornate gateways and picturesque seating areas. The gateways, known as pai lou, are made in a traditional style and each celebrate a certain spirit. The gates separate the gardens into a series of courtyards. Pass beneath the bold gateways to reach the stalls of birds. Listen to the beautiful songs of the feathered creatures and watch the people that thrive on interacting with their pets. Rest at the tree-lined seating area to watch stallholders go about their daily tasks.
Gaze across at surrounding buildings to see the intricate murals and mosaics depicting the wide range of birds housed in the gardens. Chat with owners to learn about the history of the park or to meet their feathered friends. You’ll feel Hong Kong’s old-world charm wash over you as you move between the ornate cages, colourful birds and charismatic locals. While the gardens aren’t huge there are more than 70 stalls, each filled with a number of species.
Take the time to visit the goldfish market nearby to see hundreds of bright fish swimming through aquariums. The flower market is also located in the region and features many exotic species of flower that are hard to find in most parts of the world.
The Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is free to enter and open daily. Reach the garden by metro or bus.
