5 Parks You Can’t Miss This Summer

Hong Kong’s lesser known gems are the public parks and gardens. There are 26 major parks in Hong Kong, each with its own unique characteristics. We highlight 5 public parks with something for everyone; family-friendly zoos, bird lovers, history geeks, and stunning views for photographers.

Chater Garden
Location: Chater Rd, Central
Open: 24 hours

Chater Garden (formerly Hong Kong Cricket Club) is a lush environment with over 11,000 trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. It serves as a pocket of green space for office workers during their lunch break and tourist attraction on weekends. This garden is one of the landmarks of Hong Kong’s Central District. In summer, the glass fountain, waterfalls, and pools provide a refreshing respite from the heat. You can also enjoy the iconic sculpture works in the nearby Art Garden of The Henderson, experiencing the artists’ interpretations of life. One of the most famous works is Anatomy of Time, a 3-meter-tall kinetic optical sculpture; its creator was inspired by cosmology and the spiral geometry of galaxies. Through the power of nature, these spaces help soothe the anxiety and loneliness of urban life.

This sculpture is Anatomy of Time by Petroc Sesti.

Hong Kong’s lesser known gems are the public parks and gardens. There are 26 major parks in Hong Kong, each with its own unique characteristics. We highlight 5 public parks with something for everyone; family-friendly zoos, bird lovers, history geeks, and stunning views for photographers.

Chater Garden
Location: Chater Rd, Central
Open: 24 hours

Chater Garden (formerly Hong Kong Cricket Club) is a lush environment with over 11,000 trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. It serves as a pocket of green space for office workers during their lunch break and tourist attraction on weekends. This garden is one of the landmarks of Hong Kong’s Central District. In summer, the glass fountain, waterfalls, and pools provide a refreshing respite from the heat. You can also enjoy the iconic sculpture works in the nearby Art Garden of The Henderson, experiencing the artists’ interpretations of life. One of the most famous works is Anatomy of Time, a 3-meter-tall kinetic optical sculpture; its creator was inspired by cosmology and the spiral geometry of galaxies. Through the power of nature, these spaces help soothe the anxiety and loneliness of urban life.

This sculpture is Anatomy of Time by Petroc Sesti.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Location: Albany Rd, Central
Open: 6 am–7 pm

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, established in 1864 is an oasis that boasts a diverse collection of flora and fauna. The official website updates its list of seasonal blooms monthly, making it easy for visitors to plan their flower-viewing trips. In summer, visitors can admire seasonal plants such as the Dichroa febrifuga (Hydrangeaceae) and Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine). It’s okay if you don’t recognize them—there are detailed signs throughout the park. The garden is also the home to various species of monkeys, as well as otters, meerkats, wallabies, flamingos, and a massive aviary. Even better, this place is free and requires no reservations, but if you visit during the summer, be sure to bring mosquito repellents.

Flowering plant in May: Hydrangea (Dichroa febrifuga)

American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Location: Albany Rd, Central
Open: 6 am–7 pm

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, established in 1864 is an oasis that boasts a diverse collection of flora and fauna. The official website updates its list of seasonal blooms monthly, making it easy for visitors to plan their flower-viewing trips. In summer, visitors can admire seasonal plants such as the Dichroa febrifuga (Hydrangeaceae) and Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine). It’s okay if you don’t recognize them—there are detailed signs throughout the park. The garden is also the home to various species of monkeys, as well as otters, meerkats, wallabies, flamingos, and a massive aviary. Even better, this place is free and requires no reservations, but if you visit during the summer, be sure to bring mosquito repellents.

Flowering plant in May: Hydrangea (Dichroa febrifuga)

American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)

Long Valley Nature Park
Location: Yin Kong Tsuen, Sheung Shui
Open: 9:30 am–5 pm (except Tuesday)

As Hong Kong’s largest agricultural wetland, Long Valley Nature Park is a unique bird-watching destination. It’s a bit of a trek, about 40 kilometers from central Hong Kong, or a 1.5-hour trip by public transportation. While summer might be quieter for migratory birds, the park’s expanded wetlands are teeming with local wildlife and cultivated plants like lotus and water lilies. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking tranquility and wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s ecological conservation. Opened in 2024, the park has been equipped with special bird-watching cottages for visitors to see birds in the wild.

Long Valley Nature Park
Location: Yin Kong Tsuen, Sheung Shui
Open: 9:30 am–5 pm (except Tuesday)

As Hong Kong’s largest agricultural wetland, Long Valley Nature Park is a unique bird-watching destination. It’s a bit of a trek, about 40 kilometers from central Hong Kong, or a 1.5-hour trip by public transportation. While summer might be quieter for migratory birds, the park’s expanded wetlands are teeming with local wildlife and cultivated plants like lotus and water lilies. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking tranquility and wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s ecological conservation. Opened in 2024, the park has been equipped with special bird-watching cottages for visitors to see birds in the wild.

Tamar Park
Location: Harcourt Rd, Admiralty
Open: 24 hours

Tamar Park offers an escape from the urban bustle, especially during the summer. With its green lawns, this spacious waterfront park is an ideal setting for residents to enjoy strolls while taking in panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon skyline. The gentle sea breeze and tree shade provide great conditions for picnics, making it a popular spot for friends and family to unwind. The park also features accessible toilets and the Tama Café, which serves snacks and beverages. Its open design makes it a perfect venue for hosting various outdoor activities and yoga sessions, adding a dynamic touch to your downtown experience.

People were having picnics on Tamar Park’s lawn; the background building is Central Government Offices.

Tamar Park
Location: Harcourt Rd, Admiralty
Open: 24 hours

Tamar Park offers an escape from the urban bustle, especially during the summer. With its green lawns, this spacious waterfront park is an ideal setting for residents to enjoy strolls while taking in panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon skyline. The gentle sea breeze and tree shade provide great conditions for picnics, making it a popular spot for friends and family to unwind. The park also features accessible toilets and the Tama Café, which serves snacks and beverages. Its open design makes it a perfect venue for hosting various outdoor activities and yoga sessions, adding a dynamic touch to your downtown experience.

People were having picnics on Tamar Park’s lawn; the background building is Central Government Offices.

Kowloon Walled City Park
Location: Carpenter Rd, Kowloon City
Open: 6:30 am–11 pm

Step back in time at Kowloon Walled City Park, which was built on the historic site of the Kowloon Walled City, the infamous no man’s land. It wasn’t until 1995 that the Hong Kong government converted it into a park. It has preserved some historical landmarks, such as the South Gate ruins and Yamen.

This park blends traditional Chinese garden aesthetics, such as moon gates and lattice windows, with relics. During the warmer months, the park’s lush greenery, shaded pathways, and traditional pavilions offer a cool retreat, inviting visitors to wander and reflect in peace.

You can also discover the area’s history through its well-preserved artifacts and volunteer guide. The ‘Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey’ exhibition, which opened in 2025, brings the scenes of the former Walled City to life through recreations and will be open to the public free of charge until 2028. If you’re a fan of the film ‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In,’ this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Kowloon Walled City Park has become an excellent destination for a historical and cultural journey within the city.

The miniature bronze model of the Walled City, which was torn down in 1993.

This Chinese-style round gate was designed with inspiration from the gardens of Jiangnan in the early Qing Dynasty.

Remnants of the South Gate; they were declared monuments in 1996.

Scene outside Exhibition Room 4: Dental Clinic.

Scene in Exhibition Room 6: Narrow Alleys and Hidden Streets.

Kowloon Walled City Park
Location: Carpenter Rd, Kowloon City
Open: 6:30 am–11 pm

Step back in time at Kowloon Walled City Park, which was built on the historic site of the Kowloon Walled City, the infamous no man’s land. It wasn’t until 1995 that the Hong Kong government converted it into a park. It has preserved some historical landmarks, such as the South Gate ruins and Yamen.

This park blends traditional Chinese garden aesthetics, such as moon gates and lattice windows, with relics. During the warmer months, the park’s lush greenery, shaded pathways, and traditional pavilions offer a cool retreat, inviting visitors to wander and reflect in peace.

You can also discover the area’s history through its well-preserved artifacts and volunteer guide. The ‘Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey’ exhibition, which opened in 2025, brings the scenes of the former Walled City to life through recreations and will be open to the public free of charge until 2028. If you’re a fan of the film ‘Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In,’ this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Kowloon Walled City Park has become an excellent destination for a historical and cultural journey within the city.

The miniature bronze model of the Walled City, which was torn down in 1993.

This Chinese-style round gate was designed with inspiration from the gardens of Jiangnan in the early Qing Dynasty.

Remnants of the South Gate; they were declared monuments in 1996.

Scene outside Exhibition Room 4: Dental Clinic.

Scene in Exhibition Room 6: Narrow Alleys and Hidden Streets.