Dining at Michelin-star restaurants, grooving away at rooftop bars or satiating your soul via retail therapy is all great. But have you ever had that moment of epiphany, an awe-inspiring realisation after witnessing Hong Kong’s natural bounty? Hong Kong is a lush paradise, treasuring many off-beaten paths leading to staggering landscapes of every nature lover’s dream. Need some respite from the bustling metropolis? Let’s take you through the top ten hidden gardens and nature spots in Hong Kong for your next getaway.
While everyone admires the city’s skyline, Hong Kong’s contrasting natural beauty is no less. Nestled between commercial districts, Hong Kong is home to pristine beaches and waterfalls, gorgeous hiking trails and a treasure trove of green spaces. A full three-quarters of Hong Kong is countryside, contrary to what’s widely known. Rich in cultural history, boasting incredible views/architecture and most importantly, away from the conundrums of every day – these secret havens will surely delight your soul.
From the Ching Chung Koon temple transporting you into a peaceful Taoist atmosphere with all its flora and fauna as well as the Chinese-style Hutchison Park engulfing you in its beauty to the Un Chau Estate boasting a magical flower tunnel of bougainvillaea. Get ready for these heavenly wonders to enamour you!
Plan your next getaway with our guide below.
Best hidden gardens and naturescapes in Hong Kong you must visit
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Un Chau Estate Flower Tunnel
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A secret garden masked away in the shade of vibrant Bougainvillea, Un Chau Estate Flower Tunnel is straight out of Pinterest. Concealed among the packed Hong Kong skyscrapers, the place comes alive every Spring and you’ll see a tunnel blooming with pink and white flowers covering the walkway. Setting foot in Un Chau Estate Flower Tunnel is like entering a floral paradise. Fulfill all your fairytale dreams in this magical escape.
How to reach: Take exit C2 at Cheung Sha Wan MTR station to reach Un Chau Estate. The flower tunnel is right at the entrance of the Estate.
Tsuen Wan Park
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A maritime theme park in Hong Kong’s Tsuen Wan New Town, this hidden park offers immaculate views of the Rambler Channel towards Tsing Yi Island and Ting Kau Bridge. Apart from the stunning artificial water bodies, sitting areas and amphitheatre are many sports activities like a basketball court, cycling area, a gateball and tennis court to break a sweat. Moreover, pet parents can find a dedicated pet garden to take their furry friends for a walk, while fitness enthusiasts can head over to various fitness stations spread across the park.
How to reach: On the MTR Tuen Ma Line, get down at the Tsuen Wan West Station and take exit D.
Ching Chung Koon temple and gardens
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Beautiful Chinese gardens, pavillions, pagodas, towers, fish ponds, bonsai trees and more deck the Ching Chun Koon Taoist temple and gardens. Offering an oasis of nature and serenity, this spot is a must-visit if you’re in the Tuen Mun area. Also, you can’t miss the annual Bonsai Festival held around April or May to witness the spectacular beauty. Upon visiting the ornate space, a sense of calm descends upon you which makes Ching Chung Koon an ideal place for meditation or relaxation.
How to reach: The Ching Chung Temple is directly opposite Ching Chung light-rail station. You can catch line 505 to reach here from the Tuen Mun or Town Centre stations.
Tsz Shan Monastery
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Displaying Buddhism in all its glory, the Tsz Shan Monastery provides visitors with a tranquil and untainted sanctuary for spiritual healing. Tucked in the beautiful countryside of Tai Po, you’ll see the iconic 76-metre-tall white Guan Yin statue made of bronze standing peacefully at the monastery.
Did you know that the Tsz Shan Monastery was built by Hong Kong’s richest man, Li Ka-shing, for a whopping USD 1.5 billion? The Tang dynasty-styled lush abode took 12 years to construct, and surely looks exquisite and intricately made.
Tsz Shan Monastery only allows 400 visitors a day, so we recommend you make an online booking in advance via their online registration page.
How to reach: A minibus operates every 10-20 minutes from MTR Tai Po Market Station to Tong Tsz. Get off at the intersection of Tong Tsz Road and Universal Gate Road. Walk uphill along Universal Gate Road for 10 minutes.
Tai Tong Organic Ecopark
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Resting in the tranquil valley of Tai Tong village, the Tai Tong Organic Ecopark is perfect for a family day out. It opened to the public in 1994, offering various leisure and recreational activities like pony rides, bull cart riding, a large fish pond, an organic farm, BBQ’ing, adventure play area, creative workshops, strawberry picking and horse riding. The eco-park has also partnered with multiple Hong Kong schools to promote environmental awareness and boost every visitor’s mental and physical health.
How to reach: Take the K66 bus from Exit B2 of West Rail Long Ping Station and get off at Tai Tong Station. It will take about 15 minutes to arrive there.
Nan Lian Garden
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An antique Tang dynasty-style architecture nestled in the bustling city, Nan Lian Garden lies amidst the high-rise apartments of Diamond Hill in Hong Kong. Apart from its characteristic timber structures, you’ll find antique rocks, water features and old and valuable trees accentuating the intricate garden design. The meticulously planned layout will make you feel like you’re within a landscape painting. Nan Lian Garden is undoubtedly the best place to soak Hong Kong’s rich religious heritage.
How to reach: Take the MTR to Diamond Hill station and take exit C2.
Lee Tung Avenue Rooftop Garden
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This hidden rooftop garden in Wan Chai is the perfect escape from the bustle of Hong Kong’s cityscape. It lies on Lee Tung Avenue, once known as the ‘wedding card street’ full of shops selling wedding cards a decade ago. The rooftop garden is a secret spot amongst the entanglement of shops and cafes on Lee Tung Avenue, and its entrance is right next to Vivienne Tam shop. Themed the ‘garden of love’, this place is a lush green abode with beautiful arches, straight out of a wedding planner’s book. Moreover, it’s pet friendly too. Visit the garden in between your shopping/ cafe-hopping spree or take your furry friends on an adventurous day out.
How to reach: Take the MTR to Wan Chai Station. It’s a short walk from Exit A3 or D. Use the lift beside the Vivienne Tam shop and make your way to the fifth floor.
Victoria Peak Garden
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A 20 to 30-minute walk uphill from The Victoria Peak will lead you to the stunning Victorian-style garden with benches, pagodas, and lush green lawns that draw locals and visitors alike. For those of you who don’t know, Victoria Peak Garden was originally the garden of the Governor of Hong Kong’s Summer Residence, “Mountain Lodge”. This European beauty is now open to the public and is managed by the government. The highlight of Peak Garden is the unparalleled panoramic views of Hong Kong, especially the West and South of the island.
Right next to it is another rare green open space, the expansive Mount Austin Playground which is the go-to spot to take your kids for a family day out.
How to reach: The Peak Tram is the most popular mode to reach the Victoria Peak Garden. It ascends from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road, which is within walking distance from Central MTR Station. Use exit J and follow the instructions to reach the tram station.
Lai Chi Kok Garden
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A peaceful retreat in West Kowloon, the Lai Chi Kok Garden is a beautiful space offering many recreational facilities and the amazingly planned Lingnan Chinese Garden. From accommodating Hong Kong’s best Skatepark, public swimming pool, indoor sports centre, playgrounds for children and much more, Lai Chi Kok Garden is truly a wonder. You’ll find exquisite, traditional Lingnan-style buildings, numerous pavilions and walkways around fountain pools as well as beautiful shrubs and trees. It’s almost like being transported into a historic village, similar to how you’ll feel at the Kowloon Walled City Park. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
How to reach: You can find the Lai Chi Kok Park right outside the Mei Foo MTR Station (Exit D).
Lung Tsai Ng Yuen
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This hidden gem on Lantau Island cannot be accessed by road – you’ll have to hike your way to this natural wonder. Lung Tsai Ng Yuen, which means the ‘Garden of Enlightenment’ was restored as a retreat in Southwest Lantau Island. It’s a private property owned by textile honcho Wu Kunsheng in 1962. The Chinese landscaped garden houses a beautiful pagoda, a carp pond featuring goldfish, a zigzag bridge with its own pavilion, paintings and much more. As it’s not open to the public, in case you wish to head there, remember to not disturb the occupants.
How to reach: Members can take bus 11 or share a taxi at Tung Chung MTR Station to reach Lung Tsai Bus Stop. Approximately, a 45-minute walk from the bus stop will lead you to Lung Tsai Ng Yuen.
(Hero and feature image credit: discoverhongkong/ Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hong Kong is home to many stunning green spaces and gardens including Un Chau Estate Flower Tunnel, Tsuen Wan Park, Ching Chung Koon temple and gardens and Tsz Shan Monastery.
While Hong Kong has many green spaces amid the bustling cityscape, the most revered among them has to be Victoria Park.
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Written by
Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
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