15 Fun Things to Do in Hong Kong Park

In a city brimming with skyscrapers, Hong Kong Park is an oasis of groomed flower beds and water features that provide an oasis from busy urban surroundings. Having lived in Hong Kong, I’ve spent a lot of time taking advantage of the activities here. Before parenthood it was a pleasant place to walk through on my way to Central from Admiralty and for group outdoor exercise. As a parent, I can tell you that my daughter has been obsessed with the turtles here since she could walk and there are quite a few nooks and crannies to explore.

When people ask me which family hotels in Hong Kong to choose, I like to point out that a benefit of staying in one of the Admiralty hotels is that they are adjacent to Hong Kong Park and its family-friendly activities. 

The outdoor facilities of the park are open from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. and are free of charge.

1. See the Hong Kong Park Turtles and Koi

The artificial lake is the highlight of the park. And, in my opinion, is what makes Hong Kong Park a relaxing place despite being surrounded by skyscrapers. Along the lake, you’ll find rock pools and a waterfall but also an active and abundant colony of turtles.

They spend their days huddled up together on the rocks and swimming clumsily in groups around the lake. Their adorable antics made my list of top things to do in Hong Kong with kids. Colorful koi swim in the water with them.

While it sounds like a simple or common sight, you will instantaneously appreciate them after stepping off the busy streets into the park.

2. Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

If you’d like to learn about Hong Kong tea culture, step into the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware. Another bonus is that admission is free.

It won’t take you very long to visit, maybe 15-30 minutes unless you are, but I recommend going to the Museum of Tea Ware at least once during your stay in Hong Kong. The museum features an extensive collection of ceramic tea ware and ancient antiques, many older than the actual museum. 

Flagstaff House is a historic building dating back to 1846.

3. Walk Under the Waterfall

If you follow the path along the artificial lake, you’ll come across a human-made waterfall. Although it’s only small, it’s quite beautiful and a great opportunity to snap a gorgeous photo as well as appreciate the well-designed park.

Follow the path along the waterfall and you’ll actually be standing right under it, which kids think is neat, where you can watch the water fall from above.

There are other water features around the park like various fountains. People do walk under this one at the entrance near Pacific Place, but it can be slippery.

4. Exercise in the Park

I used to attend a boot camp class that would take advantage of the steps and hills throughout Hong Kong Park. With the beautifully groomed trees, flower beds, and well-kept garden, Hong Kong Park a great perfect place for your exercise routine. 

While the outdoor area is where you’ll find joggers and runners, the air-conditioned sports center used by locals for basketball, volleyball, squash, and even table tennis matches.

One of the best ways to get exercise around the park and explore nature is to take a guided tour around the area. 

5. Hong Kong Park Children’s Playground

With many great experiences and activities for kids in Hong Kong, the children’s playground is a nice break for them. The concept of the park is to not only provide a space for playing, but it’s also designed to spark imagination and creativity. 

Parents can feel at ease knowing that the playground is carpeted with safety padding and mats, as well as surveillance cameras.

6. The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram is arguably one of the most unique Hong Kong activities. And, of course, once you arrive at The Peak you’ll discover why it’s one of the best things to do in Hong Kong.

Getting there (or departing from The Peak) is half the fun. The railway is one of the oldest in the world, with the tram rising (or lowering from) 1,300 feet above sea level and transforms the appearance of the cityscape.

The Peak Tram Lower Terminus is adjacent to Hong Kong Park so you can simply cross the street to enjoy this HK Park.

Tip: Please buy your Peak Tram tickets in advance as this terminus near Hong Kong Park is famous for long lines.

7. Butterfly Garden

The Butterfly Garden is one of the best places to relax and watch the butterflies flutter around a small garden near the lake. There are actually 245 species of butterflies in Hong Kong.

Over 60 species of plants provide food for the butterflies and create a harmonious living space for all. When the butterflies are in season you can’t miss them as you walk by. For some reason, they tend to stay mostly put in this little area and because it’s such a sight photographers gather round to capture it (like me).

8. Edward Youde Aviary

The Edward Youde Aviary simulates the environments of tropical rainforests and is home to more than 150 bird species. The aviary is considered to be one of the largest aviaries in the world, covering 3,000 square meters. 

But don’t expect to see birds in cages here, the birds have the freedom to fly in the tropical enclosures that you walk through.

The aviary is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with no entry fee required. It’s also a short 3-minute walk from Peak Tram. 

9. Hong Kong Visual Art Centre

The mission of the Hong Kong Visual Art Centre is to support local art enthusiasts and turn art into a vibrant journey. It’s a place where you can either learn about the arts and attend classes, or simply appreciate the artistic styles found inside the center.

10. The Vantage Point

An impressive spiral staircase leads you up 105 steps, to a 98-foot tall vantage point. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll have an incredible panoramic view of the park.

11. Morning Bird Watching

Every Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., visitors of the park gather at the artificial lake to embark on a free guided walk. Despite being an urban jungle, many birds migrate here from around the globe and can be seen in the parks in Hong Kong.

12. Grab a Bite to Eat or a Drink

Cafes and kiosks are scattered around the park, but near the artificial lakes is a full-service restaurant. L16 Cafe offers Thai and Japanese cuisine and has been a park fixture for over a decade. It used to be just okay, but it’s been revamped and I hear much better. In either case it has always been a nice place to enjoy an outdoor drink on the terrace.

Next to the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, you’ll find LockCha Teahouse. They’re famous for sourcing the best Chinese teas and it’s an excellent place for vegetarian dim sum (the menu is entirely vegetarian) in a relaxed setting.

You can also stop into the adjacent Pacific Place mall which has an outstanding gourmet grocery store called great in addition to many other dining options featuring multiple cuisines.

See also: Best Hong Kong Food and Where to Find It

13. Tai Chi Garden

Tai Chi is a wonderful pastime not only for the locals but for those visiting the park. Joggers and walkers are seen throughout the day, although, if you head to the Tai Chi garden before 9 a.m. spectators can watch the graceful movements of those practicing in the courtyard.

In 2015 free tai chi classes were canceled, but classes can be joined for a monthly fee. Yet on some days, bypassers are known to be invited to join the classes. 

14. Clock Tower

At the eastern entrance to Hong Kong Park (by Pacific Place), you’ll find a 20-meter-tall clock tower. It’s easy to use as a point of reference when walking around this section of the park. When you see it, keep walking straight and the set of buildings ahead (across a small street) are the Pacific Place mall and four Admiralty Hotels.

15. Forsgate Conservatory

Forsgate Conservatory is the largest greenhouse in South East Asia. The thriving greenery grows a wide range of exotic plants and flowers. The climate-controlled conservatory allows cactuses to flourish in the drier regions, while saxifrage grows in the more tropical parts of the pavilion. 

How to Get to HK Park 

The closest MTR exit to Hong Kong Park is Admiralty, Exit C1.

However, I take Admiralty, Exit F. This will walk you through the ground floor of Pacific Place Mall. Here you might find snacks to take into the park or think about a place to eat before or after your visit.

Getting to Hong Kong Park from Pacific Place mall is easy. Go to the opposite end of the mall from the MTR station. You will see the grocery store I like called great (yes, all lowercase). There is a series of escalators that go up multiple floors here. Take them all the way to the top and you will exit outside. Look right and you’ll see the clock tower.

Hong Kong Park Map

While I think you can tour Hong Kong Park successfully on your own, through Klook, a partner of this site which means that if you book anything through them, I am compensated, you can book a guided 3-hour nature walk in the park.

Also, the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens are not in Hong Kong Park but you can walk to it.

Hotels Near Hong Kong Park

I can tell you a lot about all four Admiralty hotels near Hong Kong Park and as a travel adviser (if you book through my links below I may be compensated), I can book you in with VIP amenities at no extra cost to you.

We lived in the JW Marriott apartments (now Upper House) before moving to Four Seasons Hong Kong. After Four Seasons, Island Shangri-La is my most-booked family hotel because of great pricing, guaranteed connecting rooms, and the benefits that I can secure for you there. All four of the below hotels are fantastic in their own ways.

• Island Shangri-La: Virtuoso or Shangri-La Luxury Circle benefits
• Conrad Hong Kong: Hilton Impresario benefits
• Upper House Hong Kong: Virtuoso benefits
• JW Marriott Hong Kong: Marriott Luminous benefits

The programs all offer complimentary daily breakfast for two. The rest of the benefits (room upgrades, $100 property credits, and more) vary by hotel. You can book Island Shangri-La and Upper House directly through my Virtuoso page (I will be notified and will help you coordinate your stay) but for the others, send me your dates and I can tell you what is on offer.