Feasting ones eyes on the lush tropical landscapes of the Kowloon Walled City Park it is difficult to fathom how this glorious natural enclave was once a Chinese military fort and an overpopulated settlement for squatters in past decades. Quietly nestled within what is now known as the Kowloon City District this sprawling 330,000 square foot park is one of the areas most popular attractions for visitors. Frequented by locals and tourists in search of winding green spaces and verdant garden landscapes the Kowloon Walled City Park has been the preferred haunt for nature lovers since it opened its doors to the public in late 1995. Located next to the Carpenter Road Park it is said that the construction of this massive parkland cost a whopping US$9.8 million. Modeled after Jiangnan gardens found in the Qing dynastic period the parks overall design principles reflect a number of regional influences.
Comprising of eight landscape varieties the beautifully restored Yamen structure which was used as the administrative headquarters of the most senior mandarin officer during the Walled Citys fort period serves as the centerpiece of the park. Paying tribute to the enclaves tumultuous past remnants of the Walled City such as three ancient wells and five stone inscriptions are also showcased at the venue. The various paths, trails and pavilions of the park have also been named after the streets and structures that once occupied this space as a fitting tribute to those early days.
Must-see highlights at the Kowloon Walled City Park include its quirky Chess Garden which is a 9.8 x 16 ft Chinese chessboard and the venues Eight Floral Walks that have been named after various flowers and plants. The Four Seasons Garden is another popular location at the parkland as the 3,200 square foot space contains plants symbolic of the changing seasons. Featuring the 12 statues of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac the Garden of Chinese Zodiac is another curious corner in the park in addition to the 600 m2 Six Arts Terrace with the Bamboo Pavilion. The Lung Nam, Yuk Tong and Lung Tsun Pavilions are also crowd pleasers while the two-storey Mountain View Pavilion and The Kuixing Pavilion with a moon gate are also worth exploring.
Visitors in search of a luxury
hotel in Hong Kong will be hard-pressed to find a finer alternative to the stylish Eaton Hotel Hong Kong. Ideally located in the heart of the citys CBD within minutes of the MRT station this elegant rest is one of the most conveniently located
hotels in Kowloon.
