Hong Kong may be known for its bright neon signs, luxurious shopping malls and luxurious apartment blocks, but there is so much more to this city than meets the eye.
In the surrounding area of Hong Kong City, there are stunning nature parks and hiking trails that give an entirely new perspective of this bustling metropolis. These hidden gems in Hong Kong that most tourists don’t even know exist! Fly into Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific and experience these sooner rather than later.
Kowloon Park
If you’re seeking a tranquil oasis away from Hong Kong’s central business district, Kowloon Park is an ideal destination. Converted from British military base in 1970, this public park features playgrounds, sculptures, fitness facilities and an array of flora and fauna.
Enjoy a serene afternoon strolling through Chinese-style gardens, featuring two tiers of lotus pools linked by rock cascades, an intricate maze garden and striking sculpture walk. It’s also ideal for bird watching with its pond and aviary housing over 140 birds from 38 varieties.
The park also features a children’s play area, open-air Sculpture Walk and sports centre, making it popular with both locals and tourists. From 7:30 to 9:30 on Fridays, visitors can watch free bird shows in the park; while Sundays bring demonstrations of dragon dances and martial arts.
Kowloon Park’s Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Center, situated within two blocks of the former Whitfield Barracks, is worth visiting for its exhibits on the city’s history. Although not as comprehensive as the Hong Kong Museum of History, it still provides an intriguing window into this vibrant city’s past and is an engaging way to learn more about its fascinating past.
At the park, other attractions include an Avenue of Comic Stars, Cultural Relics Discovery Center, Children’s Adventure Park and Labyrinth Garden. Plus it boasts a stunning Bird Lake that houses over 140 birds of 38 species!
Tin Hau Temple
Tin Hau Temple is one of Hong Kong’s iconic temples and a popular tourist destination as well as spiritual sanctuary for locals. But not many people know that this temple also houses plenty of hidden gems to discover – so be sure to visit and discover them all!
Tin Hau is a goddess who protects fishermen and sailors. As such, she has become an influential patron deity in Hong Kong, boasting an enchanting popularity amongst her devotees.
She is renowned for her incredible feats and ability to bring fortune to those she inspires. As an approachable goddess, her fame as a patron saint of seafarers has spread throughout the region.
Tin Hau is so beloved in Hong Kong that there are dozens of temples dedicated to her. These shrines often stand outside in picturesque locations, providing visitors with a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s city centre.
No matter if you are a Taoist or Buddhist, visiting a Tin Hau temple is sure to leave you feeling content and refreshed. Furthermore, these temples provide an invaluable opportunity to gain knowledge about traditional Chinese culture.
When visiting Tin Hau temples, it is essential that you arrive at the right time of day. This is because when these temples are at their busiest, most celebrations take place.
On these special days, people from all walks of life come together to offer offerings and pray for their wishes. For those with big aspirations, these offerings can be an incredibly powerful tool in helping them realize those aspirations.
Un Chau Estate
Are you searching for an exciting way to spend your time in Hong Kong or simply wanting to soak in its stunning beauty, there are so many hidden treasures on this island. From Instagram-friendly swimming sheds and dim sum joints hidden away in the mountains, to some local street art and a lesser-known tide pool off Aberdeen’s shoreline, there’s something special for everyone here on Hong Kong!
For stunning springtime photos, Un Chau Estate is one of the best spots. It features an exquisite, ephemeral flower tunnel that blooms annually.
This charming flower tunnel is a 30-metre-long trellis covered in beautiful pink bougainvillea flowers. Situated within Un Chau Estate housing complex, this green space is part of a government initiative to bring more green spaces into public housing developments.
This tranquil garden is an ideal escape from Hong Kong’s busy streets. Here, you can take a leisurely walk among stunning hydrangea and camellia flowers while admiring stunning views of the city below.
Un Chau Estate is an enjoyable destination to spend the day with family or friends. Just take Exit C2 from MTR Cheung Sha Wan station and you’ll arrive right at Un Chau Estate.
Un Chau Estate is home to an idyllic floral garden as well as Hong Kong’s tallest concrete building – a five-connected apartment building that stands as an iconic icon of this bustling metropolis. Constructed during the 1960s by the government as subsidised housing complex for Hong Kong’s population boom, this iconic structure still stands today.
Wong Nai Chung Reservoir
Hidden away on Tai Tam Road, Wong Nai Chung Reservoir offers a tranquil and serene haven to spend some time. Built originally as a water source in 1889, the park has now been fully transformed into an idyllic wildlife refuge that’s ideal for nature enthusiasts and families seeking a quiet respite.
The main attraction of the reservoir is its historic dam, weir and valve house which are classified as Grade III historic buildings and contain several Declared Monuments.
Explore the reservoir on a paddle boat, an activity sure to give those little legs some exercise. Two-person and four-person paddle boats can be hired by the hour.
Wong Nai Chung reservoir park offers plenty of fascinating nooks and crannies to discover, as well as an opportunity to observe some of Hong Kong’s renowned wildlife. Turtles, butterflies and egrets often frolic in its waters – providing kids with some truly spectacular sights!
If you’re not quite ready to leave the park, take a leisurely walk along the shoreline for an idyllic refreshment stand overlooking the reservoir. Pack up some snacks and enjoy a memorable view while munching on noodles, hot dogs, chips or ice cream!
Finally, don’t miss the Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail which takes you back in time to the pivotal Battle of Wong Nai Chung during WWII. This critical passageway between north and south Hong Kong Island saw heavy casualties on both sides during this crucial conflict.
Aqua Luna
Cruising aboard Aqua Luna is often regarded as one of the best experiences in Hong Kong, offering spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and the city’s skyline. Not only that, but you’ll be treated to one of Hong Kong’s most spectacular light shows: Symphony of Lights!
On board the Aqua Luna, you’ll enjoy stunning Hong Kong night views while sipping on your beverage of choice. This 45-minute cruise departs from Tsim Sha Tsui or Central and travels to both ends of the harbor; for best lighting conditions, go at sunset (around 6.30pm).
The vessel itself is stunning, made from teak wood with Chinese accents and red sails reminiscent of traditional Chinese pottery. It was designed and constructed by Wong Kin-kao, one of the last artisans still crafting wooden junk boats.
For a memorable, romantic getaway in Hong Kong with your significant other, book in advance to ensure the ideal timing and seat.
Experience a culinary paradise on their dim sum cruise which departs daily at lunchtime from Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. This two-hour experience cruises to Aberdeen, an idyllic typhoon shelter and fishing port home to luxurious yachts as well as vintage fishing junks.
For something more adventurous, why not book a day cruise to Lei Yue Mun? This 1.5-hour excursion is perfect for foodies as you get to sample exquisite dim sum while exploring the secret fishing village of Lei Yue Mun.