Kowloon Park located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong is one of the largest parks in Kowloon. Despite the hustle and bustle, this large green space offers an oasis and respite not just for the locals but also for tourists. Visitors to the cosmopolitan metropolis usually overlook this park, so here are 9 reasons why you should visit and add it to your Hong Kong itinerary.
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What is the history of Kowloon Park?
Spanning more than 13 hectares, Kowloon Park sits on land that used to be part of Whitfield Barracks, an army fortress overlooking Victoria Harbour.
On June 24, 1970, the British governor during that time, Sir David Trench, opened the park to the public. It has since been redeveloped in 1989 by the then Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Reasons to visit Kowloon Park
What is in Kowloon Park? Read on to find out what you can do and see in this park!
1. Kowloon Park is FREE to visit
Tourists usually say Hong Kong is one of the most expensive places to go to. So if you’re looking for free things to do, Kowloon Park offers a lot of things that you can do that make a visit worthwhile.
2. Kowloon Park’s gardens, trees, and all the greenery
Hong Kong might be famous for its buildings and cityscape, but in this park, there is a spot of green everywhere you look!
Be amazed at the Maze Garden, smell the roses at the Colour Garden, sit and people watch at the Roof Gardens, walk with nature along the Fitness Trail, and marvel at the trees in Banyan Court.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll surely be in your element here.
3. Kowloon Park flamingos and other birds
If you’re only expecting greenery, then you’re in for a big surprise for this enormous park also has an Aviary and Bird Lake!
More than 90 birds can be seen in the seven enclosures at the Aviary. Some of which include the Rhinoceros Hornbill, Blue & Yellow Macaw, Red-tailed Cockatoo and other bird species.
Although the Bird Lake’s highlight is definitely the Flamingo Pond, you can also see other birds in the smaller ponds like the Coscoroba Swan, Black-necked Swan, and Wood Ducks among others.
4. Sculpture and art installations inside Kowloon Park
Almost all of the parks I’ve been to have their own share of art and Kowloon Park is no different. You’ll see most of the art pieces at the Sculpture Walk and Sculpture Garden but do keep your eye out for others scattered around the park just like the Totem Pole from Canada.
5. Kowloon Park fountain and waterfalls
Take a break and sit near one of the benches in the fountain pond. There is plenty of shade and the sound of water is quite relaxing.
Going up to the Aviary, one can also see a small waterfall streaming down the rock wall.
6. Chinese garden and the terrapins in Kowloon Park
The traditional Chinese pergola and the terrapins basking in the sun on the lotus pond are what made Chinese Garden memorable. Elders doing Tai Chi in one of the coves are also a norm.
7. Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre
If you aren’t tired yet, make a quick visit to the museum inside the park. It’s also free admission!
Antiquities and archaeological artifacts showcasing the culture and history of Hong Kong are what you’ll find in the permanent exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre.
8. Kowloon Park Sports Centre and Swimming Pool
What makes Kowloon Park unique are the indoor and outdoor pools in the Swimming Pool Complex. There are 4 heated indoor pools while there are 3 irregularly-shaped pools outside. There is also a trampoline room and spectator stand inside.
Check here for the maintenance schedule (temporary closure for annual maintenance) of the swimming pools.
Tip: You can pay for the Swimming pool admission fee with your Octopus Card but make sure to bring an HKD 5 coin for the locker fee. The weekday entrance fee for an adult is HKD 17 (rate as of April 2023). Check the rest of the Kowloon Park swimming pool rates here.
Various sports and recreation activities can be done and played inside the air-conditioned Sports Centre.
9. Kowloon Park kids playgrounds
Suitable for children from 2 to 12 years old, the huge Children’s Playground has a matted floor and plenty of facilities to keep your little ones busy. The castle and cannons are the big hits at the Discovery Playground.
***BONUS: And there’s even a small McDonald’s kiosk to quench your thirst from the heat! 😉
Kowloon Park tourist guide
Entrance fee:
FREE (except Sports Centre & Swimming Pool)
You don’t need to book in advance to visit Kowloon Park
Address:
22 Austin Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Park Map:
Click here to see the downloadable park map
Kowloon Park Opening hours:
- Park: 5:00 AM to Midnight
- Discovery Playground: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Aviary & Bird Lake: March to October 6:30 AM to 6:45 PM / November to February 6:30 AM to 5:45 PM
- Sports Centre: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Swimming Pool: 6:30 AM to 12 PM / 1 PM – 5 PM / 6 PM – 10 PM
Entrances:
Nathan Road, Austin Road, Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Footbridge to China HK City
How to get to Kowloon Park Hong Kong (What MTR exit):
- MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Exit A1 (walk along Nathan road)
- MTR Jordan Station Exit C1 (walk along Nathan road)
- MTR Austin Station (walk along Austin road)
Facilities include car park, toilets, access for persons with disabilities, piazza, covered walkways, Mosque
Prohibited inside the park: dogs, cycling, hawking, smoking, and bird feeding
Free WiFi available through Wi-Fi.HK via GovWiFi
Recommended hotels near Kowloon Park Hong Kong
Less than 50 USD per night (0.5 km away from Kowloon Park):
Less than 200 USD per night (0.2 to 0.9 km away from Kowloon Park)
Luxury Hotels (more than 200 USD) – 0.6 to 0.8 km away from Kowloon Park
- Kowloon Shangri-la
- Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
- Intercontinental Hong Kong
- The Peninsula Hong Kong
Hong Kong food deals
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Joanne @ Travel Visa UK
August 8, 2018 at 3:30 pmIt’s a great place to check out.!
Hong Kong 3 Days Itinerary, Guide, and Tips | Point and Shoot + Wanderlust
August 6, 2018 at 7:01 pm[…] Check here for Kowloon Park travel guide […]