Kowloon Park
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Kowloon Park
After the hectic surrounds of Tsim Sha Tsui, the tranquillity of Kowloon Park washes over you like a mountain spring. But this peaceful place was actually once an army fortress that was handed over by the military for public use in 1970. For some relaxation, head to the Chinese Garden, which comprises a two-tier lotus pond linked by a rock cascade, and be sure to look out for the terrapins basking in the sun. Don’t let a wet weather day put you off from visiting either: listening to the rain falling on the foliage from the park’s 200-meters sheltered walkway is pure bliss. There are also kung fu and lion dance performances every Sunday. You can find more information here.
Historical Background
In the 1830s, some westerners found that Victoria Harbour was an ideal anchorage place for vessels. At that time, the site of the later Kowloon Park was an important military base over-looking the Harbour. In 1861, the British occupied Kowloon peninsula and named the base as Whitfield Barracks. Historical Background 1 Historical Background 2 Kowloon Park was officially opened on 24 June 1970 by the then Governor, Sir David Trench. In 1989, the park was redeveloped at a cost of $300 million, which was funded by the then Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. The park has a total area of 13.3 hectares, offering a full range of active and passive recreational facilities to the public. Due to topographical and other site constraints, the northern part of Kowloon Park is selected for active recreational area whereas the passive amenities area is mainly in the south.
Kowloon Park
Features Public Park in Tsim Sha Tsui Rich facilities Gardens and aviaries Exercise path Some of Kong Kong’s public parks are packed with facilities. Kowloon Park is an example. It has aviaries, various types of gardens and big well-equipped facilities. The prices for what you get are unusually low. Millions of visitors come every year. It is right smack in the middle of important Tsim Sha Tsui sites such as the Chungking Mansions, Harbour City, the Star Ferry, and the Golden Mile of Nathan Road. Besides enjoying the free public gardens, paths and aviaries, you can book facilities for small fees and enjoy the various sporting events held there. You can take part in the many kinds of classes and training sessions sponsored by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Tourists can use the library, see the Heritage Museum, and walk around in the outdoor areas for free. However, the use of some park facilities are limited to those who have special permission or a special sports facility card. Attractions Kowloon Park’s Sports Center is big with volleyball - basketball courts, 3 squash courts, a fitness room, and other rooms. The facilities are good enough for international competitions. The Swimming Center is big (three hectares). The main indoor pool is suitable for televised international competitions. The hall opens out to one of Hong Kong’s biggest outdoor pools that is decorated like a water park. The Fitness Trail The Bird Lake and Aviary are near each other at the center of the park. The Chinese Garden History The site of the park was an important British military base that overlooked Victoria Harbour. They built solid colonial-style barracks that you can still see at the Heritage Museum, and they left some military equipment. Kowloon Park was officially opened in 1970 by the British governor. In 1989, the park was redeveloped at a cost of $300 million HK by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Knowledge Graph
Examples
1 Located in the central zone of Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong, Kowloon Park is one of the largest parks in Kowloon, covering an area of about 13.5 hectares (about 33 acres).
2 The Kowloon Park was built in a classical Chinese style, and is visited by many tourists. Flowers and trees are plenty in it.
3 From 07:30 to 09:30 on Fridays, the Kowloon Park provides the activity of watching birds for tourists free of charge. The gathering point is at the arcade.