Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Walking Tour: Hong Kong Park

Today's walking tour overlapped with my day job. My students had a field trip to Hong Kong Park, so I took the opportunity to snap some pictures before my responsibilities began. It was unseasonably sunny and warm, a perfect day to capture this pleasant oasis in the middle of the city.


I was stationed by the lake for much of the afternoon, where I waited for each group of students to make their way to me.


Our activity for the day was to find signs in English and talk about them (this was for 2nd graders).


Hong Kong Park is between Central and Admiralty, which means it's overshadowed by some of the city's most unique buildings.


While I waited for my first group of students I did some turtle-watching...


...and in the midst of the picturesque environment...


...there were some sweet people-watching opportunities too.


Many of the workers from the surrounding offices were taking their lunch breaks by the lake.


When you walk around the lake you can find little bridges...


...and a few small waterfalls.


Follow the path around the circumference of the lake past the benches.


On the east side of the lake you can find the lovely, free Museum of Teaware. 


Circle back the lake, where there are fish on your left...


...and lunching office workers on your right.


On the western side of the lake, near the colorful recycling bins...


...there are some steps leading down to Cotton Tree Drive and a sports center.


Take your time admiring things nearby...


...and further away.


When you're ready to explore more of the park, climb the steps ahead.


They'll take you up to a sculpture garden...


...beneath a striking observation tower.


The garden is unexpectedly quiet.


My students collected leaves along the path...


...but we discovered there was no way out.


Finally, we found a staircase beside the aviary.


We looked inside at the birds and people as we descended.


We found a wide brick path at the bottom of the steps.


It took us up to a playground and the road where our bus waited above.

There is more to see in Hong Kong Park, but this is a taste of what it's like on a lovely winter afternoon. It was considerably more charming with my students traipsing around in little groups and exclaiming over the turtles, but I don't feel comfortable posting pictures of them without permission. Take my word for it: they're adorable. 

Next week is Chinese New Year, so look forward to a walking tour in celebration of the Year of the Dragon!

9 comments:

  1. It's really nice to see Hong Kong Park. My image of HK is of a city full with tall builings and people rushing everywhere. So it's nice to see water and trees and people sitting and relaxing (picture #10) and the mother walking with her son (picture #26).

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    1. Thanks Giora. I was actually surprised at how green Hong Kong can be when I moved here. I had the same image of it as just a crowded city full of glass and steel.

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  2. Thanks so much for these beautiful photos! I remember when HK Park was new. It looks just as gorgeous as I remember it: the aviary, Flagstaff House, the brides and flowers, and the peaceful trails that snake toward the Peak Tram Station. I can't wait to see your photos of Hong Kong decked out in all its Year of the Dragon grandeur!

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    1. Thanks Susan. I wasn't sure how long the park has been here. It's really nice to have such a pleasant space right on HK Island. I think the Year of the Dragon is going to be a good one!

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  3. These pictures are incredible!! And this is Hong Kong in the winter? Wow...it looks like it's spring...or even early summer! How warm is it right now?

    I couldn't help but laugh at the marriage registry sign in the second photo! ^^

    Your narrative was so charming to read too. Now I really want to go visit HK!

    Yishi x

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    1. Thanks so much Yishi! Yes, HK is really nice in the winter. We've had some cold weeks recently, but now it's 22 C and sunny!

      Yes, I've always thought it was an odd place for the marriage registry, just because that sounds so official.

      Let me know if you're ever in HK!

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  4. Thanks for following me! You got a really interesting thing going here, with the combination of east meets west... classic literature like Hawthorne and Dostoevsky set to beautiful photographs from your travels in Hong Kong. Very interesting.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by! I'm glad you like the blog and my pictures :).

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  5. I love the observation tower! I think it would have been hard for me too not to post pics of the kids...

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