The 6 best Chinese-style gardens in Hong Kong

With how large Lai Chi Kok Park is, it only seems fitting that there would be a Chinese garden in the midst of the park grounds. As its name suggests, the garden is modelled following the Lingnan style – one of the major garden styles following Sichuanese and Jingnan that divides a garden into a combination of multiple courtyards and uses elements like towers, bridges, and corridors. Lingnan Garden has plenty of winding paths and features 10 scenic spots that naturally flow into each other. Rejuvenate by taking a walk on the pebble stone footpath, and immerse yourself in the park’s serene environment. 

Staying true to Tsuen Wan’s unique blend of old villages scattered in between high-rise buildings, Jockey Club Tak Wah Park is a Chinese garden located right in the heart of Tsuen Wan’s business district. Developed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, this park was built on the former grounds of Hoi Pa Hakka village, and contains some of the village’s original buildings. A pond full of koi and turtles can be found at the centre of the park, which can be seen from the surrounding paths or from one of the few pavilions that cut into the pond.

Originally a Chinese military fort, the Kowloon Walled City was once a densely packed and semi-lawless territory within Hong Kong. After its destruction in the 90s, it has since been designed into a Jingnan garden reminiscent of the early Qing dynasty. Divided into eight sections, the park houses a chess garden and several pavilions. Aside from the park, visit the indoor and outdoor exhibition halls inside the Yamen – a declared monument and one of the main attractions at the Kowloon Walled City Park – where you can learn about the history of the Walled City through photo galleries and interactive exhibitions. You can also find remnants of the Walled City like granite pavings and plaques at the old south gate.

As part of Chi Lin Nunnery’s large temple complex, Nan Lian Garden is a secluded Tang dynasty-style garden in Diamond Hill. Despite its location underneath the nearby highways, the luscious greenery within Nan Lian Garden will take you away from the commotion of the city. The centrepiece of the garden grounds is the golden pavilion sitting in the middle of the lotus pond. Offering an experience unlike anywhere else in the city, Nan Lian Garden is the ideal retreat for a little peace and quiet. 

Similar to Kowloon Walled City Park, this park has heaps of historical value. It used to be the site of Possession Point – the location where the Royal Navy first arrived in Hong Kong – and Tai Tat Tei, a flea market once filled with hawkers and stalls. Nestled between residential buildings on the slope of Hollywood Road, this park is surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture such as a gateway with bright red pillars and green tiles, moon gates, and a pagoda surrounded by an artificial pond. Even within the hustle and bustle of Sheung Wan, you can find solitude by stepping into this quaint little park.

Hutchison Park may be one of the smaller venues on our list, but like the saying goes, good things come in small packages. Located in Hung Hom’s residential area, this park is complete with rock gardens, ponds, and a tai chi area. It also features plenty of rest areas underneath large, shady trees, making it the perfect spot for those in the area to unwind.