Hong Kong is more than just the Shopper’s Paradise, it is also home to a rich and historical culture. One of the historical tourist spots to visit in Hong Kong is Kowloon’s Walled City Park.
History/ Background
Kowloon’s Walled City Park occupies one of the most historical places in the country. Similar to Intramuros, the site was used by imperial officials in the 15th century and was first fortified in 1668 when a signal station was established there. Between 1843 and 1847 a walled garrison-city was constructed. Massive stone walls with six watchtowers and four gates enclosed the area, which measured about 6.5 acres.
After World War II, the site where the walled city was turned into a slum area and became a nest for drug divans, criminal hide-outs, and vice dens. In 1987, with the agreement of the Chinese authorities, the decision was taken to clear the area and build a park on the site which would incorporate as many remaining features as possible of the original buildings and other features.
Design and Layout
The design of the Kowloon Walled City Park was based on the garden style of the early Qing Dynasty called Jiangnan. The park is divided into eight landscapes which complement one another and fit the overall layout beautifully.
- The center of the park features the Yamen, the only building that remains of the walled city. The Yamen is a fully restored three-hall structure reminiscent of the original look of the walled city.
- The Old South Gate, one of Hong Kong’s officially declared monuments, served as the main entrance to the walled city for more than a century. Unearthed from the site of the original South Gate were two granite plaques bearing Chinese characters which read “South Gate” and “Kowloon Walled City.”
- The Mountain View Pavilion holds a glossy red rickshaw in display, and it is said that if you climb the steps leading to the pavilion and listen closely, you can hear the surge of the sea.
- The Chess Garden features four Chinese chessboards each measuring 3×5 meters, hence the name. Visitors are invited to play on the tables, but you’ll have to bring your own chess pieces though.
- The Garden of Chinese Zodiac is home to a dozen smooth, white-sculptured animals representing the zodiac symbols of Chinese astrology.
- The Eight Floral Walks was named after the flowers they display or the colors they reveal.
- The Kuixing Pavilion and Guibi Rock features Kuixing, the god of literature in Chinese mythology. The Gubi Rock is a spiraling rock from Tai Lake which represents the return of Hong Kong to China.
- The Garden of Four Seasons features a 300 square meter rock display, representing China’s four seasons, and is located next to the Yamen.
The Kowloon Walled City Park opens from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm and is accessible by means of buses and mini-buses.
Park Office:
Telephone: 27169962,
Fax: 23835506,
email: kwcp@lcsd.gov.hk