Hong Kong Island: Wan Chai & the Northeast - Hong Kong - page 234

TOP SIGHT
HONG KONG PARK
Designed to look anything but natural, Hong Kong Park emphasises artificial
creations such as its fountain plaza, conservatory, waterfall, playground, tai-
chi garden and viewing tower. Yet the 8-hectare park is beautiful and, with a
wall of skyscrapers on one side and mountains on the other, makes for dra-
matic photographs.
The best feature is the Edward Youde Aviary . Home to more than 600 birds representing
some 90 species, it's like a rainforest planted in the middle of the city. Visitors walk along a
wooden bridge suspended some 10m above the ground and at eye level with tree branches.
The Forsgate Conservatory ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 9am-5pm) overlooking the park is the
largest in Southeast Asia.
At the park's northernmost tip is Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware . Built in 1846, it
now houses a collection of antique Chinese tea ware. The ground-floor cafe is a great place
to recharge over a pot of fine tea.
The KS Lo Gallery ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2869 0690;10 Cotton Tree Dr; 10am-5pm Wed-
Mon) contains rare Chinese ceramics and stone seals.
On the eastern edge of the park, the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre ( MAP GOOGLE MAP
; 2521 3008; www.lcsd.gov.hk/ce/Museum/Apo/en/vac.html ; 7A Kennedy Rd; 10am-9pm Wed-
Mon) , housed in beautiful former Victoria Barracks, supports local artists and stages exhibi-
tions.