Strolling Through Kowloon Park, Hong Kong

Manhattan has its Central Park and Hong Kong has its Kowloon Park. Both of these ultra-modern super-cities have their green sanctuaries away from the concrete, metal and glass. And anyone with a need to take a short reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis merely needs to take a stroll through Kowloon Park. And like Central Park, you may never want to leave.

Kowloon Park has over 33 acres (13 hectares) of lush greenery. It used to be a British military base yet now it holds quiet gardens, sculptures, swimming pools and a large piazza for concerts. The serenity of the park is a perfect reprieve from the commotion of the main city areas and even if you wish for activities, the park has its own share of them.

For children, there are playgrounds where they can completely let go, and for their parents, there are safety precautions to satisfy their anxieties. The Discovery Playground itself is built around an old British fort and has some left behind cannons that all leave an impression on the young and old alike. And of course, one can also play soccer, basketball, handball or take a long bicycle ride across the park. There is even a swimming pool that is accessible to locals and tourists alike.

As for anyone with a desire for something less active, you can always take a long quiet walk across the vast spaces of the park. There are as many interesting things to see, as there are to do. Sculpture Park with its fascinating bird sculptures, and even a totem pole, is almost a miniature museum and the natural surroundings add a sense of flavor to it. The botanical gardens scattered all around the park, are vibrant with local flowers and a variety of species. There are even quite a few ponds, including a charming little pond with little turtles. There are a variety of bird species at the aptly named Bird Lake, to satisfy any bird enthusiast or amateur ornithologist. More than a hundred species have been seen at the park and it is often vibrant during the migratory seasons of spring and autumn.

There are regular sessions of Tai Chi with experienced masters leading a bunch of regulars, stressed-out white-collar workers, and yes, anyone. Yes, you can join in too. And if you wish to join something more competitive, there are tables at Banyan Court that are always active with chess games. Visitors can observe or even try their luck in competing with any of the regulars, who may or may not be grand masters.

Yet what is Kowloon Park really? Kowloon Park is just a place with a strong sense of calm freedom where there are enough activities to leave you to your own choices. And Hong Kong is just not Hong Kong, without Kowloon Park.