Kowloon Park

Kowloon (the part of Hong Kong on the mainland peninsula) is not a very beautiful place. The main zones are very urban, but have more of the unpleasant sides of life than Hong Kong. There are touts everywhere trying to sell you something, and in some places it is difficult to be left alone. But in the center of it is a great refuge, Kowloon Park.

We stumbled upon the park by accident. It isn't actually highlighted in our guidebooks or the tourist info. We wanted to stay a night in Kowloon to shorten the commute, and ran across the park as we walked around looking for a hotel. Subsequently we visited the park several times.

Here's a quick list of what's there: an aviary, several ponds, a classical Chinese garden, a sculpture garden, a maze made of hedge, and a courtyard surrounding a huge Banyan tree. Facilities include indoor sports, fitness rooms and tennis courts, and a swimming complex with a major competition pool, a practice pool, a diving pool and splashing pool, and three outdoor pools. In the mornings, the park is full of people (mostly older folks) practicing Tai Chi.

If you are ever stuck in Kowloon, seek refuge in Kowloon Park. It makes it all worth it!