Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Hong Kong - The Nan Lian Garden is a Chinese Classical Garden in Diamond Hill, Hong Kong. The garden has an area of 3.5 hectares. It is designed in the Tang Dynasty-style with hills, water features, trees, rocks and wooden structures. The garden was a joint project of the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Hong Kong Government.
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Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

4.4
·446 reviews·, Hong Kong

A tranquil green oasis in the heart of Hong Kong, featuring diverse flora and fauna. Free admission makes it a perfect escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Hong Kong - The Nan Lian Garden is a Chinese Classical Garden in Diamond Hill, Hong Kong. The garden has an area of 3.5 hectares. It is designed in the Tang Dynasty-style with hills, water features, trees, rocks and wooden structures. The garden was a joint project of the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Hong Kong Government.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil green oasis in the heart of Hong Kong, featuring diverse flora and fauna. Free admission makes it a perfect escape.

4.4
(446 reviews)

"Nature escape in the heart of the city — beautiful, peaceful, and absolutely FREE!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially on warmer days. There are water fountains available too. :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Aviary

Vibrant Aviary

Aviary Walk

Marvel at a colorful array of exotic birds in this immersive walk-through aviary. A true feast for the eyes!

Mammal Enclosures

Mammal Enclosures

Mammal Section

Encounter a variety of mammals, from playful primates to fascinating reptiles. A hit with kids and adults alike!

Themed Gardens

Themed Gardens

Various locations

Wander through beautifully curated themed gardens, showcasing a stunning diversity of plant life.

Planning Your Visit

Escape the Urban Hustle

Discover a tranquil oasis in the heart of Hong Kong. The Zoological and Botanical Gardens offer a refreshing break from the city's energy, perfect for nature lovers and families seeking a peaceful retreat. Plan your visit to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.

Free Admission, Priceless Experience

Enjoy a beautiful day out without spending a dime! The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are completely free to enter, making them an ideal budget-friendly activity. Explore the lush greenery and diverse animal exhibits at your leisure.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Animals are more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You have to visit this place in Hong Kong. Actually, it’s two places side by side. They’re called the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden and they are an oasis of calm in the busy city that is Hong Ko...
@handluggageonly
18.2K likes • 239.6K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially on warmer days. There are water fountains available too. :droplet:

Refreshing ke TAMAN TERCANTIK di HONG KONG 🇭🇰🧧⛲️ kalian ada rekomendasi trmpat healing terbaik di hong kong?! Comment di bawah yah #KerjaDiHongKong #Liburan #liburanluarnegeri #kaburajadulu #lowongank...
@kurma.sukari
6.3K likes • 83.2K views
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical gardens 🌱🦢🌷 It’s a beautiful place, with a huge variety of plants, birds and mammals. I went there today and I loved it. I saw animals I had never seen before a...
lexieunderthestars
126 likes • 2K views

📸 Capture the Moments

Plenty of photo opportunities with the animals and lush greenery. :camerawithflash:

🐒 Check Mammal Section Status

The mammal section sometimes closes for maintenance, check ahead if it's a priority. :informationdeskperson:

Nature escape in the heart of the city 🌿✨ Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens — beautiful, peaceful, and absolutely FREE! 💚 #BotanicalGardenHK #FreeInHK #hongkong #TravelGoals #instareels
iamicca
3 likes • 246 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially on warmer days. There are water fountains available too. :droplet:

📸 Capture the Moments

Plenty of photo opportunities with the animals and lush greenery. :camerawithflash:

🐒 Check Mammal Section Status

The mammal section sometimes closes for maintenance, check ahead if it's a priority. :informationdeskperson:

📍 Easy to Access

Located centrally, it's easy to reach via public transport. :bus:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(446 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens for being a serene, free escape within the bustling city, offering a diverse collection of plants and animals. Many appreciate the tranquility and the opportunity to relax amidst nature. Some note that certain animal enclosures can be small, and occasional maintenance closures might affect viewing specific exhibits.

"Bueatifully kept zoo and gardens .
Peaceful, next to the bustling action of the city .
Lots of great animals …. An albino kangaroo !
Flamingos ! That look just like the terrible garden statues ! Who’d have thought ….. ha
Well worth a visit, nice to reset the nerves in the lovely gardens ."

Molly M

"It's free. That's awesome! The place is fantastic, many animals, birds, plants ...
I love it here."

Thái Lê

"I went to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens today—this place is really worth visiting, with lots of animals to see.

But I noticed some animals, like meerkats, Raba, Yellow-casqued Hornbill and Emperor Tamarins, are alone in their cages, which is pretty sad. I hope the zoo can find companions for these lonely animals. They’ve already been stuck in the zoo for so long, and being alone just makes it even harder for them.

We might feel happy visiting the zoo, but if our happiness is built on the animals’ suffering, it’s not really something to celebrate. I hope everyone can be more considerate of the animals’ feelings too."

Eltira Gaga

What People Like

Free admission
Peaceful atmosphere
Diverse plant life

What People Dislike

Small animal enclosures
Occasional closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The gardens are easily accessible by public transport. Take the MTR to Admiralty Station and it's a short walk uphill, or hop on a bus that stops nearby. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from the Central district. Instagram

Parking is limited in the vicinity. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

The main paths are generally paved and accessible, but some areas might have inclines or stairs. It's manageable with a stroller, but be prepared for some uneven surfaces. Instagram

The closest MTR stations are Admiralty and Central. From either station, it's a walk of about 10-15 minutes to reach the gardens. Instagram

Yes, taxis are a convenient option. Just tell your driver 'Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens' or provide the address. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is completely FREE! It's a fantastic way to enjoy nature and wildlife without any cost. Instagram

The gardens are typically open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. However, specific exhibits like the aviary and mammal enclosures may have shorter hours, usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

No, tickets are not required as entry is free. You can simply walk in during opening hours. Instagram

Generally, there are no strict restrictions, but visitors are expected to respect the environment and wildlife. Large bags might be subject to inspection. Instagram

The mammal section has undergone renovations and may have specific reopening dates or temporary closures. It's advisable to check the official website or local advisories before your visit if seeing specific animals is your main goal. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of mammals, including primates, reptiles, and birds in the aviary. While it's not a large zoo, it offers a diverse collection for its size. Instagram+1

Explore the beautifully maintained themed gardens, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take a relaxing stroll. It's a great spot for a picnic or simply to unwind. Instagram+1

Weekends and public holidays can be busy, especially with local families. Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest and most peaceful time to visit. Reddit

Restroom facilities are available within the gardens. There isn't a full-service cafe, so it's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed, but please be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly at the animals. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or cafes within the gardens themselves. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for a picnic. Instagram

The gardens are located in a central area with many dining options. You can find a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the nearby Central and Admiralty districts. TikTok

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are benches and open spaces where you can enjoy your meal amidst nature. Reddit

Vending machines are not typically available within the gardens. It's best to come prepared with your own refreshments. Instagram

The surrounding areas offer diverse culinary experiences, from local Hong Kong dim sum and street food to international cuisine. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The aviary, the diverse plant collections, and the various animal enclosures offer excellent photo opportunities. The tranquil garden paths also make for beautiful shots. Instagram+1

While enclosures provide a safe distance, you can still get good shots with a zoom lens. Be patient and wait for the right moment. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer, more flattering light. It's also when animals are typically more active. Reddit

Drones are generally not permitted in public parks and gardens in Hong Kong to ensure safety and tranquility. Instagram

A versatile zoom lens is recommended for capturing both landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can be great for the garden vistas. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are a fantastic, free outing for families. Kids will love seeing the various animals, especially the primates and birds in the aviary. Instagram+1 The open spaces are perfect for little ones to explore, and the gardens offer a safe environment for them to learn about nature. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no cafes on-site, but plenty of lovely spots for a picnic. Instagram

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your family. The stroller-friendly paths in most areas make it manageable for parents with young children. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to wildlife and the beauty of plants in a calm setting. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are an absolute gem. Admission is completely free, offering hours of exploration and enjoyment without any cost. Instagram It's a perfect way to experience a slice of Hong Kong's natural beauty without dipping into your wallet. Reddit

Pack your own lunch and water to maximize savings. The gardens provide a peaceful escape and a chance to see local flora and fauna, making it a highly rewarding and economical activity. Combine your visit with a walk through nearby areas to further explore the city on a budget. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Green Lung in the City

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are a vital green space offering a welcome respite from the urban intensity. Established in 1871, they are one of the oldest parks in Hong Kong, evolving over time to include both zoological and botanical collections. The gardens are divided into two sections: the Old Garden and the New Garden, connected by a footbridge. The Old Garden, dating back to 1871, features the Governor's Residence and a more mature landscape, while the New Garden, developed in 1975, houses the majority of the animal exhibits. Instagram+1

Visitors can explore a diverse range of flora, including a bamboo garden, a succulent collection, and various ornamental trees and shrubs. The zoological section hosts a variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds, with a particular highlight being the walk-through aviary. While not a large-scale zoo, the focus is on providing a naturalistic environment for the animals and an educational experience for visitors. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and reconnect with nature. Instagram+1

Recent updates have seen the reopening of the mammal section after renovations, enhancing the visitor experience. The gardens are a testament to Hong Kong's commitment to preserving green spaces amidst rapid development, offering a peaceful sanctuary for both wildlife and people. Reddit

Navigating the Gardens

Getting to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is straightforward, with multiple public transport options available. The nearest MTR stations are Admiralty and Central, both within a 10-15 minute walk. Be aware that the walk is uphill, so comfortable footwear is essential. InstagramReddit

Once inside, the gardens are divided into two main sections. The Old Garden is characterized by its mature trees and historical buildings, while the New Garden is where most of the animal enclosures and the aviary are located. A footbridge connects these two areas, making it easy to explore both. The paths are generally well-maintained, but some inclines and steps are present, so visitors with mobility issues should be mindful. Instagram

While the gardens themselves are free to enter, it's wise to check the opening hours for specific exhibits, as they may differ from the general park hours. Bringing your own water and snacks is recommended, as dining facilities are limited to picnic spots. InstagramReddit

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