As the weather starts to warm and the seasons start to change, spring arrives. With spring comes various forms of blooming flowers, making flower viewing the perfect activity. Flower viewing comes from Japan, a traditional custom of appreciating the transient beauty of flowers.
Hong Kong is home to over 1600 different parks and gardens that house flowers, as seen on the Government’s Leisure and Culture Service Department’s Flower Appreciation website. The website offers information on where to see the different flowers of the city, including how to get there and its current blooming stages.
1. Lai Chi Kok Park – White Yoshino Cherry Blossom
White Yoshino Cherry Blossoms at Lai Chi Kok Park (Photo by: Chloe Wong)
The highlight of spring – cherry blossoms! With the blooms lasting around 2 weeks, the beauty is in its temporary nature. At the Lai Chi Kok Park, you can get a glimpse of the rare White Yoshino Cherry Blossoms. Unlike the typical pink cherry blossoms, it is cultivated as a hybrid between Oshima cherry trees and Itosakura trees, forming a gradation of pink and white cherry blossoms.
“Since I can’t travel to Japan it’s nice to be able to see cherry blossoms in Hong Kong,” says Lim Wai Leng, a 54-year old mother from Guangzhou who brought her child to view the flowers. Many people choose to picnic underneath the trees, taking in its sights while spending quality time with their loved ones.
How to get there: MTR Mei Foo station, exit C1
2. Tin Shui Wai Park – Lady Glove / Digitalis purpurea
Lady Glove flowers and flower bed at Tin Shui Wai Park (Photo by: Chloe Wong)
If you’re looking for variety, look no further than the Tin Shui Wai Park! The park houses a variety of crowd-favourite flowers like hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and digitalises. The digitalis bloom from early spring to late fall. Their heights make them stand out from other flowers, creating a textural dimension for garden beds.
This park is easily accessible by just a 1-minute walk away from the Light Rail. Take a leisurely stroll around the vast land while appreciating the multi-coloured spread of flowers.
How to get there: Light Rail, Tin Shui stop
3. Hong Kong Wetland Park – Orange Hibiscus
Orange Hibiscus blooming at pedestrian walk near Wetland Park (Photo by: Chloe Wong)
Blooming for only a whole day, the Hibiscus flower may be one of the most short-lived but beautiful flowers. The need for warmer climates means it only appears during Spring-Summer seasons. The Wetland Park is situated close by residential buildings. The surrounding areas are filled with flowers blooming on pathways, roadsides, and bushes. Take a walk along the park to see the orange variation of this flower.
“It’s nice to enjoy the flowers while I’m taking a walk around the park,” says 86-year old Cheung Lam Sing who frequents the park with his elderly friends.
Light Rail at Tin Sau stop (Photo by: Chloe Wong)
How to get there: Light Rail, Tin Sau stop
4. Kowloon Tsai Park – Hong Kong Orchid Tree
Hong Kong Orchid Tree at Kowloon Tsui Park (Photo by: Chloe Wong)
Native to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Orchid Trees stand out with its vibrant purplish colours. They can be spotted all around Hong Kong, in places like New Territories, Kowloon, Chai Wan and more. The Kowloon Tsai Park brings visitors every spring with around 93 orchid trees planted. According to the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub, the tree can grow up to 10 meters in height, making it a spectacle to behold.
How to get there: MTR Lok Fu station, exit B
5. The University of Hong Kong – Rhododendrons/Royal Azalea
Royal Azaleas at the university of Hong Kong, Main Building (Photo by: Chloe Wong)
In an unexpected location lies the most beautiful pink flowers – Royal Azaleas. Situated in the Main Building of The University of Hong Kong (HKU), azaleas resembling cherry blossoms sprout out during spring time. The vibrant pink goes perfectly well with the pink HKU building, making it a tourist hot spot.
The University of Hong Kong’s Main Building courtyard (Photo by: Chloe Wong)
The flowers are planted around March and lasts the majority of spring, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty for longer months. Find it in the courtyard, with the famous clock tower making its appearance in the background.