May 22, 2022
Have you ever heard about the Walled City of Hong Kong? Have you ever wondered how it was transformed into a beautiful park?
There was once an enclave built within the boundaries for military purposes during the World War era. As time went on in the post-war era, the population increased uncontrollably. More buildings were built within the wall, as well as squatters, and the government found it difficult to control the area.
The government found it difficult to control the area and the walled city became a haven of crime, drugs, prostitution, illegal gambling, and even unlicensed establishments. It was later ruled by organized crime syndicates.
A lot more stories have been written in history as well as the chaos that happened within the walled city. Until Britain and China joined to solve the issue, eradicate the crimes, and capture the criminals. It led to the demolition of the walled city and the transformation into a park in 1995.
(You can find the history of this place inside the park itself)
The once criminal haven has been transformed into one of the most visited tourist destinations in Hong Kong where history is still preserved.
Nowadays, there is no trace of high walls around the park, but only its low Chinese-style walls. However, as you walk inside, some parts from the past are still evident and you would feel as if there were high walls built around the area in the past.
As you entered the park, you would feel a different vibe as if you're walking in the past as some remnants are found on every corner of the park. A bronze model of densely populated high-rise buildings of the walled city that was once criminals' haven would catch your attention located just in front of the entrance.
Model of original Walled City
And even if you were born in the new generation, the remnants of the war would make you feel as if you've been there.
Its rustic view is nostalgic and would make you travel to the old century during World War.
Whether you know the history or not before you enter the park, you would eventually learn it as it is all posted on some sides of the park. The memories and living conditions of residents inside the walled city in the past, from their normal daily routines to illegal activities and crimes.
The posted frames and information on its walls and corridors would help you learn about the history and happenings in the past of the walled city.
Aside from its historical remains, the main attractions of the park include the pavilions of different styles.
A pavilion on top of the hill usually serves as a place for gatherings for residents and visitors.
Another pavilion was inspired by the famous mountain of HK with a stone formation that resembles an animal that seems to be facing the pavilion.
And more pavilions that stand beautifully by the pond and lake, perfect for photoshoots like Chinese-themed debuts, prenuptial, and other special events.
Aside from pavilions, these statuses of zodiacs are also one of the top features of the park. You can take a souvenir selfie of your own favorite Zodiac sign.
More features include different rock formations with their significant historical features.
Let nature restores your mind and body as you walk along the trees and hear the ear soothing chorus of the birds.
More beautiful creatures of nature are found in all parts of the park. You can walk along the pathway with flowers on the sides of different kinds that bloom in different seasons, perfect for photography. Several cute koi fish can be found in the ponds of the garden, as well as butterflies sucking nectars of the flowers.
You don't have to worry about getting toasted under the sun while roaming around the park. Aside from a lot of trees, there are Chinese-inspired sheds where visitors could take a break while enjoying the scenery of the park. A comfort room was also built inside the park near this area in the photo below, in case you feel a sudden call of nature.
And a place that was made for eating and gathering purposes. Visitors could have a picnic inside the park and this has been my favorite spot where I usually stay during the weekend while connecting to the park's wifi.
You can do a lot of things at the park. You can spend quality time with your family and walk on relaxing beautiful paths or play with your kids in a different garden.
Aside from perfect place for gatherings and picnics, the park is also perfect for jogging, meditation, and dance practices, as well as yoga and Zumba. You can dance Tai Chi along with the old Chinese folks, or sunbathe in the center of the garden, you bet?
Old folks dancing Chinese Taichi at the garden and a half-naked man sunbathing on the chessboard ground. That is perhaps one of the Chinese meditation practices š
You can have Chinese-themed photoshoots in different parts of the park.
Or simply, sit down on the green grasses by the lake and have some chitchat with your friends or families while waiting for the sun to go below the horizon.
For a moment, let your mind absorb the beautiful scenery and feel as if you are on the other side of the world.
As you walk out of the park, it isn't the end of your journey yet. You can visit the connecting park at the outside part of it with beautiful features as well.
The outside area of the park is for recreational activities. There is a basketball court, skateboarding area, children's playground, as well picnic area where overseas workers and Chinese residents usually spend their quality time during holidays.
The rock formations and different plants are among the main attractions of the outside part of the park. It's also the best place to gather with your friends and AEON Mall is just located near it where visitors could buy their food or dine in different restaurants.
So if I'm not roaming around the city or going to the countryside, expect me to be inside Kowloon Walled City Park.
I hope you like this virtual tour to my favorite park in Hong Kong. See you in my next travel blogs.
Follow me on:
ā¢HIVE
ā¢read.cash ā¢noise.cash ā¢Twitter ā¢Publish0x ā¢Torum