Japan’s cherry blossoms are world-renowned and signify the beginning of spring however, with travel continuing to be off the table for now and the foreseeable future it may feel impossible to catch a sight of these stunning flowers. Thankfully, you can participate in hanami, the flower viewing rite of spring, right here in our very own concrete jungle. From around February to March there are eight different locations in Hong Kong that you can catch a glimpse of these infamous and beautiful pink sakuras.
Cheung Chau Kwan Kung Pavilion
On the island of Cheung Chau sits the Kwan Kung Pavilion, a traditional red and green Chinese pavilion that houses a statue of Kwan Kung, the ‘God of War’. Surrounding the pavilion are around ten Taiwanese cherry blossom trees that generally bloom between February to March. Cheung Chau is a stunning island to visit for greenery and outdoor activities so it’s easy to make a day out of the visit.
Address: Kwun Yam Wan Road, Cheung Chau
Website: www.islandsdc.org.hk
CUHK New Asia College, Chih Hsing Hall
Planted in 2012, the Chih Hsing Hall at CUHK is home to about 20 cherry blossom trees of the pink Japanese and the Taiwanese cherry variety. They were planted to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Japanese studies at the university. You can generally view these flowers from around February to April.
Address: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Central Ave
Website: http://www.na.cuhk.edu.hk/
Hong Kong Velodrome Park
Hong Kong Velodrome Park homes 11 different cherry blossom trees, the majority of which are of the Taiwanese variety with a few others from Japan. The park is large, at 5.3 hectares, and offers a beautiful artificial lake and large lawn which make for stunning pictures. The best time to catch the cherry blossoms at this location is between March and April.
Address: 105-107 Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O
Website: https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/tc/parks/vdp/intro.html
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
Kadoorie Farms is one of the hidden gems found in the Tai Mo Shan country park in Tai Po. Set in 148 hectares on the slopes of Tai Mo Shan, Kadoorie Farms is an active farm and wildlife sanctuary. It is also home to 230 Taiwanese cherry blossom trees, one of the biggest collections available in Hong Kong. It’s also home to a selection of other flowers, like orchids, that are also available for viewing. Kadoorie Farms is active on their Facebook page about when the flowers are about to be in season and the best time to view them.
Address: Lam Kam Rd, Tai Po
Website: https://www.kfbg.org/
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels
Ngong Ping
Catch the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to some of its tourist spots to experience its Spring Flower Trail. Spread through Ngong Ping are over 400 cherry blossom trees of seven different varieties. The trail is new with the trees having only been planted in 2018, meaning that many of the trees are still juvenile, but they are blossoming and is sure to become a favourite hanami viewing spot in Hong Kong within a few years.
Address: 11 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau
Website: https://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/topics-in-focus/index-id-28.html
Quarry Bay Promenade
This popular walking and running promenade hosts a few cherry blossoms for viewing, of which they can even be viewed at night with its ample lighting, making for a romantic evening. The promenade is easily accessible making it a good choice for families with small children or for those that are looking for a casual walk versus a hike. You can view cherry blossoms here from February to March.
Address: Quarry Bay Promenade, Hoi Yu Street, Quarry Bay
Website: https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/
Tai Mo Shan Country Park, Rotary Park Campsite
Another spot in Tai Mo Shan you can view cherry blossoms is within Rotary Park. At the base of the 957-meter peak that holds the Hong Kong Observatory’s weather radar station, and near the visitor centre, you can find around 38 cherry blossom trees of the Taiwanese variety. These flowers are also near the Rotary Park Nature Walk making for a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Catch these flowers in bloom from February to March.
Address: Rotary Park, Tai Mo Shan Country Park, Tai Po
Website: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/
Tai Po Waterfront Park
The Tai Po Waterfront is Hong Kong’s largest public park, spanning 22 hectares. It’s home to a wide diversity of flowers, including having some of the most diverse selections of cherry blossoms in the city. Some different types of cherry blossoms you will find here include the Fuji cherry and the yoshino cherry. It’s best to visit here between March and April to get the best views of these pink flowers.
Address: Tai Po Waterfront Park, Dai Fat Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po
Website: https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/tpwp/
This is a Hong Kong GGB original 'Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Hong Kong ' blogpost.