Victoria Park

Offering respite from the busy streets of Causeway Bay, this green expanse on the north of Hong Kong Island is Hong Kong’s largest city park, a favorite with locals. It’s a focal point for local forums and debates, and home to several large fairs and events.The park is named after Queen Victoria. A statue of her, which was cast in London, sits at the park’s main entrance. The park features sports facilities including a running track and outdoor pool. Young children will enjoy the mini zoo, with animals such as peacocks and turtles.Wake up early and take a morning stroll to see choreographed tai chi sessions in action. On the weekends you’ll see other martial arts performed, but tai chi is said to be Hong Kong’s favorite way to keep fit. If you want to get involved, the Hong Kong Tourism Board also organizes free beginner classes check the board’s website for session times.Every year, the park hosts the Lunar New Year Fair, a huge attraction where stall holders sell flowers and fruit late into the night. The popular Hong Kong Flower Show is also held here every March. The gardens are lit with traditional Chinese lanterns during the Mid-Autumn festival in September. Victoria Park is also the site of Hong Kong's Tiananmen Square memorial vigil, held on June 4 each year.Visit on a Sunday to see the City Forum, in which politicians, academics and other public figures come together to discuss current affairs. The forum is broadcast on Radio Television Hong Kong and attracts dozens of elderly pro-Beijing men who can be heard shouting slogans outside the forum venue. Known locally as the “uncles of Victoria Park,” these men have now become a distinctive part of the place. On Sundays you’ll also see hundreds of “amahs,” the Indonesian and Filipina ladies on their day off from domestic service.Victoria Park is located between Causeway Bay and Tin Hau MTR stations. To reach the park from Causeway Bay Station, take Exit E and walk along Great George Street. From Tin Hau Station, take Exit A2. Turn left at the exit and walk straight ahead until you reach the park.