Take Walk on the Wild Side at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Having opened its lush environment to the public as far back as 1871, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens can be deemed a permanent fixture in the country’s natural heritage. Located on the northern tilt of Victoria Peak this verdant parkland once known as Bing Tau Fa Yuen is also one of the oldest zoological and botanical endeavors in the globe.

Spread out across 5.6 hectares the garden is home to 70 mammals, 50 reptiles and nearly 400 birds belonging to 160 different species. Housed within 40 separate enclosures the mammals inhabiting the park include Buff-cheeked Gibbons, Bornean Orang-utans, Lion-tailed Macaques, Chinese Porcupines, Pygmy Marmosets, Ring-tailed Lemurs and Golden Agoutis in addition to Siamangs, Emperor Tamarins and Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloths. Golden Lion Tamarins and White-faced Sakis are also frequently spotted at the park alongside Black and White Ruffed Lemurs and Central American Agoutis. The winged beauties that are found in the gardens include Bali Mynahs, Hawaiian Geese, Red-crowned Cranes, American Flamingos and White-winged Wood Duck while Yangtze Alligators, Burmese Pythons, Malayan Box Turtles, Flowery Backed Box Terrapins and Greek Tortoise are some of the popular reptiles that reside within the enclosure.

With over a 1000 plant varieties to its name the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens also offers visitors seven breathtakingly landscaped thematic gardens that are ideal for nature walks. The venue’s Bamboo Garden for example boasts 20 bamboo species in its enclave while the Camellia Garden encompasses 30 diverse species of the plant including the native Hong Kong Camellia and rarities such as the Golden and Yunnan Camellias. The parkland’s Herb Garden is another point of interest although the Magnolia Garden and Palm Garden are equally captivating with its impressive collection of the varied genera.

The Hong Kong Orchid Tree and the Camel's Foot Tree are located inside the Bauhinia Garden while indigenous Yellow Azaleas, Purple Azaleas and Lovely Azaleas are found in the Azalea Garden which also houses the rare Westland’s Rhododendron plant.

The garden’s Greenhouse is also worth a visit as the space encompasses 150 exotic and indigenous species of ferns, orchids, climbers, house plants and bromeliads.

Travellers in search of a luxury hotel in Hong Kong will be more than satisfied with the stylish rest that is the Langham Hong Kong. Ideally located in the Tsimshatsui retail and tourism hub this elegant Hong Kong hotel also offers guests easy access to the city’s shopping and sightseeing venues.