How to spend a day at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
Fancy a day out in nature? Look no further than Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, spread over 148 hectares of land on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest mountain, near the town of Tai Po. Established in 1956 to provide agricultural aid to farmers and help them to lead independent lives, and to provide leisure and educational experience for the public, the farm has become a popular location for visitors looking to enjoy Hong Kong’s great outdoors.
In January the weather is cool and the mountains are adorned with green, yellow, orange and red leaves; flowers start blooming and animals are still active. With a deep-set valley between two ridges and a stream running steeply down through the forest, the farm boasts theme gardens, vegetable terraces, 8 km of walking trails, 9 km of roads, and conservation and educational facilities.
Kadoorie residents at play
Kadoorie Farm’s Monkey Haven has re-opened recently after renovation and two monkey groups, Rhesus Macaque and Long-Tailed Macaque are enjoying their new playground to stay in shape this winter. Visitors can meet the new resident monkey, Moung Moung and her friends. Meanwhile, the “Parrot Sanctuary” has also welcomed newcomers. They are the sulphur-crested cockatoo “Chow Chow” and “Tin Tin”, and salmon-crested Cockatoo “Moby”.
Flowers in bloom
Many native Hong Kong plants come into bloom during Lunar New Year. These flowers embellish the mountains and plains with different shades of red. You can appreciate the beauty of the showy pink petite bell Chinese New Year Flower, the Flowering Apricot, the fuschia Taiwan Cherry, and the large and vermillion Red Azalea.
Workshops & exhibitions
Pause & Breathe in Nature – Zen Art Experience by Changlin Fashi
Pause & Breathe in Nature – Zen Art Experience is a free-to-attend calligraphy exhibition by artist Changlin Fashi. Changlin Fashi captured 12 Zen moments in nature simply by following his heart, and created the art pieces with his formless calligraphy. The pieces demonstrate how everything undergoes constant changes and impermanence being the nature of things.
Forest Immersion Walk at Dusk
On February 2 and 11, enjoy a 3.5 hour forest bathing session with Kadoorie Farm’s Forest Immersion Walk ($450 which includes admission fee, organic snacks and shuttle transfers). With a series of Forest Invitations, you will awaken your senses, walk mindfully through the forest and move deeper into the state of presence and connection to nature. The forest will act as the therapist to support and heal participants who can embrace the company of those around them and enjoy heartfelt sharing and organic snacks in tranquil natural surroundings.
Kalimba keychain & mandala workshop
On January 26 and 27, children can join Kadoorie Farm’s Kalimba Keychain & Mandala Workshop ($580 for one child and one adult, including admission). This one-day workshop combines wood polishing, mandala painting, kalimba making and music sharing. Through observing natural shapes and lines, rings found on tree trunks and the spiral of the snail’s shell, children will design their own mandala patterns and meditate through art.
Getting there & admission
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) is a conservation and education centre. Please be environmentally conscious and help us to preserve the harmony of nature for people and wildlife. The farm is open daily from 9.30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $40 for adults and children over 12, $20 for children aged 4-11 years old and free for under 4’s. For information on getting to Kadoorie Farm please click here.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories, 2483 7200, kfbg.org
