It’s that time of the year again! Spring is known for beautiful weather, new beginnings, and if you are in East Asia, cherry blossoms! This stunning plant, also known as sakura flowers, blooms for a short period of time but has vibrant colours and fragrant blooms and — you guessed it — are Instagram-perfect. The cherry blossom season lasts from February to mid-April or even early May and is a time for festivities across East Asian cultures. Even though each culture has its own symbolic meaning for the cherry blossom, they represent new beginnings, renewal, and rebirth.
As many people associate the beauty of cherry blossoms with hope and joy, they are often celebrated in various festivals during springtime. In some cultures, these festivals are accompanied by special activities such as picnics or parties to commemorate this beautiful time of year. So if you are unable to visit Japan but still wonder where to see beautiful cherry blossoms in Hong Kong, here are the best places to enjoy sakura season in the city.
Cherry Blossom Garden, Chek Lap Kok
This is the largest dedicated garden to cherry blossoms in Hong Kong, with 85 trees chosen specifically because they suit the city’s subtropical climate. The garden near the foot of Scenic Hill along Chek Lap Kok South Road is maintained by the Hong Kong International Airport. It first opened in 2023, but was remodelled before its second sakura season in 2024. Apart from trees with firm buds and red-hued petals, the space now has small mounds, photo spots, garden designs, fences, information boards, and resting areas. The best time to head to this spot is February, when the trees are expected to be in full bloom.
How To Get There: Take any of the buses from the Tung Chung Bus Terminus, or get off at the Tung Chung MTR Station and walk past the Ngong Ping Cable Car Station until you get to Chek Lap Kok South Road.
Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden
It might be a bit of a hike out in New Territories, but it’s definitely worth visiting to see how these delicate flowers add a splash of colour to the lush green landscape. You will find one of the largest collections of cherry trees in Hong Kong, with 230 Taiwan cherry trees. These are slightly different from the Japanese version as they bloom to be a fuchsia colour instead of the soft whites and pinks, and are also known as the bellflower cherry or the Formosan cherry. So make a day trip out of this and enjoy not just the breathtaking sights but also the warmer weather and activities such as animal encounters, forest immersion walks, and even treasure hunts!
How To Get There: Take bus 64K from Tai Wo MTR station, Tai Po Market MTR Station, or Kam Sheung Road MTR Station towards Kadoorie Farm bus stop.
Tai Po Waterfront Park
If you are looking for a variety in your cherry blossom viewing, head over to Tai Po Waterfront Park. Located in the heart of Tai Po, it is one of the city’s largest public parks, at over 22 hectares. One of their blooms is the Yoshino cherry trees, which are often the first to bloom and have fragrant, almond-scented whitish-pink flowers. It also features the Fuji cherry tree, which gets its name as it grows around Mt Fuji and has light white-pink flowers. The best spot to view the blossoms is from the spiral lookout tower. If you have children, don’t worry — there are also several playgrounds where children can have fun while you relax and take in the scenery.
How To Get There: Take bus routes 72A, 73, 73X. Or it is a 30-minute walk from Tai Po Market MTR Station Exit B.
Shing Mun Valley Park, Tsuen Wan
There might only be four recently planted Japanese cherry blossom trees, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. With the Shing Mun River as a backdrop, you can fulfil your pink sakura fantasies. In case you miss out on the spring flower, you can also head there in summer to see lotus flowers. They usually bloom between June and July. Or, they also have a rose garden which has flowers thriving year-round. It truly is a great spot for a picnic, no matter what time of the year!
How To Get There: Get off at Exit B at Tai Wo Hau MTR station and walk for approximately 10 minutes.
Rotary Park, Tai Mo Shan Country Park
The gorgeous Rotary Park, which itself is a part of the Tai Mo Shan Country Park, has a total of 38 sakura trees that you can enjoy as you walk the park trail. It might be one of the hardest hikes in Hong Kong, as the peak is 957 metres tall, but the panoramic views of Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi dotted with delicate blossoms make it worth it. The species of cherry trees has been brought over from the mountainous regions of Taiwan. There are also options for barbecues and camping if you wish to make a trip out of it!
How To Get There: Take Bus 51 (towards Sheung Tsuen) from Nina Tower Bus Terminus or Tsuen Wan West MTR station. Get off at the Country Park bus stop and walk for 5-10 minutes.
Kwan Kung Pavilion, Cheung Chau
Did you know your favourite island is home to 10 cherry trees? Yes! Near Kwan Kung Pavilion, which has a peaceful temple dedicated to the ‘God of War’, Kwan Tai, you can find the common species Prunus campanulata. This cherry blossom is deep red and bell-shaped, which makes for gorgeous photos, especially when set against the iconic red temple. They come in clusters of two to six flowers and usually bloom in the first week of March to April’s end. So for a day of fun, food and flowers, head over to Cheung Chau this spring!
How To Get There: Take the ferry to Cheung Chau from Central Pier 5.
Quarry Bay Park
If you’re looking to enjoy the blooming petals of the cherry blossom on Hong Kong Island, look no further than Quarry Bay! The Promenade, which is often frequented by joggers, dog walkers, and tai chi enthusiasts, is home to several cherry trees that blossom in February. It is also one of the few places to enjoy flowers at nighttime. Illuminated by lights and with the stunning harbour as a backdrop, it is a wonderful place for a romantic evening or a fun picnic with friends. Plus with SO many amazing restaurants within walking distance, your visit will be complete!
How To Get There: Walk over from Quarry Bay MTR Station Exit B.
New Asia College, Chinese University of Hong Kong
In 2012, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of CUHK’s department of Japanese studies, 20 cherry blossom trees were planted. Since then, every spring, between February and April, people flock to the university to admire the beautiful light pink flowering cherry trees from Japan. Slightly further away, near the bus stop at United College, you can see a Taiwanese variety that blossoms to be dark pink at peak bloom. So instead of heading to Osaka or Kyoto, why not just travel to Chinese University?
How To Get There: Walk over from the University MTR Station Exit A.
Hong Kong Velodrome Park
First things first, a velodrome is a covered cycle-racing track with steeply banked curves. But more importantly, the Hong Kong Velodrome park, outside the actual stadium, is home to 11 cherry blossom trees in a 5.3-hectare park. Most of the blossoms are of the Taiwan cherry, which is peach-coloured when it reaches full bloom. The park also offers a beautiful artificial lake and a large lawn consisting of different species of trees, all making for stunning photographs. To see the blossoms, head over between March and April.
How To Get There: Walk over from Hang Hau MTR station Exit B or Tseung Kwan O MTR station Exit A.
On King Street Park
With approximately a dozen Fuji cherry trees in the park near Shek Mun in Sha Tin, this is one of the lesser-known spots to observe the blossoms. You will have invigorating and soothing views of the Shing Mun River alongside green lawns and trees. During spring, the trees attract a number of stunning butterflies, making the view incredible no matter what time you visit. It is the perfect place to take in the beautiful surroundings as you stroll or cycle.
How To Get There: Walk over from Shek Mun MTR Station Exit C.
Ngong Ping
One of the largest selections of cherry trees in the territory was planted in 2018 in Ngong Ping, and is among over 400 cherry trees and other spring-flowering varietals. It is the perfect spot to stop and smell the sakura. With such a wide variety, the flowers start blooming at the end of December and can be admired up to early April. Some species available to admire include Bellflower Cherry, Bellflower Cherry (Double-flowered), Guangzhou Cherry, Xiaoqiao Cherry, Southern Early Cherry, and Kawazu-zakura. This is surely one of the favourite hanami viewing spots in Hong Kong!
How To Get There: Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal is adjacent to Tung Chung MTR station. It is a 5-minute walk from Exit B of the station.
FAQ about cherry blossoms in Hong Kong
Where is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Hong Kong?
Although the trees are still young, there are over seven varieties of cherry blossoms and over 400 trees in Ngong Ping, making it one of the best places to enjoy spring viewings.
What months do cherry blossoms bloom?
The first cherry blossom begins to bloom in late February, until approximately the first week of May in Hong Kong.
Header image credits: Steve WAN Wai Chung via Canva
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