Hong Kong Fall Foliage: 6 Great Spots for Viewing Fall Foliage (with Transportation and Parking Tips) | Best Time to View the Fall Foliage + Things to Know

You don't have to travel abroad to enjoy the beauty of fall foliage. Hong Kong offers numerous excellent locations for viewing the colors. Kwiksure recommends six top maple viewing spots, along with transportation information and parking tips, so you can seize the best time to enjoy the autumn colors.

The best time to view Hong Kong's red leaves

The best time to view the red leaves in Hong Kong is from December to the end of January. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will renew the Red Leaf Index in Tai Tong during the red leaf season every year. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will also update autumn leaves viewing locations and information on the website. The public can refer to the reddening of leaves to plan viewing dates.

Red Leaf Index

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department divides the red leaf index into five levels: red, beginning to red, yellow, green and sparse leaves. Red Leaf Information has not been updated yet. You can also refer to tips for visiting Tai Tong to learn about the autumn foliage season in previous years and plan your trip accordingly.

6 great spots for viewing red leaves

1. Yuen Long Tai Tong Liquidambar Forest

The sweetgum forest in Yuen Long is one of Hong Kong's most popular spots for viewing fall foliage. Every autumn and winter, the sweetgum trees lining the trail gradually turn red. The main forest stretches for 400 meters. The flat and easy trail leading to the sweetgum forest attracts a large number of visitors each year, making it a perfect spot for family outings.

address:31 Tai Tong Shan Road, Tai Tong

Liquidambar Forest Transportation Information

Public Transportation:

• At Long Ping MTR Station, take bus K66 or a red minibus to Tai Tong Shan Road Bus Terminus. Then walk up the mountain for about 60 minutes to reach the Sweet Gum Forest.
• In previous years, during the maple viewing season, there was a special service K66A running between Long Ping Station and Tai Tong Shan Road Station on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays to reach the scenic area. Visitors are advised to pay close attention to the latest traffic information.

Self-driving people:

There is a free parking lot at Tai Tong Shan Road. However, parking is limited and often full during peak weekends. Police will implement road closures, diversions, and traffic control measures to address traffic and crowd conditions during peak season. Drivers are advised to pay attention to the latest information from the Transport Department. Temporary traffic signs will also be set up on site to guide drivers.

2. Kau Tam Tso at Wu Kau Tang Village, Tai Po

Wu Kau Tang Village in Tai Po has over 10 sweetgum trees planted on Kau Tam Tso. While the number is smaller than the Yuen Long sweetgum forest and the journey time is longer, the entire route is paved and very easy to navigate. It's a 10-minute walk from the bus stop, making it easy for even novice hikers. Since minibuses are less frequent on weekdays, non-drivers are advised to take the limited-time bus service on Sundays and public holidays.

Address: Kau Tam Tso at Wu Kau Tang Village, Tai Po

Wu Kau Tang Village Traffic Information

Public Transportation:

• On weekdays, you can take the 20R green minibus from Tai Po Market MTR Station to Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminal, but the frequency is relatively sparse, with about 1 bus per hour. Please refer to the detailed schedule
• On Sundays and public holidays, you can take bus 275R outside Tai Po Market MTR Station to Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminal. The bus runs more frequently, about every 10 to 20 minutes.

Self-driving people:

At the end of Wu Kau Tang Road, there is a free parking space. However, there are only about 20 parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may need to arrive early to ensure smooth parking.

3. Tsing Yi Park

In addition to the autumn beauty of the sweetgum trees in the suburbs, the bald cypress and metasequoia trees planted along the artificial lake in Tsing Yi Park also transform into orange-brown colors depending on the climate and environment, adding a touch of golden red to the scenery. Besides strolling along the trails bordering the bald cypress trees, you can also enjoy a picnic on the park's lawns while admiring the autumn leaves. For those who prefer an outing, the Tsing Yi Nature Trail is a 40-minute walk away.

address:60 Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi

Tsing Yi Park Traffic Information

Public Transportation:

Take the MTR to Tsing Yi Station, then take Exit B or C and walk for 5 minutes.

Self-driving people:

The nearest parking lot is Tsing Yi Sports Ground Car Park. You can walk to the destination in about 2 minutes after parking your car; you can also park your car at the Maritime Square Car Park or Airport Express Tsing Yi Station Carpark then walk there.

Tsing Yi Sports Ground Carpark Address:51 Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi

4. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens and Hong Kong Park

The Sweetgum Trail in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is lined with sweetgum trees, which transform into a red leaf tunnel every November and December when their leaves turn red. The nearby Hong Kong Park also has a few sweetgum trees. Although their number is small, both parks offer diverse gardens where visitors can enjoy a variety of flowers and ancient trees, birdwatching, and admire the artificial lake and waterfalls, making them great weekend getaways.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens Address: Albany Road, Central

Hong Kong Park Address: 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens Transportation Information

Public Transportation to Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens:

• Central MTR Station Exit D2 or Admiralty MTR Station Exit B
• Bus No. 12, 12A, 12M, 13, 23, 23B, 40, 40M, 103
• Minibus No. 1A, 22, 22S, 28
• Peak Tram to Kennedy Road Station or MacDonnell Road Station

Public Transportation to Hong Kong Park:

• Central MTR Station Exit J2 or K
• Bus routes 12, 12A, 12M, 13, 23, 23B, 40, 40M, 103
• Minibus routes 19, 10, 22, 22S, 56A, 56B
• Take the tram from Kennedy Town to Happy Valley or Shau Kei Wan and get off at Bank Street Station

Self-driving people:

• Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens: There is no parking lot in the garden. Drivers can park their cars at the nearby Coda Centre car park and walk along the pedestrian bridge to the park entrance.
• Address: 51 Garden Road, Mid-Levels
• Hong Kong Park: There is no public parking lot. Drivers can park their cars at Admiralty Government Offices Car Park, but it is important to note the Opening hours, or you can park your car at Garden Road Carpark 3. After parking, walk across the overpass on Cotton Tree Drive to reach
• Admiralty Government Offices Carpark:66 Queensway, Admiralty
• Garden Road Carpark 3:3 Garden Road, Central

5. Lau Shui Heung Reservoir

Dozens of bald cypress trees and a smaller number of water cypresses are planted near the Liushui Bridge at Lau Shui Heung Reservoir. Every December and January, an entire row of bald cypresses, up to 20 meters tall, gradually turns red. Their leaves are reflected against the water, creating a vibrant spectacle. In calm weather, it's a perfect spot for capturing miniature "sky mirrors." The hiking trails are primarily flat, making them suitable for family outings.

address:Fanling Lau Shui Road

Lau Shui Heung Reservoir Traffic Information

Public Transportation:

• Take bus 52B from the minibus terminus near Exit C of Fanling MTR Station and get off at the roundabout between Lau Shui Heung Road and Hok Tau Road
• You can take bus routes 78A, 278A, or 79X from the city to Queen's Hill Village, and then walk about 30-40 minutes to Lau Shui Heung Reservoir.

Self-driving people:

You can park your car at Hok Tau Parking Lot, get off the bus, and walk for about half an hour to reach Lau Shui Heung Reservoir. Although it is free, there are few parking spaces. Drivers can also choose to park their cars at Queens Hill Village Carpark, then walk to the reservoir for about 30-40 minutes, or park at the car park near Fanling MTR Station and take minibus 52B

Queen Hill Village Parking Lot Address: Queen's Hill Village, 68 Longma Road

6. Lake Ad Excellentiam, CUHK

The shores of Lake Ad Excellentiam at the Chinese University of Hong Kong are lined with bald cypress and a few sweetgum trees. Every year from mid- to late January, the lakeside is transformed into a vibrant avenue of crimson leaves, creating a picturesque and picturesque scene. The Lion Pavilion and the small bridges and paths along the lake are great spots for photo-taking. Besides the crimson leaves, Lake Ad Excellentiam is also home to ginkgo trees. As the bald cypress turns red, the ginkgo trees gradually turn golden, adding to the poetic beauty.

Transportation Information for Lake Ad Excellentiam

Public Transportation:

MTR East Rail Line University Station Exit C

Self-driving people:

Drivers can reach the main entrance of the university or Chung Chi College via Tai Po Road, or the eastern entrance of the campus via Tolo Highway. There are multiple parking lots in CUHK, but you need to pay attention to the campus parking rules. Visitors can also park their cars at Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, then walk through University Station to reach

Image sources: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Google Maps

Things to note when viewing red leaves

1. Watch out for vehicles while viewing

Since many leaf-viewing trails are relatively narrow and crowded during the red leaf season, people and vehicles often share the road. Therefore, you should pay attention to vehicles entering and exiting while enjoying the beautiful scenery to avoid accidents.

2. Protect the natural environment

When checking in, taking photos and admiring the red leaves, you should pay attention to the distance from the plants, avoid trampling on or touching the plants, and should not pick plants or shake branches as check-in props.

3. Keep the environment clean

Many places where you can enjoy the red leaves are located in the suburbs or on mountain trails. There are usually no trash cans. Visitors should take their trash away to keep the area clean.

4. Wear appropriate clothing

When going to the suburbs or outdoor areas, try to wear clothes that are comfortable for movement. The red leaf season is in winter, so you should also wear appropriate warm clothing.

5. Avoid loud noises

When viewing the red leaves or going on a picnic, you should avoid making noise and not disturb local residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I see the autumn leaves in Hong Kong?

The best time to view the red leaves in Hong Kong is from December to the end of January. The public can refer to the Red Leaf Index, and autumn leaves viewing spots and information announced by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Where can I see the autumn leaves in Hong Kong?

In addition to the most popular sweet gum forest in Tai Tong, Yuen Long, Kau Tam Tso in Wu Kau Tang Village and Lau Shui Heung Reservoir in Tai Po also offer secret autumn foliage views. The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Tsing Yi Park, and Lake Ad Excellentiam at the Chinese University of Hong Kong are all conveniently located, making them good choices for viewing autumn leaves in the city.