Submitted by Jane, our Gardening forum moderator:
A Dragon-filled Day
Dragons and more dragons await discovery at Dragon Garden, one of Hong Kong’s most fascinating yet least known destinations.
Sign up today for the rare opportunity to explore this 5-acre heritage garden on the third day of the Year of the Dragon (January 25). Relax with friends over a delicious curry buffet lunch (veg & non-veg, fiery & mild selection).
Decorative bridges and paths link different levels of this beautifully landscaped, terraced garden with its pavilions and water features. Discover historical, horticultural, botanical and cultural secrets, not forgetting superb views across to Ma Wan and beyond.
History & Background
Dragon Garden was created by the late tycoon and philanthropist Dr Lee Iu Cheung, a renaissance man far in advance of his times. He was an engineering graduate of the University of Hong Kong and a postgraduate student at Cornell. In 1949 he purchased what was then a barren hillside and spent the next 20 years planning, designing and landscaping the site to combine architectural styles from different Chinese dynasties and from the West.
Follow in the footsteps of James Bond and many other cinema heroes (and villains) when you explore this iconic heritage site. Think of “The Man with the Golden Gun” as you lose yourself amongst the venerable Buddhist pines and other fascinating flora in this unique hillside garden. Dragon Garden has many claims to fame – horticultural, botanical, historic and cultural. It has been the setting for many action films, few of which could rival the cliff-hanging excitement of the battle against developers who wanted to level the site and replace it with yet more skyscrapers following the death of Dr Lee at the age of 80 in 1976. Dragon Garden survives thanks to the initiative of his youngest son, Dr Lee Shiu and his wife, and his grand-daughter, Cynthia Lee.
Dragon Garden Today
Restoration has been continuing for the past several years and the garden is still not open to the general public. Thanks to the Dragon Garden Charitable Trust we are able to enjoy our Chinese New Year gathering in this fabulous setting. All are welcome. First come, first served.
Register: janetaipeng@gmail.com
Cost: $350 per person – includes round-trip coach transport from Pier 4, Central, with pick-up/set-down at University Station; delicious curry buffet lunch; hiring costs of tables & chairs; group donation in lieu of admission charge to Dragon Garden.
Timing: 9am from Pier 4, Central (plus additional pickup/set-down at University Station). Return between 4-5pm.