Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) is a 148-hectare farm located on the northern slopes and foothills of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest mountain. The vast property features streams, woodlands, walking trails and vegetable gardens as well as environment conservation and education facilities.
Founded in 1956 by Kadoorie brothers, Lord Lawrence Kadoorie and Sir Horace Kadoorie, the farm was originally intended as a facility to provide agricultural aid to farmers in need of support to help them lead independent lives. At present, KFBG is involved in promoting the conservation of biodiversity in Hong Kong and in educating people about sustainable living.
The farm is divided into the Upper and Lower areas. The Lower Areas house most of the farm's educational displays such as the pigsties and wild boar enclosures, the self-sufficient eco-garden, orchid greenhouse, raptor (birds of prey) roost, Kwun Yum Garden and the Walter Kerr Memorial Gardens which features a running stream.
Some of the attractions at the Upper Areas are the butterfly garden which attracts more than 200 butterfly species that thrive in Hong Kong, the old Post Office pillars, fern walk, a waterfall called Little Falls and the Kadoorie Brothers' Memorial Pavilion. The Upper Areas have lookouts which offer commanding views of the New Territories. Wildlife such as wild boars, Macaque monkeys, deers and a wide assortment of birds can be seen roaming the areas at certain times of the day.
Going to the top of the Upper Areas takes around two hours of walking. The farm offers shuttle bus service to the upper areas or visitors can opt to drive there on their own provided that they made reservations in advance. Guided tours are also available.
Visitors can have snacks and refreshments in the farm's cafe which serves vegetarian food.
KFBG is open daily (except major Holidays), from 9:30am - 5:00pm. Entry is not permitted after 4:00 pm. Located along Lam Kam Road in Tai Po, New Territories, the farm is easily accessible by public transport from anywhere in Hong Kong. Admission fee is HK$20/person. Children under 12 years old and seniors can come in free of charge. People registerd as disbaled, as well as charity groups or school groups with valid documents are also exempted from paying the admission fee.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden Photos
Photos courtesy of http://www.kfbg.org.hk/