Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Kadoorie Farm began in 1956 as an agricultural aid project helping farming families in the New Territories get started, and it has since turned into a conservation organisation working on native species, sustainable agriculture and education, spread over a steep hillside on the southern slope of Tai Mo Shan. The site climbs several hundred metres from the entrance through terraced gardens, orchid and fern houses, vegetable plots and woodland to viewpoints near the top, with a shuttle bus for those who do not want the walk. Its wildlife section holds native animals that were injured or confiscated and cannot be released, including raptors, monkeys, reptiles and civets.

What you actually see

• Native wildlife under rescue care - animals that cannot be returned to the wild.
• Terraced gardens up the hillside - orchid and fern houses among the plots.
• Sustainable farming demonstrations - the working agricultural sections.
• Viewpoints near the top - the New Territories from the upper slope.

When to go

October to April; the hillside is hot and humid in summer. Half a day. Booking in advance is required and daily numbers are capped. Closed on some public holidays.

Honest expectations

Advance booking is mandatory and slots go quickly at weekends. The site is steep and walking it fully is demanding; the shuttle runs on a limited schedule. Animals in care are in enclosures, which some visitors find uncomfortable.

Nearby

Tai Mo Shan rises behind the upper slope; Lam Tsuen valley lies north.