Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

🌳 【Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (嘉道理農場暨植物園, KFBG)】 was established in 1956. Formerly known as the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association, it was originally set up to assist impoverished farmers in becoming self-reliant. Today, it has transformed into a comprehensive institution dedicated to nature conservation, environmental education, eco-tourism, and wildlife rescue. Spanning 148 hectares, it is nestled on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan in the New Territories, Hong Kong. —

📍 Geographical Environment

• Location: Lam Kam Road near Pak Ngau Shek
• Elevation Range: 150 meters to 600 meters above sea level
• Climate: Mild and humid throughout the year
• Feature: Home to more than half of Hong Kong’s native plant species

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🏛 Historical Background

• Year of Establishment: 1956
• Founders: The Kadoorie Brothers
• Original Intent: To help Chinese immigrants learn farming techniques and achieve self-reliance
• Transformation: Became a statutory public charitable trust in 1995, shifting its focus toward nature conservation and education

In 1949, a large wave of refugees from Mainland China flooded into the British colony of Hong Kong. In 1951, the Jewish brothers Lord Lawrence Kadoorie and Sir Horace Kadoorie, alongside Mr. Norman Wright and Mr. Woo Ting-sang, co-founded the “Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association” (KAAA). The association researched and developed agricultural techniques to provide these Chinese immigrants with a sustainable livelihood through farming. Sir Horace’s vision for opening Kadoorie Farm sparked when he accidentally discovered an untended citrus tree high up on Tai Mo Shan. At the time, it was widely believed that the steep terrain and damp climate made Hong Kong’s high ridges unsuitable for cultivating citrus trees, yet that lone tree thrived. Five years later in 1956, the association secured a land lease from the government at the current site and began operating as the “Kadoorie Experimental and Extension Farm.” It demonstrated high-efficiency, profitable farming and animal husbandry methods while working to improve livestock breeds and train local Hong Kong farmers as well as the Gurkha soldiers stationed in Hong Kong. —

🏞 Ecological Features

• ⛰ Diverse Terrains: Valleys, streams, terraces, and woodlands
• 🌳 Home to more than 2,000 plant species
• 🐾 Habitat for various native wildlife species, including leopard cats, pangolins, and birds of prey

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🕰 Opening Hours

• Monday to Sunday: 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM
• Public Holidays: Open as usual (please check the official website for any special arrangements)
• 🔗 Official Website

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🚍 Transportation

• Take Bus 64K from MTR • Tai Wo Station or MTR • Tai Po Market Station
• Alternatively, take Bus 64K from MTR • Kam Sheung Road Station

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💰 Admission Information (Updated for 2025)

Category	Admission Fee (HKD)	Sightseeing Bus
Adults (Ages 12–59)	$50	$30
Seniors (Ages 60 or above)	$20	$15
Children (Ages 4–11)	$20	$30
Under 4 Years Old	Free	Free

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🏞 Park Zones

Zone	Featured Facilities
Upland Area	Terraced farms, organic orchards, and the Kwun Yum Shan Lookout
Lowland Area	Wild Boar House, Raptor Sanctuary, Insect House, and Monkey Haven
Education Centre	Environmental Education Centre and Low Carbon Living Exhibition Zone
Memorial Pavilion, Bellflower Cherry Grove	Mr. Woo Ting-sang Memorial Pavilion and Bellflower Cherry Grove
Vegetarian Café	Vegetarian Café (serving dishes made with home-grown organic ingredients)

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📸 Recommended Activities

• 🥾 Hike up to Kwun Yum Shan: Takes about 45–60 minutes to reach stunning panoramic views at the summit.
• 🦋 Explore the Butterfly Garden: Best visited during spring and summer.
• 🐒 Visit Rehabilitating Animals: Learn more about local wildlife conservation efforts.
• 🧺 Lawn Picnic: Unwind and enjoy the absolute tranquility of nature.
• 📷 Cherry Blossom Photography: Capture the Bellflower Cherries in full bloom around January and February each year.

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🌱 Conservation & Educational Mission

1. Species Conservation

• Rescue and rehabilitation of endangered wild animals
• Habitat restoration
• Cross-border conservation collaborations

2. Environmental Education

• Experiential and hands-on courses
• School partnership programs
• Workshops blending art and nature integration

3. Sustainable Living

• Organic farming methods
• Agroforestry practices
• Eco-friendly natural building design

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🐾 Conservation Facilities & Attractions

Attraction	Key Features
Native Mammal House	Houses native species like leopard cats and masked palm civets
Parrot Rescue Centre	Provides sanctuary for blue-and-yellow macaws and African grey parrots
Raptor Sanctuary	Home to rescued and recovering birds of prey
Monkey Haven	Cares for abandoned or rescued rhesus macaques
Wild Boar House	Highlights wild boars and their vital role in local ecosystems
Insect House	Showcases native insect biodiversity
Butterfly Garden	Features over 100 butterfly species and specific nectar plants
Kadoorie Brothers Memorial Pavilion	Offers sweeping views overlooking the entire farm and New Territories landscapes

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🐾 Flora & Fauna Displays

• Wild Animal Rescue Centre: Rehabilitates injured wildlife such as monkeys, raptors, and wild boars.
• Butterfly Garden: Home to over 100 butterfly species, showing peak activity in spring and summer.
• Floral Seasons: Bellflower Cherries and plum blossoms burst into full bloom from January to February.
• Woodland Orchard: Showcases an array of native and exotic fruit tree species.

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🌱 Botanic Gardens & Greenhouses

• Plants and Me Greenhouse: Features an innovative singing machine linked to plant root energy.
• Cactus Greenhouse: Displays a vibrant collection of succulents, including golden barrels and snake plants.

🚜 Sustainable Agriculture & Organic Farming

• Organic Cultivation: Grows more than 50 varieties of seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs.
• Terraced Orchards: Cultivates native fruit trees including lychee and longan.
• Vermicomposting: Demonstrates worm composting techniques to create nutrient-rich potting soil.
• Orchard Rehabilitation Scheme: Drives sustainable development via innovative agroforestry practices.

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🍽 Sun Garden Café @ KFBG

Serves wholesome vegetarian meals, supports local organic produce, and actively advocates for a sustainable dining culture.

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🍅 Organic Farming & Local Food Systems

• Cultivates more than 50 distinct types of vegetables and herbs
• Dedicated orchard restoration initiatives
• On-site Farm Shop retailing fresh organic goods
• The farm café cooks and serves organic, planet-friendly vegetarian food

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📍 Nearby Recommended Attractions

• 🌊 Bride’s Pool Waterfall (新娘潭瀑布): A breathtaking natural valley boasting scenic streams and waterfall landscapes.
• 🌳 Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree (林村許願樹): A vibrant hub for experiencing local Hong Kong heritage and traditional wishing rituals.
• 🚶‍♂️ Tai Mo Shan Country Park (大帽山郊野公園): Hiking trails scaling up to the highest peak in Hong Kong.

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