Hong Kong Red Leaf Viewing Spots 2024/2024

Hong Kong Red Leaf Viewing Spots 2024 | The Maple Leaf Season is Here Again!

1. Yuen Long Tai Tong – Must-Visit Hong Kong Red Leaf Spot
2. Wu Kau Tang – Hidden Red Leaf Forest
3. Tsing Yi Park – Urban Metasequoia and Artificial Lake
4. Lau Shui Heung – Hong Kong’s version of Karuizawa with Sky Mirror and Metasequoia
5. Garden Road Park – The Secret Garden of Red Leaves

6. Kowloon Walled City Park – A Park with Ancient Charm
7. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens – Admire Red Leaves While Enjoying Other Animals and Plants

Hong Kong Red Leaf Index/ Information/ Time

The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department updates the red leaf express every Friday from December to January. The index is divided into four levels: A (red), B (turning red), C (yellow), and D (green). Before heading out, it’s a good idea to check the department’s website for the current rating. You can also browse community websites dedicated to reporting on the conditions of popular maple leaf viewing spots.

1. Must-Visit Hong Kong Red Leaf Spot – Yuen Long Tai Tong

Yuen Long Tai Tong has long been a popular destination for red leaf viewing in Hong Kong. Every year, from December to January, visitors to Tai Tong can witness the spectacular transformation of maple leaves from yellow to red. However, during this season, Tai Tong can get extremely crowded due to the influx of visitors, making it a challenge to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy photo!

Latest Red Leaf Index for Tai Tong (Updated on December 29)

The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department annually releases the red leaf index for Yuen Long Tai Tong. Before you go, be sure to check the department’s website for the current rating.

According to the latest update on December 29, Tai Tong’s red leaf index is currently in the “Turning Red” phase.

Earlier, some pet owners took their dogs to admire the red leaves and even snapped some stunning photos of their adorable canine companions! (Swipe left to view all the pictures)

Transportation: Take the MTR to Long Ping Station and then hop on the MTR bus K66 to the terminus.
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2. Wu Kau Tang – Hidden Red Leaf Forest

If you want to escape the crowds at Tai Tong and enjoy red leaf viewing in a quieter setting, consider heading to the mountains of Wu Kau Tang. Wu Kau Tang is home to a hidden red leaf forest where you can immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s maple leaf beauty. However, be cautious while hiking in this area, as some visitors have had encounters with dogs.

Transportation: Take the special minibus 20R from Tai Po Market MTR station.

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3. Tsing Yi Park – Urban Metasequoia and Artificial Lake

If you miss the autumn leaf season in Tai Tong, don’t worry! Metasequoia trees typically turn red a bit later, around late January, so you can still enjoy their vibrant colours in the urban area. The trees surround artificial lakes and European-style courtyards, creating a foreign ambiance. Metasequoia trees begin to turn yellow in December and transition to red in January, making late January the best time to visit for tree enthusiasts.

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4. Lau Shui Heung – Hong Kong’s version of Karuizawa with Sky Mirror and Metasequoia

Recently, Lau Shui Heung Reservoir has been nicknamed the “Hong Kong version of Karuizawa.” From January to the end of the month, the metasequoia trees here gradually turn bright red, offering captivating scenery. The hiking trail at Lau Shui Heung is not difficult, and it takes about 2 hours to complete, making it suitable for hiking beginners.

The photos were taken on January 2, 2021, as the weather transitioned into the cold winter. You can see the beautiful transformation of the metasequoia leaves from red to orange-yellow. We’d like to remind everyone that the metasequoia trees will turn completely red by the end of January. If you want to capture the “Sky Mirror” effect, it’s important to pay attention to the timing. Around 8 AM to 9 AM when the sunlight is softer, the reflection on the lake surface becomes clearer, making the “Sky Mirror” even more stunning!

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5. Kowloon Walled City Park – Historical Park with a Touch of Autumn

In the culturally rich Kowloon Walled City Park, there’s a red leaf-themed trail called “Red Leaf Trail.” This trail is adorned with various plants that turn red during the autumn and winter seasons, such as the Chinese pistachio, Chinese sweet gum, and red mulberry. The classical architecture in the park complements the colourful maple leaves, adding a poetic and charming touch to the scenery.

Transportation: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Kowloon Tong MTR Station, Exit B.

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6. Kowloon Walled City Park – A Park with Ancient Charm

In the ambiance of ancient charm at Kowloon Walled City Park, there is a trail named “Leaf Path to Red.” This trail features numerous plants that turn red during the autumn and winter seasons, including Large Leaf Purpleweed, Chinese Pistache, and Red Mulberry. The classical architecture within the park complements the vibrant red leaves, adding a touch of poetry and charm to the surroundings.

Transport: Approximately a 20-minute walk from MTR Lok Fu Station, Exit B, or take bus route 39M.

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7. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens – Admire Red Leaves While Enjoying Other Animals and Plants

The Maple Avenue within the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens transforms into a captivating red leaf tunnel during the autumn season, presenting a breathtaking sight. Even if you miss the red leaf season, there are various flower species and ancient trees to appreciate here. Additionally, the park features a diverse range of animal species for visitors to discover and enjoy.

Transport: Take bus routes 23, 23B, or 40 from Admiralty’s Pacific Place Bus Terminus.

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Hong Kong Red Leaf Locations 2024 | 3 Mobile Photography Tips for Capturing Autumn Foliage

Tip 1: Make Use of Sunset Moments

During sunset, the sunlight is particularly gentle, and when combined with the golden hues of the sky, it creates a perfect setting for capturing the rich autumn atmosphere.

Tip 2: Utilize “White Balance”

If weather changes affect the colours of the foliage in your photos, adjust the camera’s white balance to correct the hues and enhance the overall visual appeal of your pictures.

Tip 3: Use the Blurring Feature on Your Phone

To emphasize specific leaves in your photos, make clever use of your camera’s blurring effect. By manually focusing, you can slightly blur the background or foreground leaves, adding to the aesthetic appeal of your photos.

Hong Kong Red Leaf Locations 2024 | 3 Tips for Capturing the Perfect Outfit for Autumn Leaf Viewing

Tip 1: Dress Warmly

One of the biggest mistakes when viewing autumn leaves is underestimating the cold weather. To avoid getting sick and to ensure great photos, make sure you’re dressed warmly. Follow the layering strategy: Heat-Tech + Fleece + a stylish coat. During the 5-minute golden photo opportunity, remove the thick coat and capture stunning pictures without feeling cold.

Tip 2: Avoid Earth Tones!

When photographing autumn foliage, it’s recommended to wear cool-toned or black, white, and gray colors that contrast with the surroundings. Avoid wearing earthy or red-toned monochrome outfits, as they can easily blend into the scenery and lose the focus. Since the background with red maple leaves is already rich and dense, your attire should stand out to avoid becoming a background character in the photo.

Tip 3: Essential Accessories – Hats, Earrings, Headpieces, and More!

If your hair isn’t black, remember to wear accessories like hats, earrings, or headpieces. These not only enrich the composition of your photos but also help create a shallow depth of field effect, making your photos even more captivating. However, ensure that your accessories are not overly extravagant, as they shouldn’t overshadow the beauty of the red foliage in your shots.