Built in 1860 and fully opened to the public in 1871, the park is arguably one of the oldest zoological and botanical centres in the world. It began with a collection of native plants for research, and in 1876, animals were gradually added to the park.

The park, which offers free admission, has aviaries, a greenhouse and a terraced garden. Also, it serves as the home to a plethora of species of birds, mammals and reptiles - including the American flamingo, the Borneo orangutan and the spurred tortoise - despite not being big enough to accommodate larger animals. At one point in time, it was the site of the Government House (the official residence of the Chief Executive Hong Kong), and visitors today can also explore the park’s heritage by checking out special monuments like the Memorial Arch and the bronze statue of King George VI. The facility is easily accessible via public transport, with many bus services able to drop visitors off in the vicinity of the park.