District Governance: Blossoms Brighten The City Landscape

Spring is in full bloom, offering people a captivating floral experience across the city. During the spring flowering season, 60 pink trumpet trees burst into bloom in Sha Tin Park. The sea of beautiful flowers attracts residents and photographers alike to stop and take pictures.

Floral oasis

To beautify the cityscape, the Task Force on District Governance has co-ordinated various departments to implement thematic planting projects across Hong Kong. These include thematically planting a single type of tree or shrub in selected locations to create a visual impact.

The improvement project in Sha Tin Park was completed earlier this year, with pink trumpet trees as the main feature. It has since become a photo-taking hotspot in the district.

One local resident had seen the project on social media and was inspired to visit in person.

“It is actually beautiful and stunning, and caught my eye.”

The pink trumpet trees also create the perfect romantic backdrop and are popular among couples for taking their wedding photos.

Careful selection

Leisure & Cultural Services Department Sha Tin District Leisure Services Office Manager (Sha Tin Park) Sherry Lau noted that the department had enhanced the beautification works in Sha Tin Park to improve its overall landscape.

“When selecting the plants, we followed the principle of ‘Right plant, Right place’, considering its suitability to the environment, visual appeal and harmony with the surroundings, as well as maintenance needs and resilience.”

She explained that the pink trumpet tree suits Hong Kong’s climate, attracts insects for pollination and supports biodiversity. Together with the surrounding greenery, it adds colour and seasonal interest to the park.

Citywide enhancement

Besides Sha Tin Park, various beautification projects in different districts have been completed. These include planting 40 rosy trumpet trees along Lung Hop Street in Wan Chai, as well as flowering plants along Lung Wo Road and near Golden Bauhinia Square to enhance the area’s appearance.

The projects also cover Shing Fung Road Park in Kai Tak where rosy trumpet trees, pink trumpet trees and Indian almonds provide year-round seasonal interest. Along the greenway, sweet gums turn red in autumn, creating a stunning autumnal vibe.

Civil Engineering & Development Department East Development Office Senior Engineer Jason Wong said: “Since Shing Fung Road Park is located by the waterfront, we chose trees that are both wind-resistant and salt-tolerant."

Infusing joy

Mr Wong emphasised that Shing Fung Road Park not only provides quality public space but also creates synergy with the adjacent Kai Tak Sports Park. In terms of improving environmental quality, Shing Fung Road Park has not only increased green space and beautified the waterfront landscape, but also attracts residents and visitors for leisure and recreation.

The park can also host various events, promote cultural exchanges, and offer visitors an opportunity to experience Hong Kong's local culture. Altogether, it enhances quality of life, a sense of happiness and sense of fulfilment, he added.