Countryside Eco-festival 2026 – Hong Kong Forest Ecosystems
Hong Kong is called a concrete jungle — yet four in ten square kilometres of it are country park.
Hong Kong is often described as a “concrete jungle” of towering skyscrapers, yet about 40% of its compact 1,100 km² area is designated as country parks and special areas. These protected zones are home to more than 98% of the region’s native animal and plant species.
At the heart of Hong Kong’s countryside lies its forests – the core ecological lifeline of the wild and the core landscape of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden. When KFBG was first established in 1956, these hills were barren. Through decades of natural recovery and dedicated conservation efforts, the area has been transformed into a thriving forest, now becoming a forest refuge for many rare and precious species.
Today, KFBG is home to about 80% of Hong Kong’s butterfly species (209 species), 60% of its terrestrial mammals (34 species), half of its reptiles (51 species) and amphibians (19 species), and one-third of its bird species (219 species). It is also one of the regions with the highest known leopard cat density globally.
This year’s theme
Forest Ecosystems
In celebration of our 70-year journey of transformation and recognition of the rich biodiversity on this land, the 2026 Countryside Eco-Festival will centre on “Forest Ecosystems”, inviting the public into the heart of nature and foster a deeper understanding of the true meaning and value of Hong Kong’s forests.
Early-bird offer, until 15 October: the KFBG Wildlife Special Edition Pin Set. Coming soon.
What is on
Across the Two Days
“Forest Exploration” Treasure Hunt
KFBG Bio-Blitz Challenge
DIY workshops
Talk series
“The Echoes in the Forest” wildlife photography exhibition
Eco-tours
Nature market
Live band show
Face painting
You’ll also have the chance to meet our “Animal Ambassadors” and feel the crisp autumn breeze. During the event, we will be offering limited-time free popcorn (you’re welcome to bring your own food container). Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or older companions, there’s a natural space here for everyone.
Before you come
Festival Details
Date21–22 November 2026 (weekend)
Time11:00am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm)
LocationKadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
CostUsual admission fees applied. Guided tours and workshops are charged separately
Walking through KFBG, one can hardly resist looking up to catch a vibrant splash of colour amongst the treetops. They are the mysterious, ever-graceful neighbours sharing this forest with us.
Flowers in the city are everywhere, but forest flowers are always understated and mysterious. Take a moment to step into the greenery and discover one of Hong Kong’s rare native plants—Hance’s Viburnum.
Have you ever locked eyes with a pair of big, round eyes in the forest? The creature is an owl, and it stands quietly on a branch as if holding the secrets of the forest.
“Ripples & Pulses between the Rings” Exhibition & Lower Farm Tree Tour
This 1.5-hour experience weaves together an exhibition and a Lower Area Tree Tour, guiding participants from a single piece of reclaimed wood into the living rhythms of the forest.
Do you know that KFBG is one of Hong Kong’s biodiversity hotspots? Here, you have the chance to see about 80% of the butterflies and amphibians, half of the reptiles and one third of the bird species found throughout Hong Kong.
The Conservation Genetics Laboratory at KFBG leverages cutting-edge DNA technologies to help combat illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species.
In this session, participants will visit one of KFBG’s restoration projects at the Butterfly Path, led by Fernanda, to learn how we are transforming a degraded, low-biodiversity site infested with invasive species into a vibrant, biodiversity-rich ecosystem through enrichment planting with native plants.
Early-bird offer, until 15 October: the KFBG Wildlife Special Edition Pin Set. Coming soon.
21 Nov (Sat)
11:00 – 13:00
$250
Dr. Carmen OR, Dr. Peter YANG, Prof. Benoit GUÉNARD
