Grow your own food, create your own beauty products, mindful meditation classes, and more, at Hong Kong’s all-new Nature Discovery Park at K11 Musea
Hong Kong’s iconic Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront has been given a new lease of life with the launch of Nature Discovery Park at K11 Musea; the “Silicon Valley of culture” founded by Mr. Adrian Cheng. It’s also Hong Kong’s first biodiversity museum and sustainability-themed education park. Inspired by nature, the park promotes a more sustainable urban lifestyle. It champions farm-to-table dining, vertical farming, and plastic reduction, all the while supporting local social enterprises and environmental conservation. In addition to being a cultural, retail destination, its over-arching philosophy urges visitors to “reconnect with what matters” through a series of eco-activities like urban farming and green beauty workshops. Sounds like the perfect antidote to the hustle of Honkers to us!
Why we’re fans
Heard of the UN Sustainable Development Goals? It’s a blueprint detailing 17 goals aimed at combating global challenges in a bid to achieve a better, more sustainable future for all. In light of these guidelines, the creators of the Nature Discovery Park developed its sustainability vision. What does that mean, exactly? Firstly that the entire project was built with sustainability fundamentally at its core. And secondly that good health and wellbeing, quality education, sustainable communities, and partnerships (four of the UN SDGs) are actively promoted throughout its initiatives. One of the key contributors behind this project is none other than our very own green warrior, Ellie Tang.
Since creating the New World Sustainability Vision 2030 two years ago, Tang has noticed a tangible shift in approach to sustainability in Hong Kong. She states “local interest in sustainability has evolved from focusing on charity to driving impact through business and everyday lifestyle”. Tang believes that Hong Kong is awakening to the issues surrounding the climate crisis and anticipates more community-led, bottom-up action to drive change. And the launch of the Nature Discovery Park offers visitors the chance to engage in a series of eco-activities that supports and promotes this movement.
So what can you expect? Here are a few awesome things worth checking out next time you visit.
Unleash your green fingers
Roll up your sleeves, get digging, and grow your own food!
We’re firm advocates of consuming locally sourced produce; it’s an easy #LittleGreenStep we can all take that makes a difference. And this philosophy underpins the urban farm at the heart of the Nature Discovery Park. Promoting local, sustainable eating while raising awareness of climate change impacts on long-term food security, the 370 sq ft plot prioritises the growth of local, seasonal crops.
And if you’ve got green fingers, subscribe to a one or three-month plan to access the farm, learn from the resident pro-farmer, and grow your own produce to enjoy at home. Alternatively, let someone else do the hard work and visit the Farmhouse; the adjoining restaurant uses produce fresh from the farm to create delicious seasonal dishes.
Be sure to also check out the vertical farming technology. It allows farmers with limited space to grow crops — using aeroponics, growing vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, watermelon, and more, without planting them is still possible. By simply suspending the plants vertically in an enclosed space and spraying the roots, they can continue to grow as usual (just in far less space!).
Green beauty workshops your body will thank you for
We’re all about green beauty brands with strong eco-credentials and ethical practices. But what’s even better is creating products from scratch with your very own hands.
Launching in November 2019, the farm-to-face workshop series offers attendees the opportunity to create a variety of dreamy products. Highlights include a two-hour artisanal soap workshop. You’ll transform patchouli, lemon mint, and lavender grown at the urban farm into dinky bars of wonderfully-smelling handmade soap.
And one of our favourite brands, LUSH, is also getting in on the action. You ever wondered how it creates its famous bath-bombs? Find out during a LUSH workshop and create your very own fizzing ball of fun to dunk in your bath. Keep an eye on the website for further beauty workshop updates.
Chill out or party on
For times when your brain needs a rest, indulge in a mindful meditation class or participate in a floral design course. Both developed to promote good health and wellbeing.
Or if you’ve got a special day or corporate party to plan, the park’s main venue is available to hire. Think lunches, afternoon tea, cocktail receptions, and dinners. It’s also an ideal green venue for a birthday party or wedding reception.
This article is written in collaboration with New World Group
