Tiger Balm Garden / Hong Kong Gardens

This well-known (and controversial) leisure park was laid out in 1935 by Aw Boon Haw (the "Tiger"), who had become a multi-millionaire from the sale of his "Tiger Balm" ointment. In this "Chinese Disneyland" - in the borderland between art and kitsch - are garish plaster reproductions of dragons and other fabulous animals from Chinese mythology, artificial mountains with caves and grottoes, and representations of life in old China.

In contrast to this are the imposing white pagoda, 50m/165ft high, and Aw Boon Haw's palatial mansion, built in traditional Chinese style, which houses his famous collection of jade. The collection can be viewed by prior arrangement (apply to the Hong Kong Tourist Association).