Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (Bing Tau Fa Yuen)

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens were opened to the public in 1864, making it the oldest public garden in Hong Kong. It was first named the Botanical Garden because it was intended to be for research on plants in Hong Kong. Later animals were introduced, and in 1975 it was renamed the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The site of the Botanical Garden once served as temporary Government House, and subsequently, the official Government House was built on northern side of the garden. Since the Governor commanded the armed forces, he was called Bing Tau (chief commander) and the garden was called Bing Tau Fa Yuen (chief commander's garden).