Dragon's Back Park
MO Country · 澳門 · Parks & Gardens
Image source: Wikimedia Commons; license credits as shown.
Overview
Dragon's Back Park is a large European-style park and zoo located at the foothills of Mount Songshan on the Macau Peninsula. It is the only park on the peninsula that features a zoo. The park includes a cable car station, lakes, flower beds, health trails, and a children's playground, and visitors can take the Songshan cable car directly to the Guia Fortress and lighthouse, making it a popular recreational spot for families and local residents.
Getting There
To reach Dragon's Back Park, you can take buses 2, 2A, 6A, 12, 17, 18, 18A, 18B, 19, 22, 23, 25, 25B, 32, or 56, and get off at the 'Dragon's Back Park' stop, then walk about 2 to 5 minutes to the park entrance. You can also take the Songshan cable car from the cave alley up the hill, and exit at the upper entrance of the park.
Highlights
The biggest feature of Dragon's Back Park is the combination of European-style gardens and natural woodlands, and it has the only zoo area on the Macau Peninsula, where you can observe macaques and various bird species up close. The park connects the Songshan cable car station with the Guia Lighthouse and fortress at the top of the hill, allowing visitors to easily explore world cultural heritage sites and military relics. Additionally, the park is shaded by ancient trees and has winding trails, making it a rare natural green lung and scenic spot in the urban area.
What to See
• Zoo Area: The park features a small zoo that houses protected animals such as macaques and various birds, with free admission, making it very suitable for family visits. • Lakes and Waterfowl Pond: The park has small lakes and ponds where you can observe cranes, ducks, and other waterfowl, with lush greenery along the lakeside, making it a great place for walking and photography. • European-style Garden and Flower Beds: Originally a villa garden and the governor's residence garden, it retains the layout and landscape of European gardens, complemented by fountains and sculptures, creating a tranquil environment. • Health Trails and Natural Woodlands: Located on the western slope of Mount Songshan, the park has multiple shaded trails and health paths, where you can enjoy the sounds of birds and flowers while overlooking the scenery of the Macau Peninsula. • Songshan Cable Car Station: The park has a lower (or upper) station for the Songshan cable car, which is known as one of the shortest cable cars in the world, providing direct access to the top of Mount Guia. • Air Raid Shelter and Path to Guia Lighthouse: The park's trails lead to the former military tunnel "Air Raid Shelter Exhibition Area," which connects to the Guia Lighthouse and the Church of Our Lady of Snow, allowing visitors to learn about Macau's military and religious history. • Dragon's Back Environmental Resource Center: The park has an environmental resource center that offers exhibits, books, and interactive games on environmental protection and ecology, designed with green and eco-friendly concepts, making it an important venue for promoting environmental education.
Hours & Admission
Dragon's Back Park is free to enter at all times, and no ticket is required to walk around and use general facilities. The park is generally open daily from 06:00 to 00:00, making it a popular spot for morning and evening walks. The zoo and some exhibition halls in the park have designated opening hours or require group reservations; details are subject to on-site announcements or the latest information from the Macau Municipal Authority. The Songshan cable car operates daily from 08:00 to 18:00, and is closed on Mondays; if a public holiday falls on a Monday, it will be closed the following day as well; one-way tickets cost about 2 MOP, and round-trip tickets about 3 MOP, payable in HKD or MOP.
Address
Dragon's Back Park, Avenida de Horta e Costa, Macau (Western slope of Mount Songshan, Nossa Senhora de Fátima District)
Travel Tips
It is recommended to visit Dragon's Back Park in the morning or evening when the temperature is more comfortable, making it suitable for walking and jogging. If you plan to take the Songshan cable car and visit the Guia Lighthouse, reserve at least half a day for the trip, and note that the cable car does not operate on Mondays. The park's trails have some slopes, so it is advisable to wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection and hydration supplies in summer. The park tends to be busier on weekends and afternoons with families, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in the day. The park is close to Avenida de Horta e Costa and the Holland Garden area, allowing for a stroll through nearby neighborhoods, churches, and local shops, creating a walking route that combines history and greenery.
Nearby Dining
Dragon's Back Park focuses on relaxation and natural scenery, with limited dining options within the park. You can dine in the nearby streets before entering the park for exploration. A few minutes' walk from the park leads to Avenida de Horta e Costa and the Holland Garden area, where there are several local tea restaurants, Cantonese restaurants, and Portuguese restaurants, suitable for tasting Macanese and Portuguese cuisine. It is recommended to bring your own drinking water and simple snacks into the park, especially if you are visiting with children or planning to hike up to the Guia Fortress.
FAQ
Q: Is there an admission fee for Dragon's Back Park? A: Dragon's Back Park is free to enter, and visitors can freely enter and exit the park during opening hours without purchasing a ticket. The zoo and environmental resource center in the park are generally free, but some exhibitions or guided tours may require reservations or specific visiting times; it is advisable to check the municipal authority's announcements before visiting. Q: What are the opening hours of Dragon's Back Park? A: Dragon's Back Park is generally open daily from 06:00 to 00:00, making it convenient for citizens and tourists to exercise in the morning or take evening walks. In case of inclement weather or special maintenance, some areas may be temporarily closed; it is advisable to check the latest notifications from relevant Macau departments before heading out. Q: How can I take public transportation to Dragon's Back Park? A: The most convenient way to reach Dragon's Back Park is by bus; after getting off at the 'Dragon's Back Park' stop, it is just a few minutes' walk to the park. Common routes passing this stop include 2, 2A, 6A, 12, 17, 18, 18A, 18B, 19, 22, 23, 25, 25B, 32, and 56. You can also walk from the Holland Garden area along Avenida de Horta e Costa to reach the park. Q: Is Dragon's Back Park suitable for bringing children? A: Dragon's Back Park is very suitable for family visits, with a children's playground, a free zoo, and spacious lawns and trails for children to play. You can also combine a ride on the Songshan cable car and a visit to the Guia Lighthouse, allowing children to experience the cable car, learn about animals, and understand Macau's history, fulfilling various learning and play experiences at once. Q: Can I walk from Dragon's Back Park to Guia Lighthouse? A: You can walk or take the Songshan cable car from Dragon's Back Park to the Guia Lighthouse and fortress area; the distance is not too long but involves some uphill walking. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to visit the air raid shelter exhibition area and the small museum at the top, enjoying the views of Macau city and the sea. Q: What are the operating hours and ticket prices for the Songshan cable car? A: The Songshan cable car generally operates daily from 08:00 to 18:00, and is closed on Mondays; if Monday is a public holiday or a non-working day, it will be closed the following day. The ticket prices are about 2 MOP for a one-way trip and about 3 MOP for a round trip, with some discounted tickets available for about 2 MOP round trip, and payments can be made in HKD or MOP.
