Content provided by British Council
[1] Every spring, photographers flock to U Lam Terrace in Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district to see the Handroanthus chrysanthus, also known as the golden trumpet tree or yellow poui tree, in full bloom. The tree is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
[2] In Hong Kong, the trees usually bloom in March or April. They normally bloom for only one or two weeks. The shape of the blossom is said to resemble a wind chime, bell or trumpet. This inspired the tree’s Chinese name, which loosely translates as “yellow flower wind chime wood”, or “yellow bell wood”. Here are some places where you can see them in Hong Kong.
[3] Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club Playground
Around 40 golden trumpet trees have been planted here, lining the park walkways.
Getting there: About eight minutes’ walk from exit A4 or D1 of Sheung Shui MTR.
[4] Lok Fu Recreation Ground
About 24 golden trumpet trees can be seen along the walkway next to the recreation grounds.
Getting there: About five minutes’ walk from exit B of Lok Fu MTR.
[5] Nam Cheong Park and Nam Cheong District Community Centre
The park has nearly 150 golden trumpet trees lining its walkways. There are also plenty of park benches on which to sit and admire the blossoms.
Getting there: About five minutes’ walk from exit D2 of Nam Cheong MTR.
[6] Tai Po Waterfront Park
Some 19 golden trumpet trees are planted here. They are viewable from the snaking bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways.
Getting there: About 30 minutes’ walk from exit B of Tai Po MTR and various KMB bus routes.
[7] U Lam Terrace
This popular Instagram spot is below residential buildings Bellevue Place and U Lam Court and near the equally photogenic Ladder Street. A row of magnificent golden trumpet trees lines the granite stone walls. It creates a great backdrop for photographers, who are often accompanied by their dogs.
Getting there: About 10 minutes’ walk from exit A2 of Sheung Wan MTR.
[8] Golden Trumpet Trail (near Hong Kong International Airport)
The landscaped garden is within walking distance of Hong Kong International Airport. Though it is known as a destination for viewing cherry blossoms, do not ignore the Golden Trumpet Trail further north, with more than 200 of the trees. The trail is close to Cathay City and the HKIA Historical Garden.
Getting there: Take any “E” route bus bound for Cathay City and walk along East Coast Road and Chun Kwan Road, about five minutes.
Source: South China Morning Post, March 11
Questions
1. In paragraph 1, … is another name for Handroanthus chrysanthus.
A. golden poui tree
B. golden trumpet tree
C. yellow trumpet tree
D. yellow golden tree
2. How long do the flowers stay on the trees, according to paragraph 2?
3. Find a word in paragraph 2 that means “flower”.
4. According to paragraph 7, photographers usually bring their … to U Lam Terrace.
A. pets
B. family
C. snacks
D. bicycles
5. All the locations mentioned in the story are within … distance from MTR stations.
A. walk
B. walks
C. walked
D. walking
6. Choose the correct answers to get to Golden Trumpet Trail. (4 marks)
Step 1: Take any bus with the letter ‘E’ that goes / go to Cathay City.
Step 2: Get into / off the bus.
Step 3: Walk along East Coast Road and than / then Chun Kwan Road.
Step 4: The trail is about a 5-minute walk away / way.
Answers
1. B
2. one or two weeks
3. blossom
4. A
5. D
6. Step 1: goes; Step 2: off; Step 3: then; Step 4: away
