Between 1841 and 1842, the site of Hong Kong's Animal and Botanical Park was once the residence of the Governor of Hong Kong. Then, in 1848, the Hong Kong government had plans to build a botanical park, but it needed to be delayed due to lack of financial resources. Later, construction began in 1860, and on August 6, 1864, the first phase of the facility was opened to the public. Since Liebedao, north of the park, is the seat of the Governor's Office of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong citizens call the Governor of Hong Kong who commands the Hong Kong armed forces "Bingtou", the park is also commonly known as the "Bingtou Garden".