Below the urban Hong Kong skyline find a lush park dedicated to conserving the ecology of the area’s native wetlands.
The Hong Kong Wetland Park provides a serene, natural contrast to the high-rise buildings and immense towers rising up from Hong Kong’s concentrated financial centre. Hong Kong leaders created this park in 2006 as a compensation for commercial and residential development in the region. The park functions as an ecological mitigation area and peaceful green space for residents and visitors.
Find green life, waterways and winding boardwalks in the 61-hectare (150.7-acre) park. Beneath the shadows of Tin Shui Wai’s tall buildings, workers attend to the plant and animal life and monitor the health of the wetland’s diverse species. Listen to the calls of more than 240 bird species and try to spot them on the water or perched on plants. The park is also home to nine amphibian species and 52 different dragonflies. Look for the 28 kinds of reptiles, 157 species of butterfly and many different fish and mammals. See if you can spot the various types of water plants. Look for Pui Pui, a harmless saltwater crocodile often seen catching some rays on the water’s shore.
Stop by the 10,000-square-metre (2.5-acre) indoor Visitor Centre to find five galleries and a 200-seat theatre. Let children run around in a play area with a Swamp Adventure theme. Enjoy a tea or coffee in the café and take home animal-themed souvenirs from the gift shop. The indoor viewing gallery features a telescope, CCTV networks and bird identification guides to assist you in finding different bird species. Make use of audio guides in five languages and Braille guidebooks. The entire site aims to be as accessible as possible for every visitor.
Visit Hong Kong Wetland Park any day except Tuesday, when it’s closed. Put aside 4 or more hours to discover the park’s grounds. Make sure you have appropriate clothing to protect against hot sun and mosquitoes.
Hong Kong Wetland Park is located in Tin Shui Wai in New Territories. Limited parking is available for a fee, but management requests that visitors arrive by public transport. Catch the bus or light rail to Tin Sau Station or Wetland Park Station.
