Hong Kong is a dense and bustling metropolis. It is also one of the world’s most vertical cities. The Hong Kong Wetland Park was designed to be a relief from all that, a lush green space dedicated to relaxation and conservation. Escape the noise and the crowds with a visit to this ecological jewel.
The wetland park in its entirety encompasses 60 hectares (250 acres) of greenery and waterways, crisscrossed by winding boardwalks. A vast diversity of wildlife calls the wetland park home, and not just fish and water plant species: there are 9 species of amphibians, 28 reptiles, 52 dragonflies and 157 butterflies to be seen in the park. Keep your eye out for the hundreds of resident bird species, as well. The star of the show, however, is Pui Pui, a saltwater crocodile who can often be seen sunbathing right at the water’s edge.
Hong Kong officials decided to create the wetland park in 2006 as an ecological mitigation area, which would offset urban development by providing open green spaces. The park is now being promoted as an ecotourism site, with an emphasis on responsible wetlands management. Teams of workers regularly monitor the park’s flora and fauna to ensure that the ecosystem is healthy.
Visit the park’s huge indoor Visitor Centre for an insight into the running of an ecological site. Guides are available in Braille and a number of languages, and the whole site has been designed for barrier-free access. Explore the centre’s five galleries, children’s play area, café and 200-seat theatre. A highlight is the indoor viewing gallery, where you can use telescopes, closed circuit television and bird identification guides to observe the species out in the park.
The Hong Kong Wetland Park is located in Tin Shui Wai, in New Territories. A small amount of paid parking is available, but management prefers that visitors reach the park using the bus or the LRT. The park is open every day except Tuesday. Allow at least 4 hours for your visit, and come prepared for hot sun and mosquitoes.
