7th Nov, 2020
It was a beautiful Saturday, I planned to visit Hong Kong Wetland Park because I enjoy slow easy hikes in areas which are not overcrowded. The park provides a tranquil relief from bustling city life in Hong Kong.
The Wetland Park is a world-class ecotourism facility aimed at promoting green tourism, and education about environmental protection and wetland conservation.
Hong Kong Wetland Park is located in the north of Tin Shui Wai.
Hong Kong Wetland Park is a world-class ecotourism park that's a fantastic spot to enjoy some of Hong Kong’s unique flora and fauna
Given that green spaces are rare and you can never not see a skyscraper in Hong Kong, I truly think they are quite proud they have 'conserved' this valuable wetland. For photo enthusiasts it's a dream come true, the location is good for wildlife photographers who like birds, butterflies and insects.
This picture is from the exhibition area where from the frame we could see how wild life breed in a forest.
Wetlands teem with biodiversity, providing homes for many endangered species. In fact, 40% of the world’s biodiversity relies on freshwater wetlands. Yet they only cover around 1% of the planet.
A frame too perfect to be alive.
It's a place that protect the wetland wildlife, you can see the mangrove, the ecology associated with mangrove, i.e. the creatures live mangrove habitat, you can also see some seasonal birds.
The Wetland park area is huge with lake and many trees around. You can read more about Wetland Functions and Values here
Hong Kong Wetland Park is a feast for the nature lovers.
Wetlands provide many benefits to society – such as fish and wildlife habitats, natural water quality improvement, flood storage,shoreline erosion protection, opportunities for recreation and aesthetic appreciation, and natural products for our use at little or no cost.
Protecting wetlands can, in turn, protect our health and safety by reducing flood damage and preserving water quality. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs.
They also are a source of substantial biodiversity in supporting numerous species from all of the major groups of organisms – from microbes to mammals. Physical and chemical features such as climate,topography (landscape shape), geology, nutrients, and hydrology (the quantity and movement of water) help to determine the plants and animals that inhabit various wetlands.
The park has a nice boardwalk around the mangroves and also 2-3 bird watching structures that look over into the Deep Bay harbour that separates Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests. Invasive species, pollution, unsustainable development and climate change are all taking their toll with wetlands under more pressure now than ever before.
While there is very little bird life to be seen there are still many bird hides to go into. I find the attraction with this place, just being out side away from the hustle and bustle and experience the nature of the wetlands. There boardwalks and paths are in fantastic condition, easy to navigate, able to be walked by all types of fitness.
Visitors are treated to incredible visions of nature, especially at the three bird hides (Riverside Hide, Fishpond Hide, and Mudflat Hide) in the Wetland Reserve. You don't even have to bring your binoculars; it is well equipped and you're welcome to use them free of charge.
Overall the best idea would surely have been to leave the wetlands as they were in the main and create less obtrusive paths and boardwalks.
Overall, the Hong Kong Wetlands is a nice local endeavour and place worth visiting for those with children or those simply wanting to spend time away from the city. This is the best well preserved nature environment wetland. The park is closed on Tuesday except for public holidays. Comfortable shoes, sunburn protection and water is important when visiting the wetland. Don’t forget to bring your camera and enjoy your stay in such a amazing wetland. It is better for you to reserve full half day here for an easy and educational visit.
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