City: Hong Kong
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Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Hong Kong, China
Delectable dim sum, floating islands, and a one-of-a-kind skyline are just some of Hong Kong’s unique features. Get an eyeful of traditional Chinese architecture in Ngong Ping village, then take the tram to the tippity-top of Victoria Peak for unparalleled views. The rocks and gentle hills of Nan Lian Garden will bring you inner peace, as will a calming cup of tea in a Stanley café. Become one with everything at the Chi Lin Nunnery, a serene Buddhist complex.
Restaurants in Hong Kong
1. Lions Nature Education Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Po Pin Chau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. So Lo Pun Village
4. Plover Cove Country Park
5. Hung Shek Mun
6. Mai Po Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
The 380-hectare Mai Po Nature Reserve is managed by WWF-Hong Kong. As a haven for thousands of migratory waterbirds every year, Mai Po Nature Reserve and the surrounding Inner Deep Bay wetlands sets a prime example of conservation success for regional wetlands. The six main habitats in Mai Po Nature Reserve – gei wais, freshwater ponds, inter-tidal mudflats, mangroves, reedbeds and fishponds – are home to a host of wildlife. Joining one of our eco visits is the best and simplest way to experience the beauty of this truly unique and ecologically diverse wetland location.
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
The Mai Po Nature Reserve is a protected wetlands and conversation area in the northwestern corner of Hong Kong that is managed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This it a marshland and winter haven for around 100,000 migratory birds of nearly 400 different species thus making it an international recognised area of importance and a popular destination for serious birdwatchers. Independent entry permits are possible for members of the Hong Kong Birdwatching Society and WWF Members by way of application through these organisations. Otherwise, the general public can only enter the Ma Po Reserves by way of guided tours given by the WWF which can be organised online through their website. There are a couple tours visiting different areas of the Reserve and of different lengths of time. Tours are lead by a trained naturalist and are mostly conducted in Cantonese. However, the guides speak English and can provide information in both languages. Tours start from the WWF Visitor Centre in Long Ping where you will receive your permit and binoculars (for loan) before being shuttled into the Nature Reserve. During the tour, you will learn about the five main habitats in Mai Po including the mangroves, reed beds, inter-tidal mudflats, freshwater ponds as well as the gei wai, a local use of the wetlands as tidal prawn farms in the past. You will walk through the wetlands, along boardwalks and spend time in various bird hides, viewing interesting and if you are lucky, endangered birdlife. For best results, visiting during the winter when tens of thousands of migratory birds make Mai Po their home is most recommended. We visited recently, attending the Mangrove Boardwalk Adventure (5 hour) tour that includes time spent on the boardwalks located in the Deep Water mudflats and mangrove forest. This was a rewarding experience. We enjoyed viewing countless bird species, including an osprey, black-faced spoonbills and a delightful little kingfisher amongst so many other commonly sighted birds. While walking through the gei wai area, we saw a rat snake crossing the water as well. At the end of the tour, the shuttle bus returns all visitors back to the WWF Visitor Centre where you return your permit card and binoculars before returning home by way of the Long Ping MTR which is 2-3 minute walk from Visitor Centre. Note: The WWF Visitor Centre has nice toilets, water refill station as well as a small eatery where you can have a coffee and light bite before or after your visit into the Nature Reserve. There are gifts and souvenirs available for purchase as well. Note: There are no shops in the Reserve so make sure to bring water and a snack with you. Also best to have a meal prior to starting the tour, especially if you are taking a morning tour. Related, we had one toilet break at the Education Centre within the Reserve around halfway through the tour. Toilets are modern and very clean. Overall, we really enjoyed our time spent in the Mai Po Nature Reserve recently. Permits are a bit pricy but this allows the WWF to conduct tours with smaller visitor numbers which is a luxury here in Hong Kong. It makes a real difference compared to the nearby Hong Kong Wetlands which is open to the public and takes on large numbers of visitors, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
7. Aberdeen Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By mosto - Hong Kong, China
This huge park is easily accessible from the city and has hiking trails for all levels of fitness. You can stay on the concrete route or make diversions to dirt trails. Comparatively with other hiking trails in HK, there are not a lot of uphill or downward steps but enough to get some cardio work. I find the trails pretty scenic with green mountains, foliage, 2 beautiful reservoirs with open views, lots of rock formations and small waterfalls if you make diversions into smaller trails. I’ve hike here a few times. You can spend at least 3 hours or more in the park and then end your hike either at Wan Chai for shopping and food or at Wong Chuk Hang and from there go to Ap Lei Chau for seafood or local food. I see a few solo hikers bringing their own food to eat in the park and then continue hiking. It’s a fabulous place to hike there if you don’t want to spend too much time on transportation to start point. To start at Wan Chai, you can access the Park via Wan Chai Gap and Wan Chai Heritage Green trail (the Park is just opposite the Heritage Green Trail). Alternatively, you can take the MTR to Wong Chuk Hang Station Exit A and take a mini bus to the Park. Either way, you plan the route you want to take when in the Park but whatever routes you take, don’t miss the Upper and Lower Reservoirs.
8. Ha Pak Nai
9. Hong Kong Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
The Hong Kong Hiking Trail is one of “The Big 4” hiking trails that together cover the whole of the island. This trail stretches over 50km, running from Victoria Peak to Big Wave Bay and crossing over 5 different country parks. It is broken into 8 clear sections, making it very easy to choose the sections you want to do and pick up the start of that trail. Be aware that the different sections vary quite a lot in difficulty. Overall, the trails are really well marked and sign-posted. Each 500 metres, there is a standardised metal plaque so you can easily gauge how far you’ve come. Every once in a while, you will also come across a large map board which is handy to stop at and check your position, especially as some of the big trails intersect and overlap. None of the trails are loops so you will have to return via public transport or taxi to your starting point. The paths are generally easy to follow but they also vary enormously, from paved paths or roads to bushland dirt tracks which can be rocky or gravelly and stairs. Stage 8 is one of the most popular walking trails and is more commonly known as Dragon’s Back. I love this hike. It’s a moderately easy walk and is a good one for families. Although there is one long, steep stretch of stairs at the start, the rest of the walk is along the ridgeline. From here, you get the most wonderful views of the coastline and outlying islands and you end up at Big Wave Bay. It’s stunning and on a clear day, the views are just incredible. For tourists who have a few days here and want to see another side of Hong Kong, this walk is unbeatable. Stages 5 & 6 take you through Tai Tam Country Park but they are quite different hikes. Stage 5 is difficult whereas Stage 6 is an easy amble, over a long stonework dam and past the Tai Tam reservoirs and water catchments. All the country parks are free to enter. NOTE: Make sure to take plenty of water, sunscreen and hats with you as depending on which stretch you are doing, there may not be much opportunity to buy things or fill water bottles.
10. Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By douglasphoenix - Hong Kong, China
Way out yonder, in Tsuen Wan, erstwhile home of Cantonese speaking pirates back in the 17th and 18th centuries, sits a little trail that begins, I think, right behind Adventist Hospital and Summit Terrace. This is a very good, rigorous hike that provides many places to sit down and take in great views of two very large shipping channels and the airport. Don't think that the view is only industrial. There are plenty of eucalyptus glades along the way and wonderful rich views of misty clouded hilltops. Great for hiking to connect to the Maclehose Trail, and a good route, and steep, connecting to the route up Tai Mo Shan, the tallest Mountain in Hong Kong. Highly recommended for avid trekkers who are looking for variety.
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