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.
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4.5 based on 11 reviews
This is a lovely, little known place for local history. Tai Fu Tai Mansion is the house of a wealthy member of the Man clan, one of the Five Great Clans of the New Territories. It is now quite well restored to its former glory and glamour although detailed illustration is lacking. The place is a unique bland of traditional southern Chinese and Rococo architecture. While the layout is in line with major mansions in Guangdong, the delicate glasses, paintings and ornaments are somehow reminiscent of the Alhambra. The security guard is passionate to share the anecdotes in local language. Bus 76K conveniently connects Tai Fu Tai Mansion with Sheung Shui and Yuen Long.
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.
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.
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