Many people, when they think of Hong Kong, think of a sprawling urban landscape with a vibrant nightlife. While this is true of one aspect of this fascinating place, there's also a side to Hong Kong that's focused more on natural beauty, and on preserving the beautiful wetlands that are Hong Kong's natural habitat. The Hong Kong Wetland Park is dedicating to showing people the beauty of Hong Kong's wetlands and educating them about the ecological importance of preserving this beautiful area. Not only is it a conservation facility, but it also focuses on education and tourism. There is much to see and do here.
Located in Yuen Long, in the area of Tin Shui Wai, in the northwest of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Wetland Park is one of the most interesting and interactive ecotourism destinations. It was originally set aside as an ecological mitigation area (EMA) to preserve the natural wetlands in the area when the Tin Shui Wai area was slated for development. In 1998, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department in conjunction with the Hong Kong Tourists Association commissioned the construction of a study to see if it would be feasible to turn this EMA into a world-class conservation, education, and tourism facility. And in May 2006, the Park was opened.
The Hong Kong Wetland Park covers an area of 61 hectares, which is wetland reserve, and boasts a 10,000-square-meter visitor center, the Wetland Interactive World. Visitors will learn fascinating facts about Hong Kong's biodiversity, ecosystem, and conservation efforts. The Wetland Interactive World's facilities include a gift shop, a theatre, a resource center, an indoor play area (Swamp Adventure), a cafe, a cloak room and themed exhibition galleries. The exhibition galleries are:
- What Are Wetlands? This gallery will tell visitors the importance and value of wetlands and what wetlands do for wildlife.
- Living Wetlands. There are three exhibitions in this gallery, which belong to three different environment zones: Frozen North, Tropical Swamp and Hong Kong Wetlands. They provide visitors with an overview of flora and fauna of those places.
- Viewing Gallery. It features the best views to the marshes.
- Human Culture.
- Wetland Challenge. Exhibitions in this gallery tell how wetland resources are being exploited and the threats against wetlands due to human activities.
The wetland reserve includes butterfly garden, three bird hides, stream walk, mangrove boardwalk, fishpond and waterfowls. The Wetland Park is also home to Piu Piu, a crocodile that has become a symbol of the park. Her name is a pun that means that she hails from the Shan Pui River, and also that she is the apple of the public's eye. She is one of many popular attractions at the Wetland Park.
| Admission Fee - Single Entry | Fare (HK$) |
| Adult | $30 |
| Children (3 - 18) or Senior (65 or above) | $15 |
| Children under 3 years | Free |
Operating hours of ticket office: 9:30am - 4:00pm
By Bus. 1. Get on the bus No. 967 at Admiralty West Bus Terminus (near Admiralty MTR station - Exit B) and get off at Hong Kong Wetland Park bus stop (Stop #12). The fare is HK$21.4.
2. Get on the bus No. 269B at Hung Hom Ferry Concourse or on the bus stops along Nathan Road and get off at Tsui Shing Lau bus stop (Stop #14). The fare is HK$17. Then get on Light Rail 705/706 to Wetland Park Station.
3. Get on the bus No. 264M at Tsing Yi Railway Station Bus Terminus (near Tsing Yi MTR station) and get off at Hong Kong Wetland Park bus stop (Stop #30). The fare is HK$10.
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