Every winter, around 90,000 migratory birds take refuge in the marshes and mudflats of the internationally acclaimed Mai Po Nature Reserve. Of the 380 species of birds that inhabit the reserve, 35 are of global conservation concern including the Saunders’s gull and the black-faced spoonbill. Other critters such as otters, fiddler crabs and mudskippers also call the area home.

The best time for bird-watching is in the spring and autumn, when birds come to forage in the vicinity of Mai Po and the Inner Deep Bay wetlands, feeding on fish, shrimps and crabs among the mangroves.

The Mai Po Nature Reserve is listed in the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance of Hong Kong, so access to the area is restricted. Visitors can join a selection of organised tours that run throughout the year. Please visit World Wildlife Fund Hong Kong’s website for more information.

Known as Hong Kong's “Bird Paradise,” the Mai Po Nature Reserve has been managed by WWF-Hong Kong since 1983. Photo credit: timeout.com

Address: Mai Po, Yuen Long, New Territories
Telephone: +852  2526 1011
Website: www.wwf.org.hk

How to get there:

• MTR Sheung Shui Station, Exit C. Take bus 76K and alight at Mai Po Station in Mai Po Village. Then walk along Tam Kon Chau Road for approximately 20 minutes to the main entrance located at the car park of the World Wide Fund For Nature Hong Kong.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Situated on the slopes of one of Hong Kong’s highest mountains, the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden has outdoor activities that will appeal to the whole family. The conservation centre’s paths take you wandering through vegetable gardens, greenhouses of beautiful flowers and plants, and scores of different animals. But it’s more than just a pretty face; the farm has also pioneered organic growth methods in Hong Kong, and helped introduce local strains of pigs and chickens, which you can see there.

This sprawling green sanctuary was originally established by the wealthy Kadoorie brothers to provide some aid to poor local farmers. Just inside the main gate, you can get a taste of what the old farming days of Hong Kong were like by visiting the Farm Museum, which features fascinating pictures and old farming implements.

Follow signs in the lower part of the farm to visit small pools housing waterfowl, including flamingos, and to check out deer in an enclosure. The farm extends up the side of the mountain and its higher reaches can be accessed by shuttle bus. If you’re keen for some sweeping views of the countryside, head to the top near the Kadoorie Brothers’ Memorial Pavilion. This area also features a wood and scrubland, which is a conservation area. If you are lucky, you just might see porcupines, pangolin or barking deer, although the best time to see them is at dusk as they’re mostly nocturnal.

You could spend hours wandering around the farm — it’s best to pick up a map at the entrance.

Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden is a conservation and education centre. It is a natural cradle of biodiversity - of plants and wild animals. Photo credit: webs-of-significance.blogspot.com

Address: Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories
Telephone: +852  2483 7200
Website: www.kfbg.org

How to get there:

• MTR Tai Po Market Station Exit A1 or Kam Sheung Road Station Exit C. Take bus 64K and alight at the Kadoorie Farm stop; or,

• MTR Tai Wo Station Exit A, then catch a taxi.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

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. The park is also home to an impressive cast of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians, reptiles and fish. A visitor centre — Wetland Interactive World — and a 60-hectare Wetland Reserve will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of this ecosystem as you appreciate the beauty of nature and explore the amazing wildlife.

Wetland Interactive World
Inside Wetland Interactive World there are themed exhibition galleries, 3D cinema and trick art, a theatre and the Swamp Adventure indoor play area. The exhibitions showcase the importance of wetlands conservation and provide a hands-on experience of being a wetlands reporter. You can also take snapshots to capture fond memories with wetland celebrities. Just make sure you watch out for the singing fish!

Wetland Reserve
The outdoor Wetland Reserve comprises recreated wetland habitats specially designed for waterfowl and other wildlife. Other features include Stream Walk, Mangrove Boardwalk, Butterfly Garden and three bird hides that bring you closer to the habitats and wildlife. Don’t miss the refurbished home of celebrity crocodile Pui Pui and the new boardwalk connecting Fishpond Hide and the Wildside Walk!

Did you know?
First sighted at Shan Pui River in the northwest New Territories in November 2003, the then juvenile salt water crocodile is suspected to have been an illegal pet dumped into the river. She was caught by AFCD staff after seven months and named ‘Pui Pui’ — a name chosen out of 1,600 entries in a territory-wide contest, which means ‘the precious one’ and echoes the name of the river where it was found.

 Visitors of Hong Kong Wetland Park can head to her beautifully landscaped 72-square-metre outdoor enclosure for a chance to spot her up close.

Hong Kong Wetland Park is a conservation, education and tourism facility, located at the northern part of Tin Shui Wai, in Yuen Long. Photo credit: locationscout.net

Address: Wetland Park Road, Tin Shui Wai, New Territories
Telephone: +852 3152 2666 (General enquiry) +852 2617 5218 (Ticketing)
Website: www.wetlandpark.gov.hk

How to get there:

• MTR West Rail Tin Shui Wai Station. Change to 705 or 706 Light Rail and alight at Tin Sau Station or Wetland Park Station. From here, follow the signs and walk for another five minutes; or,

• Bus 967 from MTR Admiralty Station Exit B to Wetland Park. Follow the signs and walk for another five minutes; or

• Bus 276B from MTR Sheung Shui Station Exit C to Wetland Park. Follow the signs and walk for another five minutes.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

You don’t have to be a rock buff to enjoy the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Located in the East and Northeast New Territories, the park includes the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and showcases Hong Kong’s timeless and eerily beautiful landforms.

Tips

Many island or coastal landforms in the Geopark are best viewed from a boat. In areas with loose and slippery rocks it is best not to go ashore. Also, to protect these landforms, please don’t climb or make any kind of markings on the rocks. Get more out of your visit by joining a guided tour and reading the Geopark information online before departing.

In September 2011, UNESCO listed the Hong Kong Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. Photo credit: hulutrip.com

Volcano Discovery Centre

Hong Kong UNESCO Geopark Volcano Discovery Centre conveniently located at Sai Kung Waterfront Park offers comprehensive information to advise visitors the best way to explore the Geopark. For more information, click here.

High Island

The easiest location to view the park’s remarkable geological heritage is High Island. From here, the hexagonal volcanic columns are visible along the coast, as is the rock column wall near the East Dam of High Island Reservoir. For more information, click here.

Sharp Island

Sharp Island is an important relic of an ancient supervolcano that erupted more than 140 million years ago. The island is covered by rocks formed from volcanic fragments and magma. For more information, click here.

Ung-Kong-Group

The Ung Kong Group consists of Bluff Island, Wang Chau and Basalt Island. The forces of sea and wind have helped develop numerous steep cliffs and sea arches on the southeast coast of the islands, including the 30-metre-high sea arch at Wang Chau, the 45-metre-high sea arch at Basalt Island, and the Tiu Chung Arch at Jin Island. For more information, click here.

Ninepin Group

The Ninepin Group is made up of South Ninepin Island, North Ninepin Island, and East Ninepin Island, along with several small rock islets. North Ninepin Island has the most eye-pleasing abrasion landforms with hexagonal rock columns overspread with joints formed by geological movements. For more information, click here.

Double Haven

Rising sea levels 6,000 to 8,000 years ago submerged the river valleys in Double Haven, leading to the formation of indented shorelines with headlands and bays. But the mountains in the area were mostly formed some 160 million years ago, when lava mixed with volcanic ash formed rock strata. For more information, click here.

Tung Ping Chau

Crescent-shaped Tung Ping Chau, Hong Kong’s easternmost island, has long been popular with locals for its picturesque rock formations. It boasts the youngest rocks in Hong Kong — merely 55 million years of age, give or take! For more information, click here.

Port Island & Bluff Head

China Danxia — a name for red-coloured landforms specific to China — was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, and Port Island has a similar rock formation of these rare geological landforms in a seascape setting. Rich iron oxide gives the island’s sandstone and siltstone a bright red hue. For more information, click here.

Tolo Channel

The oldest rocks in Hong Kong are found along the north coast of Tolo Channel. Ma Shi Chau located west of the channel, features sedimentary rocks formed some 280 million years ago which are the second oldest in Hong Kong. For more information, click here.

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Hoi Ha Wan translates as ‘Bay Beneath the Sea’ and the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is a protected area that contains 60 types of hard coral and 120 species of coral fish. It’s also a particularly good spot for those interested in snorkelling or mangroves.

From the rustic Hoi Ha Village, follow the upwards path passing an old temple and a lime kiln (coral was once used in the production of lime) until you have a broad view of the bay’s shimmering waters. Then take a left down a flight of steps to a pier. If the day is clear and the tide is low, you should be able to see coral heads poking through the water. These are brain coral, earning this un-poetic name from their round shapes and convoluted surface patterns. You should also be able to see various colourful fish swimming through the coral, but you might wish to take a closer look by renting snorkelling gear back at the village. Be careful with the coral though — it’s protected. Read these coral area diving and snorkelling guidelines first.

Hoi Ha Wan is one of five marine parks in Hong Kong.

Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is a sheltered bay located north of the Sai Kung West Country Park. It covers an area of about 260 hectares. Photo credit: trip.com

Address: Hoi Ha Wan, Sai Kung, New Territories
Telephone: +852 2708 8885
Website: www.afcd.gov.hk

How to get there:

• MTR Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2. Take bus 92 or 96R (Sunday and public holidays only) to Sai Kung Town, then change to green minibus 7 to Hoi Ha Tsuen and walk to the Marine Park.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

One of Hong Kong’s most enduring and popular pastimes is cheering on galloping horses at the track.

Horseracing has been a strong feature of the city’s living culture since the 19th century, and The Hong Kong Racing Museum is there to preserve and celebrate this slice of Hong Kong’s heritage.

The museum adjoins the stands of the world-famous Happy Valley Racecourse and traces the locals’ love affair with the ponies by charting the history of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The Hong Kong Racing Museum at Happy Valley Racecourse takes visitors on a journey through more than 150 years of racing history. Photo credit: www.airbnb.com

Address: 2/F, Happy Valley Stand, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Island
Tel:+852 2966 8065
Website: corporate.hkjc.com

How to get there:

• MTR Causeway Bay Station, Exit A. Walk along Matheson Street to Wong Nai Chung Road and then continue to walk for approximately 15 minutes.

• Bus 75, 90 or 97 from Exchange Square bus terminus (near MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit D). Alight outside the museum.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Flagstaff House

Built in the 1840s, Flagstaff House is an elegant reminder of Hong Kong’s colonial heritage. Formerly the office and residence of the commander of the British Forces in Hong Kong, it is one of the oldest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the city.

Its first occupant was Major-General G C D'Aguilar, who served as general officer commanding from 1844 to 1846 and who also held the appointment of lieutenant governor. Flagstaff House continued to be the residence of the commander of the British forces up until 1978, when it was handed over to the Hong Kong government. The building hasn’t been immune to Hong Kong’s turbulent life and, during the Second World War, it was hit twice by Japanese shells in the Battle of Hong Kong, but repaired quickly when it was commandeered for use by officers of the occupying forces.

Taking pride of place inside the grounds of Hong Kong Park, which also has a marriage registry, Flagstaff House is now a popular background for wedding photos.

Museum of Tea Ware

Flagstaff House was converted into the Museum of Tea Ware in 1984 with a new wing, the K.S. Lo Gallery, added in 1995. Alongside its exhibitions, the museum holds regular demonstrations, tea gatherings and lecture programmes to promote ceramic art and China’s enduring tea-drinking culture.

Flagstaff House Museum of teaware, the drinking of tea plays a big part in Asian culture, the museum of teaware is dedicated to the study and display of tea. Photo credit: timeout.com

Address: Inside Hong Kong Park, 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong Island
Tel:+852 2869 0690, +852 2869 6690
Website: hk.art.museum

How to get there:

• MTR Admiralty Station, Exit C1. Then follow the signs up the escalator to Hong Kong Park.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum showcases Hong Kong’s maritime heritage in its past, present and future and places the city’s seafaring story in local, regional and international contexts.

In addition to documenting the past in terms of how China, Asia and the West have developed boats, ships, maritime exploration, trade and naval warfare, the museum also covers the present by explaining global trends and the importance of shipping to Hong Kong`s economy. Visitors of all ages and nationalities can find something that interests them, discover interesting facts and enjoy the interactive displays.

Each of the galleries has been set up with the help and generous support of individuals and corporations in the maritime industry, who believe in the importance of the preservation of Hong Kong`s maritime history.

Learn about Hong Kong's fascinating maritime story in a museum located at one of the world's major harbours. Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Address: Central Pier 8, Central, Hong Kong Island
Tel:+852 3713 2500
Website: www.hkmaritimemuseum.org

How to get there:

• MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit A2 or MTR Central Station Exit A. Walk to the pier along Man Yiu Street.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

You may recognise the rather unusual egg-shaped building that has become a landmark on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. This striking dome is home to the Hong Kong Space Museum.

The city’s popular planetarium is made up of the Stanley Ho Space Theatre, the Hall of the Cosmos, and the Hall of Space Exploration. There is plenty of action and toys for wannabe space explorers and closet geeks, such as the Omnimax and sky shows, astronomy exhibits, digital planetarium projector, and seats installed with multi-language and interactive systems.

Download the ‘iM Guide’ app for a mobile multimedia museum guide.

Hong Kong Space Museum, waterside egg-shaped building with planetarium and Omnimax films, plus space and astronomy exhibits. Photo credit: travel.sygic.com

Address: 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel:+852 2721 0226
Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk

How to get there:

• MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit J, walk about 10 minutes to the museum; or Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit E. Walk towards Salisbury Road then cross at the pedestrian crossing; or,

• Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui. Walk for approximately 10 minutes to the museum.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

If you think a visit to a museum means staring into glass cabinets for endless hours, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Over 70 per cent of the Hong Kong Science Museum’s 500 exhibits are hands-on, meaning you can literally play around with a broad spectrum of cool topics, including robotics, virtual reality and transportation.

Be sure to check out the 22-metre-high twin-tower Energy Machine which, when activated, triggers a series of displays to produce spectacular audio-visual effects demonstrating various forms of energy.

Download the ‘iM Guide’ app for a mobile multimedia museum guide.

Hong Kong Science Museum, opened in 1992, has become a good place to explore scientific knowledge. Photo credit: tourismportrait.com

Address: 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
Tel:+852 2732 3232
Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk

How to get there:

• MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit B2 and walk along Cameron Road towards Tsim Sha Tsui East for 18 minutes; or,

• MTR Jordan Station Exit D and walk along Austin Road towards Tsim Sha Tsui East for 20 minutes; or,

• MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit P2 and walk along Chatham Road South for approximately 10 minutes.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.