For people who want to enjoy the outdoors in Hong Kong and prefer it to be just a walk in the park (literally and figuratively), head to the Hong Kong Wetland Park that’s located in Tin Shui Wai (天水圍), New Territories. This area is a lovely little oasis located next to a housing estate and is easily accessible by public transport.
According to its website, it was originally intended to be an ecological mitigation area (EMA) to compensate for the wetlands lost due to Tin Shui Wai New Town development. Further studies conducted by the Hong Kong government concluded that ‘the development of the Wetland Park will also enhance the ecological function of the EMA to a world-class conservation, education and tourism facility’.


I had heard about the park and decided to make my way there one Thursday morning with two friends to have a look. To get there, take the West Rail line to Tin Shui Wai station (天水圍站) then transfer to the Light Rail (輕鐵) and take either number 705 / 706 to the Wetland Park (濕地公園) Light Rail stop. Once you alight, there are clear signs directing you to the Wetland Park.


There are broadwalks around the 61-hectare park which are very family- and wheelchair-friendly.


There are also exhibitions and guides to educate the public on conservation.


There’s such a big disparity between the foreground and background. The flats that overlook the wetland park have a really good view of the place! You can buy an annual pass for HKD100 and go to the park as often as you please. If I lived next to the park, I’d buy the annual pass and go to the park for a jog every day!


A blob of water sits on a lotus leaf – there are several lotus and water lily ponds in the wetland park. Many avid photographers bring their cameras to the wetland park to take photos of the flowers.


The view from an observation tower where birds can be observed. The buildings in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone can also be seen in the distance. The water channel is called the Western Channel (西河道) and the Mai Po Nature Reserve is on the right of the channel.


The mangrove swamp broadwalk that sways as you walk along it.



And here I am, very pleased with my stamps. 🙂


When you’re done walking, head to Cafe de Coral for a drink or afternoon snack. This is probably the Cafe de Coral outlet with the nicest view in the whole of Hong Kong (Cafe de Coral is a chain F&B outlet selling local Hong Kong food). It’s extremely relaxing sitting there with the lovely backdrop of the wetland and mountains as company.


Before we left the park, I was asked to fill up a survey form and add my nation’s flag to the board. Can you spot where mine is?


My very poor attempt at drawing the Singapore flag. Admittedly, I’m no Picasso.


A trip to the Hong Kong Wetland Park makes for a relaxing day out with family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. It’s an easy option for those not inclined to climb up and down mountains. There are buses you can take there directly from Causeway Bay and Admiralty in Hong Kong Island. More transport options can be found on their website. Entrance fees are HKD30 for adults and HKD15 for children (3-18), full-time students and senior citizens aged 65 and above.