Mai Po Marshes

Mai Po Marshes

Located in Mai Po in the northwest of Hong Kong’s New Territories and bordering Deep Bay, Mai Po is a paradise for a vast array of wildlife and holds a prominent status worldwide. In recognition of its importance, the Hong Kong government designated Mai Po as a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" in 1976. According to the Ramsar Convention, the Hong Kong government officially listed about 1,500 hectares of wetlands in Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay as a Wetland of International Importance in September 1995, among which the Mai Po Nature Reserve, an important area within this wetland, spans 380 hectares.

The Mai Po Marshes are home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including over 300 species of birds, 400 species of insects, 90 species of marine invertebrates, and 50 species of butterflies. Additionally, Mai Po boasts Hong Kong’s largest mangrove forest. Mai Po is most renowned for its bird ecology. Every year, approximately 2 to 3 million waterbirds such as gulls, ducks, egrets, and waders migrate from their breeding grounds in northern China, Mongolia, and Siberia to their wintering sites in Southeast Asia and Australasia. They rely on stopover sites along their migratory route to rest, forage, and build up sufficient energy for the remaining long journey. The wetlands around Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay serve as crucial staging and feeding grounds for these migratory birds.

The best seasons for birdwatching are spring and autumn, when over 300 species of wintering birds can be spotted here, including many that are rare in the region. Migratory birds in the Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay wetlands, as well as among the mangroves, feed on fish, shrimp, and crabs. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife and insects, such as otters, butterflies, leopard cats, and other mammals.

Mai Po Wetlands

Must-visit reason: Hong Kong’s most famous wildlife paradise