Mai Po Wetlands

　　Located in the northwest New Territories of Hong Kong, Mai Po borders Deep Bay and is a paradise for a vast array of wildlife, holding a prominent status in the world. Given its importance, the Hong Kong government designated Mai Po as a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" in 1976. In accordance with the Ramsar Convention, in September 1995, 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. Among them, the Mai Po Nature Reserve, an important area within these wetlands, covers 380 hectares.

　　The Mai Po Wetlands 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. In addition, Mai Po boasts Hong Kong’s largest mangrove forest. Mai Po is most renowned for its bird ecology. Each 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 routes 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.

　　Spring and autumn are the best seasons for birdwatching, with sightings of over 300 species of wintering birds, many of which 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