One North 朗壹廣場

The Hong Kong Wetland Park was originally planned as an ecological mitigation area to compensate for the wetlands lost due to the Tin Shui Wai New Town development. It has now become a conservation, education and tourism facility. There are two main zones, namely the visitor centre and the conservation area. The visitor centre showcases the functions and different species of wetlands. Interactive activities such as DIY workshops and film-watching are also provided to allow visitors learning through play.

The conservation area serves as an important habitat and breeding ground for wildlife. It includes freshwater marshes, reed marshes, mudflats, mangroves and woodland. Visitors can stroll along the edges of the conservation area and observe how nature works. Guided tours can be booked on weekends and public holidays.

Shan Pui River is located to the East of the Yuen Long Industrial Estate. It became famous when a saltwater crocodile “Pui Pui” was spotted there. Along the river, there is a row of Paperbark Trees with sheets of bark peeling off in multiple layers. Brush-like white flowers grow on the trees during Summer and Autumn, making it an enjoyable riverside bike ride.

In the 1960s, the section going through the Yuen Long New Town underwent massive channelisation to alleviate flooding. The river was widened, deepened, straightened and the riverbed and banks were protected with concrete. The channelised section is known as the Yuen Long Nullah. Environmentally friendly designs were implemented at the lower course in the 1990s to enhance the ecological value of the river. The natural riverbed was retained and mangroves were planted to provide habitats for wildlife.

Nam Sang Wai is surrounded by the Kam Tin River and Sham Pui River, consisting of fishponds, reed beds and mangroves. The stunning view has earned its title as the “Paradise of Hong Kong”. Visitors may walk or cycle along the Nam Sang Wai River Education Trail. There are many fishponds scattered along both sides of the river. The fishpond and gei wai culture in the region started in the 1930s to 1940s.

At the intersection of the two rivers, you may find fiddler crabs, mudskippers and water birds on the intertidal mudflats and mangroves. There are lots of migratory birds during winter, including the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill. Rows of tall River Red Gum trees are planted next to the reed beds. The bridal bridge at the end of the trail draws a lot of photographers.

Located on a natural woodland in Shui Ngau Leng, the design of the park preserves the original natural landscape. There is a conservation corner with native flowering and fruit-bearing trees as well as less use of chemicals to attract wild birds, butterflies and dragonflies. A waterfall connected to a stream which ends at the ornamental lake and forms a pleasant and relaxing path along the stream. The spacious lawn at the park offers a respite from the crowded Yuen Long Town Centre.

The 7-storey Aviary Pagoda in red is a highlight of the park. The open aviary at the bottom of the pagoda has housed more than a hundred birds in a man-made woodland environment. At the top level of the pagoda, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai.

Ping Shan is located at Yuen Long plain with many farmlands and fishponds in the past. Since the Tin Shui Wai New Town development, fishponds were filled and raised. Ping Shan has thus become low-lying inland.

The Tang clan has been settled in Yuen Long since Northern Song Dynasty. Their Tang Ancestral Hall was the oldest building here, with nearly 800 years of history. The Ping Shan Heritage Trail goes through Hang Mei Tsuen, Hang Tau Tsuen and Sheung Cheung Wai. The traditional architecture is surrounded by the towering skyscrapers, creating a unique atmosphere. The Trail links up a number of traditional buildings built by the Tang, the ancient Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda built in the Ming Dynasty and the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre which is housed in the Old Ping Shan Police Station.

The fishponds in Tai Sang Wai belong to the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. The clusters of fishponds form large wetlands for birds and other wildlife. When the fishponds are drained for harvesting and cleaning during autumn and winter, small fishes and invertebrates that remain become a banquet for the migratory birds. You may find adorable water birds foraging here, such as Chinese Pond Herons, Great Egrets and Black-winged Stilts. Also, the large fishponds can store stormwater and mitigate floods.

Ample of fruit trees are planted next to the fishponds, such as jackfruit, Chinese Wampi and mulberry. The single-storey village houses with the fishponds as the background form a delightful scenery that naturally slows you down to enjoy the moment.

The region between Sha Kiu Tsuen and Ha Pak Nai Village was home to traditional oyster farming since the Song dynasty. The brackish water of the bay has the optimum salinity and rich microscopic planktons for the growth of oysters. The Chan family is the only member of Sha Kiu Tsuen who is still running the oyster farming business. Far from the bustling city, the tranquility of the village and the stunning sunset is definitely worth a visit.

Oysters are not only filter feeders which improve seawater quality, oyster reefs are also important habitats and nursery grounds for many marine organisms. Their strong structure provides additional coastal protection against extreme weather conditions. Therefore, they are considered to have important conservation value.

Ha Pak Nai is located on the wetland to the west of Lau Fau Shan. Flanked by mountains on one side and Deep Bay on the other, this area is known for its spectacular sunset and the 6km coastal trail. With its long stretch of mangroves, mudflats and calm waters, it is a popular spot for hiking and cycling.

Apart from the captivating scenery, the mudflats are rich in biodiversity. They provide habitats for a diverse variety of wildlife, including the endangered horseshoe crabs. Horseshoe crabs have existed for more than 400 million years, winning the nickname “living fossils”. Due to overfishing and habitat loss from urban development and marine pollution, there is a drastic decrease in their population.

Lau Fau Shan is known for its oyster farming. The seafood restaurants and stalls along the Main Street attract numerous visitors at the weekends. There are fishermen proudly drying oysters under the sun, filling the village with the smell of seawater. This picturesque fishery village is one of the last vestiges in Hong Kong.

Centuries ago, Ha Tsuen area was next to the sea, near the channel between the Deep Water Bay and Castle Peak Bay. During the 1700s, the Tang clan established a market here, followed by their village settlements. The relics of the gateways, alleys and the Tang Ancestral Hall building compound were well preserved.

Tsim Bei Tsu falls within the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. It comprises a mature mangrove forest, an egretry, woodlands and fishponds. The nearby Tang Xiao Liao Pavilion is a rewarding spot for bird-watching, with an unobstructed view to the Mai Po Area.

Located at the heart of Tin Shui Wai New Town and surrounded by a high density residential area, the park provides a spacious green space for the residents to enjoy. The ornamental lake and the sculpture walk are the two distinctive features of the park.

By referencing the traditional architectural elements nearby, stone bricks, wood and fair-faced concrete were used for the building. The atrium introduces natural lighting with the glass façade. There is also an outdoor reading area, maintaining a sense of harmony with nature.

The privately-owned fishponds provide habitats for various waterbirds. It is also a foraging and roosting ground for winter visitors and migratory birds. During summer, you may encounter the Maipo Bent-winged Firefly which lives around the mangrove trees.

HK Timberbank is an eco-social enterprise. It aims to bring a positive impact to society by collecting and processing the felled local trees, turning them into valuable commercial building materials, furniture and outdoor art installations.

I Shing Temple was built by the residents of the six villages of Wang Chau for the worship of Hung Shing and Che Kung. For centuries, the temple has been a place for rituals and a meeting place for villagers to discuss public matters.

Yuen Long has been an important market in the northern N.T. Due to its flat terrain and the proximity to the Pearl River Delta, it is favourable to farming and trading. Many historical buildings are preserved in Yuen Long Kau Hui, including the oldest surviving pawn shop and the oldest inn in Hong Kong. Visitors feel as if they are back in the olden days.

Yau Sun Street is always bursting with visitors, from weekdays to weekends. This is where you can try the Cantonese-style roast duck, wanton noodles, peanut brittles, grass jelly dessert and many other local street food.

Located next to the Tai Kei Leng Road, the tunnel gives out a futuristic effect when lights shine through the green-painted metal interior which resembles a time-travelling tunnel. Music video “Eight Kilometres” by a renowned local singer Sammi Cheng was filmed at this tunnel which turns here into an instagrammable spot.

Shan Pui Tsuen is a village that shares a common surname Lam. Its original name means the back of the hill as the Lam clan relocated to the back of the hill of where their ancestors first settled. Valuables of the Lam clan are displayed in the ancestral hall to venerate their ancestors.

The wetlands in Mai Po Nature Reserve have a rich biodiversity. It receives thousands of migratory birds every winter. Although permits are required to enter the Reserve, the fishponds along Tam Kon Chau Road outside the restricted area are great spots for birdwatching.

At the part of the Kam Tin River, the channel was widened to solve the serious flooding in Kam Tin. The original wetland landscape was well maintained. Playful birds are often seen flying around and foraging along the river.

Miu Kwok Monastery is located at Fung Kat Heung and is listed as a Grade III historic building. The Tang clan established a tomb in 1934 for the Tangs who died in the fight against the British army when the British established control in the New Territories.

In Shui Mei Tsuen, there was a century-old Banyan tree with a diameter of about 8m. Its aerial roots became thick trunks and tree branches interweaved into the walls of the house. Over time, the house was completely engulfed by the tree and named the Kam Tin Tree House.

Kat Hing Wai has a history of about 600 years. The well-preserved 6m-high wall is the highlight of the walled village. The iron gates were stolen by the British during the Six-Day War of 1899. They were later returned and served as a mark of the heroic history of villagers fighting against the British army.

Formerly a candle factory, the Red Brick House has been transformed and revitalised into an indoor market with exotic furnishing. Visitors can visit the old collectables shop, interesting handicraft studios or the small welcoming cafes.

Kam Tin Mural Village is next to the Kam Tin Highway. Apart from beautifying the environment, muralists hope to capture the unique stories and cultural heritage of the village. One mural contains colourful hearts painted by citizens to show support to the teachers.

The farm adopts organic farming methods. Farmers decide the types of crops according to the seasons and opt for natural pest control methods. They promote local agricultural development by organising guided tours and farming experience activities regularly.