This 61-hectare Hong Kong Wetland Park provides viewing platforms for visitors to observe the area’s wetland eco-systems. The park—the swamps, the mangroves, and the intertidal zones—is home to a great number of waterfowl, such as black-faced spoonbills and Eurasian kingfishers.

Photo credit: Samson So

On the edge of Deep Bay, Tsim Bei Tsui’s small lookout and its police post are both ideal for beginning bird-watchers. In winter months, they can observe black-faced spoonbills and northern pintails, among others; white-breasted waterhen are among the birds commonly seen in summer.

Photo credit: Samson So

Lau Shui Heung Reservoir. Surrounded by thick forests, its glassy surface is especially stunning on a clear, windless day. Visit during the colder months to enjoy colourful autumn foliage as the cypress leaves transition from yellow to burnt orange. You can also observe the white-flower derris, which is a vine that crawls up tree trunks.

Photo credit: Derek Yung

With an abundance of plants providing food for the caterpillars, this part of the valley has become a prime habitat for butterflies. Try to spot and learn about as many species of butterflies as you can during your visit. White dragontail butterflies are a favourite with photographers. Also commonly observed here are pale awlet, common birdwing, and red-base jezebel butterflies.

Photo credit: Gary Chan

Tai Mo Shan is topped by the Hong Kong Observatory’s weather radar station; when its gigantic sphere comes into sight, you’ll know that you’re almost at the peak. At 950 metres, this is also the highest overlook in Hong Kong. On a clear day, it offers expansive views in all directions. Around the station, silvergrass covering the slopes is tinged with gold by the sun.

Photo credit: Anthony Lau

Before you hike uphill on Tai Mo Shan Road, check out the Rotary Park near the entrance of Tai Mo Shan Country Park. The park features groves of cherry blossom trees from Taiwan. From around February through early March, this is one of HongKong’s best places to see cherry blossoms.

Photo credit: Wandering Photography

Stay on the rolling ridge to trace the “dragon” while you climb uphill. Stop at the Dragon’s Back Viewing Point for a great view of the Tai Tam Bay west of Shek O Peninsula. On a clear day, even Lamma Island, to the southwest of Hong Kong Island, is visible from the deck. Once over the ridge, you'll arrive at Pottinger Gap. Here you get a view of Chai Wan’s urban high-rises against a forested landscape.

Photo credit: Joe Chen

After passing a pavilion, you’ll begin a sharp descent on an uneven stone and dirt path. This very last stage of the trail is mostly shaded and can be slippery at times. Once you’ve exited the trail and cleared the village houses, a beach popular with surfers lies waiting. Big Wave Bay will greet your arrival with shimmering white waves against the blue sky.

Photo credit: Joe Chen

High Island Reservoir was built in the 1970s across a narrow channel. It‘s worth taking a look: although it’s a man-made structure, it still blends in with the impressive geology of its surroundings. The area near the East Dam is also the gateway to the many treasures of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

Photo credit: Tugo Cheng

Walking along the High Island Geo Trail, you’ll pass by the magnificent 100-metre-tall hexagonal rock columns that dominate the area near the East Dam. You shouldn’t miss these geological wonders up close, and the trail offers some of the best vantage points. We also recommend checking out the large sea cave and Po Pin Chau, which is a sea stack further down the coast. As an interesting side note: “Po Pin” means “riven” or “split” in Cantonese.

Photo credit: Matthieu Paley