Press Releases

Wetland Park's exhibition pavilion opens
Friday, December 29, 2000

The public can now experience a simulated wetland environment of Hong Kong at the newly opened wetland exhibition pavilion at Tin Shui Wai.

The 230 square metres exhibition pavilion, together with a 5,000 square metres landscaped area and outdoor exhibits, make up the first phase of the Hong Kong Wetland Park managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

"Visitors can learn more about the functions and values of wetlands in Hong Kong with the aid of pictures, maps, information boards, video shows and touch-screen computers.

"What's more, they can get a taste of the Mai Po Restricted Area through a simulation of the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay wetlands.

"They can walk through a bridge in a simulated mangrove environment. At the end of the bridge is a bird hide where visitors can see photographs of the panoramic view of the mudflat in Mai Po. On display outdoors are sculptures of wetland animals such as Black-faced Spoonbills and crabs.

"The whole Wetland Park, being constructed in two phases, is aimed to highlight the diversity of Hong Kong's wetlands and the need to conserve them. We hope the first phase of the project will provide an early venue for wetland conservation education and to celebrate the millennium," said AFCD's Senior Wetland Park Officer Dr So Ping-man today (December 29).

The first phase of the Hong Kong Wetland Park opens six days a week, closes every Tuesday. Opening hours are from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on weekdays, and from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm on Sundays and public holidays. Admission is free.

To facilitate visitors, shuttle bus services are provided every Sunday and public holiday from the bus terminal at Tin Shui Wai. Tailor-made half-day interpretive tours will be arranged for schools or community groups. Interested parties may contact AFCD on 3152 2666 for further information and advance booking.

"The whole Wetland Park, which will cover an area of about 64 hectares, will comprise a freshwater lake, demonstration fish ponds, 'Gei Wai' (intertidal shrimp ponds) and a visitor centre.

"The visitor centre with a floor area of about 6,000 square metres will accommodate permanent and temporary theme exhibitions, audio-visual show areas, a resource centre, activities room, ancillary facilities and shops. The second phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by 2004," Mr So added.