What’s the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Shui Hau Wan? Its picturesque landscape or a stargazing and clam-digging hotspot? Guess what, there’s so much more to this destination. The natural habitat and rich biodiversity of Shui Hau Wan makes for the perfect nature classroom for children. Parents: prepare a pen and paper, or even a pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass to properly immerse everyone in this half-day eco-exploration journey.

Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Suggested Route: 1. Shui Hau Wan (with marshes, mangroves and a sandflat) > 2. Sandflat, aka the“Sky Mirror”
Highlights: With a rich biodiversity of over 600 species recorded, Shui Hau Wan is a great nature classroom for children, where they’ll learn about habitats and nature’s diversity.

Alight at the Shui Hau Tsuen bus stop, follow the path on your right and set off for Shui Hau Wan.

Embrace the Rich Biodiversity of Wetlands
Shui Hau Wan is a unique area comprising various coastal habitats, such as the freshwater wetland, creating an ecosystem that’s rich in natural nutrients and biodiversity. In the wetlands, amphibians and dragonflies are often seen breeding. You might even encounter a number of rare or endangered species, such as the three-striped grass frog and the Romer's tree frog. Parents can lead their children to get up close and personal with these rare species and record their sizes, colours and markings.

Spotting and observing amphibians and other rare species makes for the perfect family bonding time.

The Beauty of Symbiosis in NatureHong Kong eco-photographer, James, started photographing Shui Hau Wan eight years ago and has since visited and photographed the area over 200 times. “My favourite moments here are the sunrise and sunset. There were times when I captured seven or eight buffaloes passing through the mudflats. Those chance moments were surreal and always very interesting. The variety of water birds in Shui Hau Wan also draws me to this place, because the terrain here allows me to capture unique shots of them from a low angle.”

Don’t be surprised if you come across some buffalos along the wetland. These majestic creatures are often accompanied by a kind of white bird that’s called cattle egret. The two animals have this unique “commensal” relationship, where one gets shelter or food without causing harm to the other. When a buffalo roams about in the swamp, it unintentionally ploughs the soil and draws out the insects. That’s when the cattle egret can enjoy a “feast” while keeping the insects off the buffalo.

Travel Tips: According to James, it’s best to keep a distance of four to five metres when observing buffalos. And if a buffalo does approach you, step back slowly and do not make any sudden movements or run away, otherwise it might chase you down.

While observing buffalos and cattle egrets, educate your children on the beauty of symbiosis found in nature.

Bird-Watching and Admiring Mangroves from AfarAt the end of the path you’ll come across some low-growing shrubs. Welcome to the mangroves!

The mangroves in Shui Hau Wan are small in scale and relatively scattered, but they are an important habitat and feeding ground for a variety of birds, such as egrets and kingfishers. In order not to disturb the birds, we recommend using 8X to 10X binoculars and simply observing their interaction. While you’re watching them and enjoying the nature, you may even hear their chirping. It’s like music to the ears.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for bird-watching. You may see some migratory birds in action even in sparser mangroves.

Searching for “Living Fossils” in Mudflats
Go around the mangroves and you'll reach the mudflats, the breeding ground and natural habitat of many intertidal species, such as crabs, snails and clams. Here, you may also come across the “living fossil”, Chinese horseshoe crab. Pack a magnifying glass to observe the creatures shuffling across the mudflat and digging their nests, but remember to keep your hands off them! Also, when walking on the mudflats, tread lightly to avoid disturbing and stepping on the organisms as much as possible.


Tips: Wish to catch a glimpse of the “living fossil”? James says we should keep an eye out for snaking trails on the mudflats, which could be the “footprints” they leave behind.

Look carefully and you may come across a variety of crabs, like the mictyris above.

When observing small organisms in the mudflats, try not to leave any huge marks. If you do, make sure to restore everything to its original state.

Capturing the Magical “Sky Mirror”
In Shui Hau Wan, the natural landscape and seascape often meld into one, blurring the boundary between them. During low tide, the water surface transforms into a mirror that reflects the sky and is framed by mountains on three sides, creating the perfect setting for a stunning photo. At sundown, the setting sun is reflected on the water, and the colours of the sky create a whimsical, dreamlike scene.

Don’t forget to snap an eco-tour group photo at the famous “sky mirror”!

Welcome to Shui Hau Wan, an incredible outdoor classroom. It offers a unique opportunity to educate children on nature and the concept of conservation. Forget about rote learning for once – take out a pen and paper, and record your beautiful encounters and what you love about the shared experience. Embrace learning by fully immersing yourselves in nature!

 

How to Get to Shui Hau Wan:
From MTR Tung Chung Station, hop on bus 11 that is set for Shui Hau Tsuen