Mai Po Marshes, Nature reserve and wetland in Yuen Long District, Hong Kong.
Mai Po Marshes is a wetland and protected area in Yuen Long District, Hong Kong, China. The site stretches across tidal mudflats, mangrove forests, reed beds, and artificial shrimp ponds along Deep Bay.
The shrimp ponds date back to the 17th century, when settlers developed the coastal land for aquaculture. International recognition as a protected site under the Ramsar Convention came in 1995, securing preservation of this landscape to the present day.
The name comes from Mai Po village, which once stood beside the tidal inlets where fishermen built their traditional shrimp ponds. Today you can still see the remains of these old aquaculture ponds along the walking trails, now used as resting areas for wading birds.
Anyone wishing to enter the area must apply in advance for a permit from the agriculture authority or join a guided tour by WWF-Hong Kong. The guided tours often include access to raised observation hides where you can get a clear view of birds and tidal zones.
Each year more than 60,000 migratory birds rest here on their route between Russia and Australia, including one of the largest gatherings of rare spoonbills worldwide. A quarter of the entire population of this endangered bird species arrives along these shores during the winter months.
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