| With over 7 million inhabitants it is not surprising | | | | of marine-focused nature reserves and parks |
| that many of us believe Hong Kong to be a highly | | | | such as Tung Ping Chau Marine Park on the small |
| urbanized region - and in many parts it is. Yet, | | | | north eastern island of Ping Chau. Unlike much of |
| three quarters of its 1,000 plus kilometre square | | | | Hong Kong the island is very flat and population |
| surface area is in fact countryside - and with an | | | | has declined in recent years with much of the |
| increasing number of available flights to Hong Kong | | | | area given over to nature. This is perhaps most |
| from the UK and Ireland - it is expected that | | | | evident with the abundance of coral and other |
| more and more of us are soon to discover its | | | | marine life - which are popular diving sites at |
| green side in 2010. | | | | weekends. |
| The landscape of the Hong Kong is very diverse, | | | | On of the oldest and most unspoiled areas of |
| with a dramatic coastline of beaches and bays | | | | Hong Kong is Aberdeen Country Park which |
| leading to tree-covered hills and mountains up to | | | | covers 423 hectares of the southern uplands and |
| around a thousand feet. One such area, Repulse | | | | has grown to become known as Hong Kong |
| Bay, is now one of the most desirable parts of | | | | Island's 'back garden'. Despite its distant feel, |
| the region and includes a sheltered and popular | | | | Aberdeen is accessible to everyone and even |
| beach which is perhaps best seen from the | | | | boasts a picnic area for those with disabilities - as |
| Ocean Park cable car ride. | | | | well as nature trails, a designated Tai Chi terrace, |
| In stark opposition to the still and sheltered coast, | | | | a hiking trail and a barbecue area. The park is also |
| the Pat Sin Leng mountain range in the north east | | | | home to a number of dams which are visible at |
| and includes eight impressive peaks all averaging | | | | the beginning and end of the nature trail. |
| around 520 metres in height and named after the | | | | For an area that varies again, the Hong Kong |
| Eight Immortals. The area is protected by the Pat | | | | Wetland Park is a well-developed conservation |
| Sin Leng Country Park and benefits hiking trails | | | | facility that offers galleries on conservation and |
| for visitors of all types of fitness, as well as | | | | habitats for a number of florae and faunae. The |
| habitat of significant natural interest - such as Sha | | | | unique crocodile-like false Gharial can be spotted |
| Lo Tung and Ting Kok. | | | | here, as well as the rare mouse deer or |
| Aside from inland parks, there are also a number | | | | Chevrotain. |