China: Hong Kong An Ecotourist Destination

The city of Hong Kong is a futuristic, technologically advanced example of big city life. Travel is made easy by an extensive subway system of bullet trains, as well as outdoor escalators and walkways. The valley of skyscrapers reminds an individual that this land, now governed by Communist China, was once a British owned land of free enterprise.

What is less known of this island is that the main metropolis is surrounded by green hillsides. Forty percent of Hong Kong's total area has been set aside for eco-conservation. Kowloon Park is the city's central green space in downtown Hong Kong, but is mainly comprised of concrete. There is even a McDonald's in the park. For more nature-oriented tours, Dragon's Back Trail is the place to hike. The trail runs along central Hong Kong and offers a verdant hiking trail with myrtle bushes and bamboo vegetation. Another of the city's ecological sights is the Mai Po Wetlands. These wetlands contain a 940-acre, world-renowned bird sanctuary. This sanctuary is the wintering ground for more than 70,000 birds.

Hong Kong remains one of the world's most industrialized cities. But a movement is underway to bring visitors to the area for more than the usual city tours and business events. The city is now promoting the beauty of the land surrounding this cosmopolitan destination.