Escape The Crowds In Hong Kong?

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Hong Kong is famous for its shopping, dining and hustling pace, but many visitors don't know that this East-meets-West metropolis has a quiet side that you can explore on foot at your own pace.

Although it has 7 million residents and packs in 15,000 people per square mile -- said to be the densest concentration of people on earth -- 40% of the Hong Kong special administration region is parkland. These green spaces encompass rich wetlands, lush tropical gardens and scenic nature trails.

Even in the heart of town, venerable temples, vest-pocket parks and quiet walkways provide places to chill out when you want a break from the intensity of the city.

The most unspoiled place in Hong Kong may be the Mai Po Nature Preserve. It is a short drive from the mainland Chinese border city of Shenzhen on the northern edge of Hong Kong's New Territories, and you have to book a visit in advance, but it's worth it. Going by taxi is best.

At Mai Po, I alighted in bird-watching hole No. 7, a small wood and corrugated metal structure with a softly sliding door. As I peered out, I saw a lanky egret wading through shallow, briny water.

For a moment, all was silent.

Then, suddenly, a disturbance caused the egret to look up, unfold its wings and fly away into a landscape of mountains and clouds turned orange by the sunset.