Country Parks and Beaches
FoundationCountry parks and beaches are nature's gifts; check the weather, pack your gear, stay safe and leave no litter.
- Country parks and beaches are nature's gifts to us.
- Check the weather before setting out; postpone in storms.
- Pack the gear: water, hats, raincoats and first-aid items.
文體小知識：說明文把一件事講得清清楚楚。這一篇帶你認識香港的郊野公園和海灘，學會出發前看天氣、帶齊裝備、安全又環保地郊遊。
§Text Passage
1Hong Kong is a busy city, yet it keeps wide green countryside. There are more than twenty country parks, such as Shing Mun and Tai Tam, with shaded paths, barbecue sites and family walks; and beaches with sand and waves, such as Repulse Bay and Golden Coast. On holidays many families go hiking, picnicking and sand-castle building, close to nature.
2Country parks are special for their scenery and rich wildlife: repaired woodland paths, wild flowers by the trail, birds singing in the trees — and with luck you may meet monkeys, squirrels and butterflies. Beaches have soft sand and clear water; by the sea you can pick up shells and watch little crabs. These are nature's gifts to the people of Hong Kong, worth treasuring.
3Prepare well before setting out: watch the weather forecast — do not go uphill when the Observatory hoists rainstorm or thunderstorm warnings; wear light, non-slip sports shoes and a hat, and bring drinking water, insect repellent and simple first-aid items; tell your family where you are going, with whom, and when you will return. In heat, guard against heatstroke; after rain, mountain paths are slippery — take extra care.
4Beach safety matters too: swim only where a lifeguard is on duty and the swimming flag flies; never enter the water when the red flag is up; stay inside the floating line where the water is no deeper than your chest, and stay close to adults. When hiking, keep to the marked trails; do not feed wild animals such as monkeys, and do not pick flowers or break branches — admire with your eyes only.
5Nature is our common home, and caring for the countryside is everyone's duty: carry out all the rubbish you bring, leaving no trace in the hills; never light wild fires, carve or scribble, or pick flowers; if you see litter left by others, pick it up when safe. Only then can these beautiful hills and waters pass from generation to generation, kept for the future us.
1Summary 重點摘要
Country parks and beaches are nature's gifts; check the weather, pack your gear, stay safe and leave no litter.
2Vocabulary cards Vocabulary
A protected countryside area with hills and woods for hiking and play.
The sandy seaside, a fine summer place for swimming and sand play.
Walking along trails for enjoyment and exercise.
News about coming weather; always check before setting out.
The worker who guards swimmers' safety at the beach.
The danger flag on a beach meaning do not swim.
The things an activity needs, such as water, a hat and a first-aid kit.
Taking all your litter away and leaving nature unharmed.
3Step by step Steps
- Step 1: Know the country parks and beachesThough Hong Kong is full of tall buildings, its countryside keeps wide green land: more than twenty country parks such as Shing Mun and Tai Tam offer shady trails, barbecue sites and family walks; and beaches like Repulse Bay and Golden Coast have clear water and fine sand, busiest in summer. These natural sights belong to all citizens; on holidays families hike, picnic and build sandcastles, relaxing body and mind in nature. Know them well and your weekend plans will always have a good destination.
- Step 2: Check the weather before setting outWeather changes directly affect country safety, so watch the forecast a day or two ahead. When the Observatory hoists amber, red or black rainstorm warnings, or thunderstorms or No. 8 typhoon signals, cancel or postpone the trip. In hot weather bring plenty of water and guard against heatstroke. Mountain weather changes fast; if dark clouds gather and thunder rolls on the way, leave the peak and open ground quickly and shelter in a safe pavilion or building. Acting by the weather is the mark of a smart hiker.
- Step 3: Pack your gear before you goThe countryside and beach are not shopping malls; bring your own supplies. Basic gear: non-slip sports shoes and breathable clothes, a sun hat, sun protection; in the backpack, drinking water, snacks, insect repellent, simple first-aid items (plasters, antiseptic) and a raincoat; for the beach, swimwear, a towel and a float. Before setting out, tell your family where you are going, with whom, and when you will be back, and charge your phone. Full gear and a good plan mean full fun and peace of mind.
- Step 4: Keep safe on the trailsWhen hiking in a country park, keep to the marked paths: do not go near cliff edges, climb railings or push into bushes, lest you get lost or bitten by snakes and insects. Go in company, walk beside your parents, never lag behind; at a fork read the signs, and if unsure, wait where you are for the adults. Do not feed monkeys or wild boars — they may scratch when snatching food; do not pick flowers or catch little animals; admire with your eyes only. Rest when tired and walk within your strength — reaching the end safely is the true victory.
- Step 5: Follow the rules in the waterSwimming and playing at the beach, follow every rule: choose a beach with lifeguards on duty and watch the flags — the red-and-yellow flag means lifeguards are on duty and swimming is allowed, red means danger and no entering the water, and at the shark flag everyone leaves the water at once. Stay inside the floating line where the water is no deeper than your chest, and stay close to adults; never push anyone into the water or scuffle while swimming; come ashore at once if you cramp or feel cold. Remember: enter the water only with adults; when the lifeguard's whistle sounds, obey at once.
- Step 6: Love the countryside, leave no traceBeautiful countryside needs everyone's care. Take away all the food packs, drink cartons and litter you bring, recycling or binning them — leave no trace in the hills; never light wild fires, carve or scribble, or pick flowers and branches; when you see litter left by others, pick it up if safe. The same goes for the sea and sand: never leave rubbish on the beach, lest the tide carry it into the sea and harm turtles and fish. Care for nature, and the beautiful scenery will pass down from generation to generation.
5Worked example Example
Example: On Sunday your family plans a picnic at Tai Mei Tuk. The night before, the Observatory forecasts a cloudy day with a few showers. How will you prepare?
- Check the weather: cloudy with showers means you may still go, but bring rain gear; if rainstorm warnings are hoisted, postpone.
- Pack the gear: raincoats, non-slip sports shoes, hats, water, snacks, insect repellent, a first-aid kit and rubbish bags.
- Make the plan: tell the family the route and meeting time; picnic near a barbecue area with pavilions for shelter from showers.
- Go green: pack food in reusable boxes and carry every piece of rubbish away when you leave.
- Answer: The forecast is cloudy with showers, so we can go as planned, but we will bring raincoats and non-slip shoes, watch the weather on the way, and postpone if a rainstorm warning is hoisted. Gear packed, plan told to the family, and all rubbish carried away — that is loving the countryside like a good citizen.
6Common mistakes Mistakes
7Quick check Quick check
Q1What should we do before a hike?
Q2What does the red flag on a beach mean?
Q3Where is it safe to swim?
Q4What shoes should we wear for hiking?
Q5What to do with picnic litter?
8Recap Recap
- Country parks and beaches are nature's gifts to us.
- Check the weather before setting out; postpone in storms.
- Pack the gear: water, hats, raincoats and first-aid items.
- Swim only under the swimming flag; never with the red flag.
- Carry your litter away, leave no trace, and love nature.