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Now that the mercury is rising, Hongkongers of all ages are returning to the beach. And many younger visitors will eschew the sands in favour of exploring rock pools, those fantastical biospheres for curious minds, whose primeval appeal transcends the generations. Few realms of Hong Kong’s ecosystem yield so much fun alongside so much educational value.

Rock-pool residents include sea anemones, barnacles, crabs, limpets, mussels, starfish, marine snails, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and whelks – all of which can be found on Hong Kong’s shores in a number of locations such as Lamma’s Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Stanley Main Beach. 

Hong Kong’s ecosystem is fragile, so children should be encouraged to behave responsibly around rock pools, and also to exercise caution – sea urchins and other hazardous creatures lurk in many a nook and cranny. Even a small crab’s pincers can pierce the skin, but if and when this happens, sea water’s high salinity will kill off any bacteria; just rinse in the sea and let nature do its healing work.

Moreover, parents need to convey the message that disturbing rock-pool organisms can harm some of the planet’s most enduring species. And therein lies the wonder of the rock pool: it is one of humankind’s first sources of fascination and entertainment. Long may that be the case.

Nick Walker

Best beaches: Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Lamma; St Stephen’s Beach, Stanley; Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau.