Hong Kong New Territories

The Hong Kong New Territories cover 796 sq km (306 sq miles) between Kowloon and Mainland China, and are a contrast of hilly woodlands, wildlife reserves, sandy bays, new towns and lively markets. The New Territories is a step back in time with its splendid beaches, coastal hiking trails, farmland, monasteries, temples, heritage monuments and deep sense of history.

The northern part of New Territories butts onto the border with China since it was open in 1979, it becomes one of the world's busiest crossing points.

Tai Po, Fanling and Sheung Shui are the three old market settlements in the area, it is been developed into large satellite towns, and each is a stop on the KCR which runs between Kowloon and Lo Wu. You'll pass through them if you make a shopping trip at Shenzhen. The area has been settled for centuries and there are many historic villages. There are crossings into China at Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok and Lo Wu. Most travelers will use the latter,

Housing in the Hong Kong New Territories

The new towns contain high-rise housing but the villages offer life on a more human scale, even if their surroundings are not necessarily rural. Hong Lok Yuen is a low-rise 'expat enclave' which could be a slice of suburbia anywhere in the western world.

Hong Kong New Territories Shopping

Shops in the northern New Territories have suffered in recent years as many Hongkongers prefer to take their retail therapy over the border in Shenzhen.

Landmarks and Attractions of the New Territories

Sha Tin is home to Sha Tin Racecourse, that normally stages horse racing at the weekend, and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which includes many interactive exhibits.

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, situated in the hills above Sha Tin, in fact houses around 13,000 small Buddha statues, and is well worth visiting.

Many historical and interesting sights are scattered among the Hong Kong New Territories. A beautifully designed complex, located in Tuen Mun, features pavilions, bonsai trees, lotus ponds and a Taoist temple that contains lanterns from Beijing’s Imperial Palace.

Tsui Shing Lau Pagoda, built in 1486, in Yuen Lang district is the only historic pagoda in Hong Kong.

The Waterfront Park in Tai Po has a futuristic Lookout Tower that provides breathtaking views across Tolo Harbour.

Further north, on the border with China, is the fantastic Fung Ying Seen Koon Temple, built in the traditional Taoist style with a double-tiered roof of orange tiles.

The wooded hill above Tai Po Market KCR station is crowded by some of the town's surviving colonial-era buildings. Near the Railway Museum, an attractive Man Mo temple is jammed between shops on Fu Shin Street.

Island House stands on what was originally an islet in the Lam Tsuen River's estuary. Built in 1905, it served for many years as the residence of the District Officer and is now a conservation study centre run by WWF Hong Kong. Cycle paths run southeast and northeast from here, along the shores of Tolo Harbour.

Sheung Wun Yiu village outside Tai Po has a Fan Sin Kung temple which was built in 1790. it is dedicated to the patron god potters, the village was once noted for the porcelain produced here. The nature reserve at Tai Po Kau is the oldest in the territory. It has mature trees and several nature trails. You may even catch a glimpse of a wild macaque.

The Lam Tsuen Valley is also famous for trees, its two stately Wishing Trees near the Tin Hau temple in Fong Ma Po. The temple dates from the Qing dynasty.

East of Fanling, Lung Yeuk Tau is a grouping of 11 villages founded during the Yuan dynasty by long-established Tang clan. The gatehouse and corner towers of Kun Lung Wai in particular are still intact. The Tang Chung Ling ancestral hall, possibly dating the 16th century, is one of the largest such structures in Hong Kong. You can follow the Lung Yeuk Tau heritage trail, which marks out 12 points of interest.

Another celebrated ancestral hall is the Liu Man Shek tong on the northern edge of Sheung Shui. Built in 1751, it belongs to Liu clan and has attractive wood carvings.

East towards the sea, the Pat Sin Leng mountain range is a challenging but spectacular hike. Below it, beside the dam of the Plover Cove Reservior, Tai Mei Tuk is a favourite place for barbecues. The beauty spot of the Bride's Pool is a little further up the road. Villages past here are accessible only on foot; the trek out Lai Chi Wo is long but recommended.

Top of Hong Kong New Territories
Hong Kong Travel