New Territories Attractions
The predominantly hilly New Territories, covering an area of 924sq.km/357sq.miles, form by far the largest part of Hong Kong. In the north they stretch from Kowloon to the Chinese border, and also extend far to the east and west. In addition the numerous outlying islands - apart from the main island of Hong Kong and Stonecutters Island - come under the administrative jurisdiction of the New Territories. Actually the 99-year lease between China and Britain which expired in 1997 embraced only the New Territories, but since without them Hong Kong could not survive (because much of its food and drinking water comes from there) the British government decided in 1984 to hand back the colony in toto.
About 10km/6 mi north of Victoria Harbour is the new satellite town of Sha Tin, which already has a population of over 600,000.
The most impressive sight in the New Territories is the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas. Other attractions include the Art Gallery of the Chinese University, the racecourse of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and, in the south, the remarkable Amah Rock (see Sha Tin). The New Territories also boast a large number of country parks and nature reserves, a welcome change from the urban bustle and noise of Kowloon and Victoria, although unfortunately new industrial zones and housing estates continue to invade the unspoiled countryside. There is a popular walking area round the Tai Lam Chung reservoir in the southwest.
To the west are the Castle Peak area, whose beaches attract many visitors, the Buddhist monastery of Po Toi and the Taoist Ching Chun Temple. The landscape is studded with villas surrounded by lawns as well as with large housing complexes. Of the many industrial establishments here particular mention should be made of the Lok On Pai desalination plant.
In the northwest it is worth making an excursion to the picturesque little town of Yuen Long.
While special permission is needed to enter the border zone with China, it is possible to see quite a way into that country from a number of viewing points, such as Lok Ma Chau in the west.
About 10km/6 mi north of Victoria Harbour is the new satellite town of Sha Tin, which already has a population of over 600,000.
The most impressive sight in the New Territories is the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas. Other attractions include the Art Gallery of the Chinese University, the racecourse of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and, in the south, the remarkable Amah Rock (see Sha Tin). The New Territories also boast a large number of country parks and nature reserves, a welcome change from the urban bustle and noise of Kowloon and Victoria, although unfortunately new industrial zones and housing estates continue to invade the unspoiled countryside. There is a popular walking area round the Tai Lam Chung reservoir in the southwest.
To the west are the Castle Peak area, whose beaches attract many visitors, the Buddhist monastery of Po Toi and the Taoist Ching Chun Temple. The landscape is studded with villas surrounded by lawns as well as with large housing complexes. Of the many industrial establishments here particular mention should be made of the Lok On Pai desalination plant.
In the northwest it is worth making an excursion to the picturesque little town of Yuen Long.
While special permission is needed to enter the border zone with China, it is possible to see quite a way into that country from a number of viewing points, such as Lok Ma Chau in the west.
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Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Sai Kung is a market village and fishing port in a beautiful setting in northeastern Kowloon. Sai Kung Country Park is a popular place for excursions, with lawns, lakes, hills with fine views and attractive footpaths. To reach the beaches on the offshore islands visitors should get off the bus about 2km/1mi before Sai Kung and take the little ferry across to the islands.
Sha Tin (Shatin)
Sha Tin is one of the new satellite towns round Hong Kong, with a population today of some 600,000. The Chinese University, the Art Gallery of the Institute of Chinese Studies, and the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas are all here, together with a second racecourse (opened 1978) where races are held every weekend. In the town center is Penfold Park. To the south of Sha Tin is the Amah Rock, which resembles a woman with a child on her back.
Tai Lam Chung Reservoir
The Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, lying between Tsuen Wan, an industrial city with some 1,000,000 inhabitants and a new city hall, and Tuen Mun, with huge new housing developments, is Hong Kong's largest reservoir. Here the water which flows down from the mountains is collected, purified and distributed to consumers in the surrounding area. The reservoir is beautifully situated and surrounded by attractive footpaths.
Tai Mo Shan
At 958m/3140ft, the hill of Tai Mo Shan is the highest point in Hong Kong. It is best reached by taxi. On the summit stands a weather station, which can be visited by prior appointment through the Hong Kong Tourist Association. In clear weather there is a good view of the Chinese mainland from here.
Tai Po, Hong Kong
This little town, once a pirates' lair and now an important market center, lies in Tolo Harbour. 2km/1.25mi to the south is the landing-stage from which there are ferry services to the island of Tap Mun, with a choice between a direct crossing and a longer trip calling in at a number of places on the coast.
Tap Mun has a fishing harbor, a temple and a typical street of shops offering a variety of wares. There are fine views of the South China Sea and the Chinese coast across Mirs Bay.
Tap Mun has a fishing harbor, a temple and a typical street of shops offering a variety of wares. There are fine views of the South China Sea and the Chinese coast across Mirs Bay.
Railway Museum of Hong Kong
(New Territories)
Railway enthusiasts, as well as families with children, will enjoy a visit to the Railway Museum of Hong Kong. It is housed in the lovingly and faithfully restored old railroad station of Tai Po, and portrays the history of the Hong Kong-Canton railroad line which was opened in 1910. Today this is still the only rail link between the colony and the mainland of China; in addition to providing passenger services it also supplies the population of Hong Kong with foodstuffs from the province of Kwangtung (Guangdong). Numerous original documents, pictures and captions and historical photographs guide the visitor through the exhibition, part of which is housed in the restored waiting-room. A number of old coaches are on display as well as railroad equipment.
Railway Museum of Hong Kong
13 Shung Tak Street
Tai Po Market
Tai Po, New Territories
Hong Kong
13 Shung Tak Street
Tai Po Market
Tai Po, New Territories
Hong Kong
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Chinese New Year
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Chinese New Year
