The New Territories Travel Guide
Once no more than a sleepy countryside, Hong Kong's New Territories are now an enchanting region of stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. Swathes of unspoilt country, mountainous hills, gorgeous beaches and wetlands teeming with life will delight nature lovers, and a wonderful selection of temples, museums and historic villages showcase a fascinating past.
Travellers can experience rural life in Hong Kong through a number of villages and public housing estates, including Wan Tau Tong, Cheung Wah Estates and Kat Hing Wai. A visit to the Sam Tung Uk Museum in Tsuen Wan is recommended before going to any of the walled villages, as guests will leave with unparalleled insight into the lifestyle of New Territories' villagers before the region was urbanised.
One of the most popular settlements to visit is Sai Kung, which contains a range of amenities and is a good gateway to the wilder areas. Sha Tin is also worth visiting for the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 10,000 Buddhas Monastery and popular Sha Tin Racecourse. Tai Po is home to the Man Mo Temple and Waterfront Park.
Eating out in the New Territories means authentic Cantonese cuisine, which will appeal to adventurous palates. The Tai Po Hui Market has a number of small stalls, while Hang Heung is a well-known Chinese bakery in Yuen Long. For more familiar or westernised food, Sai Kung has a number of foreigner-friendly restaurants and pubs. Shopping is less of a focus in the New Territories, but Tai Po and Sha Tin have enough shopping malls to satisfy bargain hunters.