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Famous Landmarks in New Territories

Famous Landmarks in New Territories

New Territories Hong Kong Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

The New Territories are home to a diverse array of landmarks, blending spiritual sites with natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Must-Visit Sites

  • Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Sha Tin)
  • Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery (Lantau Island)
  • Hong Kong Wetland Park (Tin Shui Wai)
  • Ping Shan Heritage Trail (Yuen Long)

Visitor Information & Tips

Hours & Fees Selected

  • Ten Thousand Buddhas: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Free entry, 400+ steps.
  • Big Buddha: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Free entry (cable car ticketed).
  • Wetland Park: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Tuesdays), HKD 30.
  • Ping Shan Trail: Daylight hours, Free entry, self-guided.
  • Ngong Ping 360: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (weekdays), 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM (weekends), Ticketed.
  • Heritage Museum: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (weekdays), HKD 10, free on Wednesdays.

Insider Tips

  • Big Buddha/Ngong Ping 360: Go early for clearer views and fewer crowds.
  • Ten Thousand Buddhas: Wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
  • Wetland Park: Bring binoculars for birdwatching.
  • Geopark: Boat tours From Sai Kung Pier offer the best views of rock columns.

Visit most attractions on weekdays or during early mornings/late afternoons to avoid peak crowds.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Hong Kong Heritage Museum (Sha Tin): Flagship museum, local history, art, culture.
  • Hong Kong Railway Museum (Tai Po Market): Outdoor gallery with historic trains.
  • Sam Tung Uk Museum (Tsuen Wan): Restored 200-year-old Hakka walled village.
  • Sheung Yiu Folk Museum (Sai Kung): Restored Hakka village and lime kiln.

Special Exhibits & Venues

  • Art Galleries:

    Fewer dedicated art galleries; cultural centers in major towns host temporary art exhibitions.

  • Cultural Centers:

    In Sha Tin, Yuen Long, and Tsuen Wan host performances, workshops, and cultural events.

  • Special Exhibits:

    Hong Kong Heritage Museum frequently rotates special exhibits; check their website.

  • Performing Arts:

    Schedules often highlight aspects of history, culture, or art, including Cantonese opera.

  • Community Projects:

    Support local artists and cultural initiatives.

Historical Sites

Journey through the time you spend in the New Territories, exploring ancient forts, traditional villages, and sacred temples.

Historical Locations

  • Archaeological Sites

    Lung Kwu Tan (Tuen Mun): Coastal area with historic rock carvings, evidence of early human activity.

  • Historical Districts

    Ping Shan Heritage Trail (Yuen Long): Well-preserved traditional Punti architecture, ancestral halls, pagoda.

  • Walled Villages

    Kam Tin Walled Village (Yuen Long): Prominent example of traditional defensive architecture.

  • Grand Mansions

    Tai Fu Tai Mansion (Yuen Long): Splendid example of Qing Dynasty architecture, reflecting gentry wealth.

  • Religious Sites

    Che Kung Temple (Sha Tin), Man Mo Temple (Tai Po), Po Lin Monastery (Lantau), Yuen Yuen Institute (Tsuen Wan).

  • Military Heritage

    Tung Chung Fort (Lantau Island): Historic Qing Dynasty fort against pirates.

Spiritual Retreats

Explore temples and monasteries offering peaceful reflection and cultural insights.

Heritage Trails

Walk through history on trails that keep traditional architecture and village life.

Ancient Echoes

Discover archaeological remnants and structures that tell tales of Hong Kong's past.

Memorial Sites

Joss House Bay in Tuen Mun, in addition to ancient rock carvings, features a historic Tin Hau Temple.

  • Among the most ancient and most revered temples devoted to the Goddess of the Sea.
  • Pilgrims visit to offer prayers and seek blessings.
  • A testament to Hong Kong special administrative region's maritime history and deep cultural beliefs.

Natural Attractions

The New Territories boast stunning natural beauty, from towering peaks and serene reservoirs to pristine beaches and unique geological formations.

Parks & Gardens

Sai Kung East Country Park, Tai Mo Shan Country Park, Plover Cove Country Park, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Tai Po Waterfront Park.

Scenic Wonders

Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (Sai Kung), Tolo Harbour Cycling Track, Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site (bird watching), Kam Shan Country Park ("Monkey Hill").

Beaches & Waterways

Golden Beach (Tuen Mun), Sai Kung Beaches (Hap Mun Bay, Kiu Tsui Beach), Lantau Island Beaches (Pui O, Cheung Sha), Shing Mun Reservoir.

Geological Features

High Island Reservoir East Dam

Located in Sai Kung Geopark, this site showcases spectacular hexagonal rock columns.

Book a Geopark Tour

Formation

These unique geological formations result from volcanic activity millions of years ago, a true natural wonder.

Sea Caves & Cliffs

The geopark also features impressive sea caves and rugged cliffs sculpted by nature.

Boat Tours

Reachable by boat tours from Sai Kung Pier, providing up-close views of these formations.

Photography

Excellent opportunities for outdoor photography and capturing unique natural beauty.

Hidden Gems: Nature

Venture off the main tourist paths to discover captivating natural spots.

Lesser-Known Natural Sites

  • Nam Sang Wai (Yuen Long): Rural wetlands with banyan tree tunnel, wooden bridges, cycling routes.
  • Hau Ha Wan Marine Park (Sai Kung): Protected marine area for kayaking, snorkeling, diverse marine life.
  • Shing Mun Reservoir (Tsuen Wan): Picturesque "paperbark forest" and peaceful walking trails.

Hidden Gems: Culture

Discover unique cultural sites off the beaten path.

Unique Cultural Experiences

  • Lin Ma Hang Village (Sha Tau Kok): Historic border village with a bat cave (permit and guided tour needed).
  • Tsing Shan Monastery (Tuen Mun): Ancient Buddhist monastery offering a quiet, spiritual retreat with views.
  • Tai Tong Organic EcoPark (Yuen Long): Seasonal fruit picking, petting zoo, recreational activities.
  • Ping Shan Heritage Trail: explore Hakka and Punti heritage beyond the main sites.

Traveler's Note

When exploring country parks or remote heritage sites, carry water and snacks.

Check bus and train schedules, as services to remote areas might be less frequent.

Getting Around

Well-organized public transport options connect much of the New Territories.

Mtr

The MTR network reaches major towns like Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, and Tseung Kwan O, offering quick and convenient travel.

Buses & Minibuses

Extensive bus and minibus routes connect areas not served by MTR, including country parks and villages.

Taxis

Red (urban), Green (New Territories), and Blue (Lantau) taxis cover diverse regions, providing direct transport.

Oyster Card

The Octopus Card is a rechargeable smart card for public transport and many retail purchases. Get one upon arrival for convenient travel.
Famous Landmarks in New Territories. Attractions, Monuments, Sightseeing