10,000 Buddhas Monastery, Sha Tin

The New Territories (新界) of Hong Kong were leased by China to the British in 1898. Largely rural and often ignored by travellers who have little time to spare, they offer a diverse landscape that takes time to get to know. Mountainous country parks overlook New Towns that have a clinical form of modernity that has attracted many to move here. Public transport and taxis make this area surprisingly accessible if you dare to get out and explore this offbeat place. You won't find many idyllic villages, but once you get over the stray dogs and the ramshackle buildings you will doubtlessly find something that will surprise and cause you to reach for your camera.

Get in

The areas near the border with mainland China form the frontier closed area, meaning that it is illegal for non-residents to be there without a permit unless you are crossing the border. With one exception stated in the paragraph below, these permits are not issued for tourism.

A Tourism Closed Area Permit Scheme has opened up 2300 permits per day for individual tourists to visit the closed border town of Sha Tau Kok. The required permit can be applied online with a valid phone number and a scan of your identity document. Alternatively, you can also visit the town by joining an approved group tour.

By train

The MTR has absorbed the old Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR) to form a larger network that links the New Territories with Kowloon. Confusingly, you may find some local people still referring to the railways in the New Territories as the KCR.

The East Rail Line from Admiralty connects to Sheung Shui, Fanling, Tai Po and Sha Tin on its way to the border with Shenzhen at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau.

The western section of the Tuen Ma Line from Mei Foo or Nam Cheong is the choice if you want to go to Tsuen Wan, Kam Tin, Long Ping, Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai or Tuen Mun, while the eastern section provides service between Diamond Hill and Woo Kai Sha, and is convenient for heading out east towards the Sai Kung peninsula.

The Light Rail network in the west region of New Territories might be a good transportation means if you intend to travel through some of the areas in between Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai or Tuen Mun. There are several interchange stations with the Tuen Ma line along the network and there is a fare discount when you are interchanging from the Tuen Ma line to the Light Rail, or vice versa, if you are using the Octopus card.

By bus

Kowloon Motor Bus operates a large number of bus routes to the New Territories. Many routes depart from Kowloon to the New Territories.

• To Tuen Mun: 52X, 53, 57M, 58M, 58X, 59M, 59X, 60M, 60X, 61M, 61X, 62X, 66, 66M, 66X, 67M, 67X, 258D, 259D, 260X, 261, 263, 263M, 960, 961, 962
• To Tai Po: 72, 72X, 73X, 74A, 74X, 75X, 271, 307 (from Central, Hong Kong).
• From the airport: E41, E42, E33, E34, A41, A41P, A43

Bus 64K from Tai Po to Yuen Long provides a convenient (if rather slow) shortcut across the Territories, passing some attractions including the Wishing Tree and the walled village of Kat Hing Wai along the way.

• To Sai Kung: take the MTR to Diamond Hill station, leave the MTR and follow signs to the bus station that is located at ground level above the station. Take bus 92 to Sai Kung and allow 45 minutes for the journey.
• MTR also operates several local bus routes within Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Tai Po, which mostly contain intermediate bus stop or terminus in some major railway stations, providing a connection service between some residential areas and villages and town centres.

By bike

Whilst cycling on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon may be suicidal due to the hostile traffic conditions, the New Territories is a cyclist's paradise. Quiet countryside roads, scenic views, mountain-bike trails, segregated cycling paths alongside busy roads make for pleasant cycling for people of all abilities.

Bike rental is available from many locations including Sha Tin, Tai Po Market and Yuen Long, to name a few. Rental fees are approx $30-60 per day for a standard 21-speed commuter bike, or up to $150 a day for a top-end road or mountain bike. It's advisable to keep a good supply of water if you plan on cycling away form the urban areas, as high temperatures and hilly terrain can cause rapid dehydration. Once away from the new towns, there won't be a 7-Eleven in sight. Although small local convenience shops, called 士多 (translated from the English word "store") are common in some villages, especially along famous cycling routes (usually they would have a soft-drink logo advertisement printed next to their name of the shop billboard), their opening times might be unpredictable for tourists.

The government has built a dedicated network of cycling paths known as the NT Cycle Track Network, stretching about 60km from Tuen Mun in the east to Ma On Shan in the west. There are several bike rental shops along the trail that allow you to drop off your bike at other places along the trail.

See

Nam Cheung Country Trail in the Pat Sin Leng Country Park, North East New Territories

The main attractions of the New Territories are about experiencing nature and rural life in Hong Kong life, as opposed to the urban energy of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula. Although Hong Kong island has some attractive country parks they are eclipsed by those in the more remote areas of the New Territories. The New Towns are of limited interest to most Western tourists for whom the most engaging settlement in the New Territories is Sai Kung which has a number of restaurants and bars that will appeal to visitors because of its slower pace of life. Sai Kung also acts as a gateway into some of the best countryside you are likely to find in Hong Kong.

Landmarks

• Red House, near Tuen Mun Public Riding School (Light Rail Butterfly station). This is a memorial building to Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The house and the farm was where Dr. Sun Yat-sen planned to overthrow the Qing dynasty. It is named after its appearance, red bricks with plastering in red. The two-storey house is a combination of Chinese and Western architecture. Adjacent to the house is a garden commemorating Dr. Sun Yat Sen and is one of a few places in Hong Kong where the Flag of the Republic of China is flown freely.
• 1 Ping Shan Heritage Trail, Tin Shui Wai (Follow directions from Tin Shui Wai station), ☏ +852 2617 1959. This is a kilometre long trail enabling you to take in the most important buildings in this historical area, including the ancient pagoda of Tsui Sing Lau, the Tang Ancestral Hall and the Kun Ting Study Hall.  
• 2 Tsang Tai Uk (曾大屋; lit. Big House of the Tsangs).  
• 3 Fu Shin Street Traditional Bazaar. 

Nature

Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai. Despite its outdoor wetland, its indoor exhibition is the living place of some interesting animal species

• 1 Maclehose Trail (mini bus from Mong Kok to Sai Kung (~15HKD, ~30min) and bus/taxi to stage I or taxi to stage II (~100HKD, ~25min; board w/ fares table). At end of stage II, you can take bus routes 94 or 96R back to Sai Kung (6HKD, ~20min)). Stage I is ~3 hours, stage II ~6 hours of walking for a total of 10 stages and 100km. Parts are sealed/concrete road, other parts dirt/rock. if you hike late, take a light as public lights are sparse. Altitude is between 0 and 300m (Sai Wan Shan). Camping sites are available.  
• The Sai Kung Peninsula is also a worthwhile place to visit. Its mountainous terrain and spectacular coastal scenery make this a special place. If you like challenging routes, try going to Sharp Peak (Nam She Tsim in Cantonese). Sharp Peak is famous for its steep slope with a height of more than 400m. The view from the top is fantastic. For a more relaxed route, try to walk along Section 2 of Maclehose Trail.
• 4 Hong Kong Wetland Park, ☏ +852 3152 2666. Is a relaxing park set amidst an ecological mitigation area. One can stroll along a network of board walks built over the marshy area and watch birds from a tower. The park also features a large visitors centre/museum. The museum has many interactive exhibits ideal for children, as well as some live animal habitats. To visit, take MTR West Rail to Tin Shui Wai Station, then the #705 light rail to Wetland Park. The park is pushchair and wheelchair friendly.  
• Yan Chau Tong Marine Park.
• A few traditional abandoned villages are connected with hiking trails in the territory. North East New Territories is a famous hiking hot spot for the locals.
• 5 Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Different rock formations and geological features are found here.The park is an area of 150 km² across parts of the eastern and northeastern New Territories. (updated May 2019)
• Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve is home to over 200 species of butterflies, many of which are uncommon elsewhere.

• 6 Tai Mo Shan. The highest point in Hong Kong, at about 956 m above sea level or 957 m above the Hong Kong Principal Datum. You hike almost to the summit, but not all the way as the summit houses a weather station and military outpost. (updated Mar 2024)

Museums

• 7 Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, ☏ +852 2180 8188, hkhm@lcsd.gov.hk. M W-F 10AM-6PM, Sa Su 10AM-7PM (closed Tu plus first ane second day of Chinese New Year). For those with a serious interest in Chinese culture, this might appeal to you as one of Hong Kong's best museums. Modern, informative and attractively presented, this museum houses several permanent exhibitions of life in the New Territories, Cantonese opera, and Chinese art, as well as temporary exhibitions of a high calibre. Free for permanent exhibits. (updated Dec 2024)
• 8 Hong Kong Railway Museum (香港鐵路博物館), 13 Shung Tak Street, Tai Po Market, Tai Po, ☏ +852 2653 3455, hkrm@lcsd.gov.hk. Open from 10AM-6PM on Monday and Wednesday-Sunday. Closing is 1 hour earlier (5PM) on Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year's Eve. Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and first two days of Lunar New Year.. An open-air museum converted from the old Tai Po Railway Station. It has seven railway coaches and two locomotives. Free. (updated Sep 2022)
• 9 Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change, Yasumoto International Academic Park, 8th Floor, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin (MTR University Station Exit D), ☏ +852 3943 9632, mocc@cuhk.edu.hk. M Tu Th-Sa 09:30-17:00. Closed on Wednesdays, Sundays, public holidays and university holidays (including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve). Free. (updated Mar 2020)
• 10 The Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Art Museum, Institute of Chinese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, ☏ +852 3943 7416, artmuseum@cuhk.edu.hk. M-W F Sa from 10AM-5PM, Sunday and public holidays from 1:00-5PM, closed Th (except public holidays), New Year, Lunar New Year, Easter, and Christmas holidays. Admission is free. 
• 11 Tao Heung Museum of Food Culture, 13 Au Pui Wan St, Fo Tan (exit from Fo Tan station exit D and walk northwest along Au Pui Wan St, turn left at the gas station), ☏ +852 3989 7000, museum@taoheungfund.org.hk. Tours Sa Su holidays from 9:30AM to 5:15PM. Museum displays cooking utensils, cutlery, spices from different time periods around the world and the food culture of Hong Kong. Advance online reservation is required. Each session lasts 75 minutes. Guide will narrate in Cantonese for 45 minutes followed by 30 minutes of free tour. Free entry. (updated Dec 2019)
• 12 Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum (慈山寺佛教藝術博物館), No. 88, Universal Gate Road, Tai Po (Take bus no. 75K or 275R, or minibus no. 20B, 20C, 20T or NR532 from the MTR Tai Po Market Station), ☏ +852 2123 8666. 10:00-13:00 (last admission at 12:30), 14:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30), closed on Mondays (except Mondays that fall on a public holiday). Free. (updated Mar 2020)
• 13 Sam Tung Uk Museum (三棟屋博物館), 2 Kwu Uk Lane, Tsuen Wan, ☏ +852 2411 2001, stum@lcsd.gov.hk. W-M 10AM - 6PM. A Hakka walled-village that was built in 1786. (updated Oct 2021)
• 14 Sha Tau Kok Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall (沙頭角抗戰紀念館), 39 Sha Tau Kok Road (Shek Chung Au), Sha Tau Kok (bus nos. 55K, 78, 78K, 277A and N78 stop nearby (get off at Sha Tau Kok; you can catch bus no. 55K and 78K from Sheung Shui Station). Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Opened in September 2022, this is the first comprehensive museum about the Second World War in Hong Kong. The museum is at the former home of the Luo Family, which was the first base of operations for Communist-led guerrilla fighters from the Mainland who came across the border to help resist the Japanese. At the present time, the museum is only accepting group visits and bookings are essential. As the museum is outside the Frontier Closed Area, visitors do not need a permit to visit the museum. Free. (updated Sep 2022)

Temples

Arhats in the bushes at 10,000 Buddhas Monastery

• 15 Castle Peak Monastery (near Light Rail Tsing Shan Tsuen station). Classed as a Grade I historic building that has been standing for more than 1000 years. These historic monuments have stood through the ages in a tranquil woodland area. The striking and picturesque surroundings create an enjoyable view, as well as a solemn ambiance. Upon entering the monastery, you will notice the words "香海名山" (Fragrant Sea and Prestigious Mountain) engraved on the portico. The Tsing Shan Temple is among the three oldest temples in Hong Kong. Inside the temple, there is a main worship hall. Walking up the stairs leading to the hall, you will see "一切有情、同登覺地" (which means Everything on Earth Has Ties and Reaches Nirvana Together). The peaceful environment of this Buddhist temple offers an abiding sense of harmony.  
• 16 10,000 Buddhas Monastery (萬佛寺) (off Sheung Wo Che St, Sha Tin – MTR Sha Tin exit B, down the left ramp, left to Pai Tau St, right to Sheung Wo Che St). This rather garish but enjoyable modern temple dating from the 1950s in fact contains no less than 12,800 Buddhas lining the walls of the main hall. There's also a nine-story pagoda and some smaller temples above the main complex. Half the fun is getting there, the 500-metre path that climbs up the hill is lined with life-sized golden plastic statues of Buddhas in poses ranging from serene to outrageous. A point of mortal interest is the embalmed body of the Monatery's founder the Venerable Yuet Kai, which is exhibited in the main temple hall. Free admission, but donations welcome. (updated Aug 2020)
• 17 Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery (next to Lam Tei Light Rail Station). This is a temple built in 1960 and is one of the best monasteries for visitors to enjoy.  
• 18 Ching Chung Koon (next to Ching Chung Light Rail Station). A traditional Taoist temple. Many people go to here to worship the gods.  
• 19 Kat Hing Wai, Kam Tin Rd (near MTR Kam Sheung). Of more historical than practical interest, this tiny walled village was one of the first settlements of the Tang clan, who arrived in Hong Kong in the 12th century and have dominated much of the area ever since. The village today, however, has lots of nondescript modern low-rise concrete housing blocks crammed behind a crumbling gray brick wall. $1 donation requested, and if you see the old Hakka women lounging near the sole entrance, expect to pay $10 or so if you want to take their picture.  
• 20 Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree (林村許願樹) (Near Tai Po. Take KMB route 64K, 64P or 65K). The Wishing Tree is an old tree. Traditionally, it is believed that it will bring good luck and fortune. Nowadays, it is a tourist spot for both Westerners and locals. Simply go to Tai Po Market Railway Station and take the green minibus route 25K, or bus 64K to get to the Wishing Tree. Alternatively, you are advised to take a green taxi from Tai Wo Railway Station if you have 4 or 5 people travelling together.  
• 21 Man Mo Temple (Get off the train at either Tai Po Market Station, or Tai Wo Station and follow the signs to get there on foot.). A temple built in the 1890s, it is regarded by many as a must-see tourist destination in Hong Kong. 
• 22 Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda.  
• 23 Tang Ancestral Hall. 
• 24 Kun Ting Study Hall. 
• 25 Che Kung Temple (Walk northeast from Tai Wai Station, NOT Che Kung Temple Station as the temple is closer to Tai Wai Station). 

Local life

Kat Hing Wai walled village

To learn about the living environment of Hong Kong's ordinary people, the best way is to have a half-day trip to a public housing estate. A public housing estate is a small community, where you can find residential flats in high-rise storeys as well as commercial complex and cultural facilities. Start the trip in the morning by "Yum Cha" in a Chinese restaurant or food stall in an estate, then visit the commercial centre and the fresh food market. See the life of school children in the afternoon on the lunch break, and visit the community hall and the library to experience Hong Kong life.

• Siu Hong Court is right next to Siu Hong MTR Station. In the middle of the court, you can find a fortune which is a ball shape. The lower part represent the bowl and the upper part is the rice. It represent that every people can have a good life after living here.
• Tsz Tin Village right next to Siu Hong Court. A traditional Hong Kong village.
• Wan Tau Tong Estate is a 5-minute walk from Tai Po Market MTR Station.
• Kwong Fuk Estate can be reached by taking the free MTR feeder bus K18 from Tai Po Market MTR Station.
• Cheung Wah Estate can be reached on foot after arriving Fanling MTR Station.
• Choi Yuen Estate is adjacent to Sheung Shui MTR Station.

Do

The New Territories offer a wealth of hiking and sports opportunities as well as one favoured Hong Kong pastime, horse racing.

Horse racing

• 2 Sha Tin Racecourse (Special services on MTR East Rail Line to Racecourse Station on race days). Participate in the most popular sport in Hong Kong at games held most Saturday afternoons from September to June. Regular stand seats $10, but a special package available to overseas tourists-only allows box access for $130-190. $10 entrance fee. (updated Dec 2019)

Outdoor sports

• 3 Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course (Kau Sai Chau island). Hong Kong's only public golf course, comprising three 18-hole courses. Accessible by ferry from Sai Kung.  
• 4 Tai Po Waterfront Park. The Tai Po Waterfront Park is the largest park in Tai Po District. The Park provides a wide range of facilities including a 1.2 long promenade, rest-gardens, sitting-out areas, a jogging trail with fitness stations, a cycling track and a 600-seat amphitheatre. There is also a 32.4-metre-high Lookout Tower in the Park. After visiting the tower, visitors may move on to the Insect House nearby. Take a green taxi instead of bus if you have 4 or 5 people travelling together from Tai Po Market Railway Station. 
• 5 Tai Mei Tuk. Tai Mei Tuk is famous for the natural view of Pat Sin Leng and Plover Cove Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Hong Kong. You can also make use of the free barbecue site in Tai Mei Tuk and the adjoining country park. Get off from Tai Po Market Railway Station and take bus 75K or green minibus 20C. 
• 6 Kam Shan Country Park. Kam Shan Country Park, also known as Monkey Hill, is famous for the wild monkeys. It is at the north of Kowloon and so can be easily accessed by taking the KMB route 72 or 81 from Kowloon or New Territories. A free barbecue site is available in the country park. 
• Tuen Mun (屯門), Tuen Mun MTR (West Rail Line). At the far western tip of the New Territories, Tuen Mun has the popular Golden Beach (actually an artificial beach, with sand imported from Hainan) and the Tuen Mun Kau Hui market.

Buy

There are very few products that are unique to the New Territories; however Yuen Long is home to three of the best traditional bakeries in Hong Kong: "Hang Heung", "Wing Wah" and "Tai Tung", "Wing Wah" is also one of the best known producers of traditional wind dried sausages and meats. Especially during the period around the Mid-autumn Festival, when moon cakes become available, mainland Chinese tourists will buy cakes and pastries of various kinds as souvenirs and gifts. The "wife cake" (candied winter melon paste in a flaky pastry wrapping) has perhaps gained the most traction in public consciousness, but all three produce a range of traditional Chinese cakes and pastries, these include red bean paste pastries, mung bean pastries, lotus paste and preserved duck egg pastries and of course moon cakes. Vegetarians, Muslims and Jews beware: many seemingly vegetarian traditional pastries, including the wife cake, have pork lard as one of their ingredients.

• Tuen Mun Town Plaza (in Tuen Mun). A huge shopping complex which sells mid-range and up-market good of all types. Well worth a visit and you can enjoy it on weekends. Located just a five minute walk from Tuen Mun MTR station. It's also connected with another two light rail stations. (updated Apr 2022)
• 1 New Town Plaza (新城市廣場), 17-18 Sha Tin Centre St, Sha Tin (Get off at Sha Tin station or take any bus that stops at Sha Tin Central Bus Terminus), ☏ +852 2608 9329. 10AM-10PM. This is a huge shopping complex in Sha Tin which sells mid-range goods of all types. Well worth a visit but it will be crowded on weekends. Accessible through the Shatin MTR station, change at Kowloon Tong or Hung Hom station if travelling from Kowloon and Admiralty station if travelling from Hong Kong island. It also connects with a few nearby but smaller shopping malls via the footbridge networks. (updated May 2019)
• 2 Ma On Shan Plaza (馬鞍山廣場), Ma On Shan Plaza, 608 Sai Sha Rd, Ma On Shan, Hong Kong (Get off at Ma On Shan station), ☏ +852 2631 0802. 7AM-10PM. A large shopping plaza in Ma On Shan with a variety of stores. The items are more affordable as the plaza is located in a less-affluent area. It has a series of footbridges that connect to other shopping complexes such as Sunshine City Plaza and MOSTown. Accessible through Ma On Shan MTR station, change at Tai Wai or Diamond Hill if travelling from Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. (updated May 2019)
• 3 Tai Po Megamall, No.8 & 10 On Pong Road, Tai Po. A group of shopping malls in the district. It is less crowded than New Town Plaza. Easily accessible by MTR and KMB buses. Take bus K12 from Tai Po Market Railway Station. It can also be reached by the buses which terminates at Tai Po Central. 
• Uptown Plaza next to Tai Po Market Railway Station is a regional shopping centre in Tai Po.
• Tai Wo Shopping Mall next to Tai Wo Station is a typical shopping centre in a public housing estate. Do not expect a variety choice of shops are available, but goods are at reasonable price because the target customers are local people.
• Hang Heung (恒香), located in Yuen Long (元朗) at 64-66 Castle Peak Road, is arguably Hong Kong's most famous Chinese bakery and famous among ethnic Chinese worldwide for its wife cakes (老婆餅). Other products include egg rolls (蛋卷) and almond biscuits (杏仁餅). To get there, take the Light Rail from the Yuen Long MTR station and alight at Tai Tong Road (大棠道) station.

Eat

Even in the New Territories you are never far from international chains such as McDonalds, or local chains such as Cafe de Coral, Fairwoods and Maxims MX. These all serve up a cheap and safe, if somewhat uninspired, standardised menu across their stores, and if no English speaking staff or English menu are available will at the very least have pictures of the menu that you can point at. If you do not feel like eating chain restaurant food, and are not adventurous enough to try your luck with a menu you cannot read and staff you cannot understand, try one of the local self service bakeries for a quick and cheap lunch, you'll find both sweet and savoury filled breads.

Compared with restaurants in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island, the New Territories offers a good range of local dishes, but at a cheaper price. The restaurants recommended here are unlikely to have English menus and the staff are probably not able to speak very good English or Mandarin. If the place is busy, the staff will not have time to help you.

Budget

In the New Territories, there are many places suitable for budget diners with multiple options of cuisine.

• Wo Sang next to Kei Lun Light rail station in Tuen Mun. It is famous for its traditional Hong Kong dishes. You can sit next to the kitchen and watch how they cook the fried dishes. The roast goose here is also famous.
• Learn Hop 兩合特色餐廳 next to the Siu Hong MTR station. Located inside the Siu Hong Commercial Complex. It is famous for its choice of Guangdong, wonton and dumpling noodles. Also serves Zha jiang mian.
• 1 Tai Po Hui Market. A modern complex of small stalls. The must-try items are fried pork chop noodles and fish ball noodles. Also, for as little as $10 a dish, you can choose from a variety of culinary styles, including local favourites and dishes from Shanghai, Japan and south Asia. Tai Po Hui Market cooked food centre is located near Tai Po Market MTR Station. 
• Chan Kun Kee in Wo Che Estate, Sha Tin. A typical Dai Pai Dong in Hong Kong providing a variety of Cantonese dishes. Get off at Sha Tin Railway Station and take a taxi to Wo Che Estate.
• Cheung Wah Estate Cooked Food Centre near Fanling MTR Station. It is a cooked food centre located in a public housing estate. Dishes start at $10 up.
• Pai Tau Restaurant, Pai Tau Rd, Sha Tin. This little eatery in a stretch of old shophouses near MTR Sha Tin offers basic Cantonese fare with lunch sets for around $25. No English menu, but the staff are happy to assist.
• The mall adjacent to the Tsuen Wan MTR station has many cheap little restaurants and the blocks surrounding it have lots of small bakeries. There are worse ways to spend an early morning than wandering around, inhaling the scent of the neighbourhood and snacking on wonderfully flavoured buns and confections from these establishments.
• 2 Ho To Tai, G/F, no.67, Fau Tsoi Street, Yuen Long, ☏ +852 2476-2495. 08:00 - 20:00. Michelin Bib Gourmand winning eaterie serving a menu of noodles, grilled snacks, and prawn dumplings of various types. In the same location since the 1950s, Ho To Tai built its reputation on the basic wonton noodle soup, thin chewy pulled noodles and dumplings of minced prawns wrapped in wonton skins served in a bowl of prawn broth; the other signature dish is shrimp roe noodles, dried boxes of which can be brought to take home. Popular with both locals looking for a quick meal and gourmands alike, the decor and ambience has dated to the point at which it can be considered nostalgically retro. (updated Jul 2017)

Mid-range

If it swims, you can eat it in Sai Kung

If you're looking for an evening out whilst touring in the New Territories, head for Sai Kung (西貢) where you will find a good range of visitor-friendly pubs and restaurants. Sai Kung is rightly famous for its seafood restaurants along the quayside, where you can pick your dinner from an aquarium and have it served any way you like. However, if downing a bucket of bottled beers whilst munching on a plate of crustaceans is not your thing, there is also a fairly good selection of eateries and watering holes to be found in the town centre. Prices here can be reasonable and the cuisine ranges from local to western. Various well-known burger and coffee shops have also found their way to this otherwise secluded part of Hong Kong.

The fastest way to Sai Kung by public transport is to take the MTR to Choi Hung and transfer to minibus 1M (every 5 min) for a straight hop across the mountains. There are public KMB buses from Sha Tin (route 299x) and Wu Kai Sha (route 99) as well, but they take the long way around and spend the better part of an hour in the process. An urban taxi from Central, on Hong Kong island, will cost just under $200 (including tunnel fees).

• Fu Ah Seafood Restaurant (富雅海鮮酒家), G/F 27, Hoi Pong St, Sai Kung, ☏ +852 27920069. The second-to-last in Sai Kung's seafood restaurant alley, this unassuming joint does good set meals for $150/person, with reasonably priced beer and no surprises in the bill. 
• Dragon Inn Seafood Restaurant (容龍海鮮酒家), 19.5 Miles, Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun, ☏ +852 24506366. is a famous seafood restaurant in Tuen Mun. The price is more valuable than Sai Kung and you can go to the Sam Shing market to choose your seafood which would provide more variation. It is ranked one of the best seafood restaurant in Hong Kong. 
• Shanghai Po Po (上海婆婆), Shop 3207, Phase 1, Tuen Mun Town Plaza, 3 Tuen Lung Street, Tuen Mun, ☏ +852 2618 3708. One of the best chain restaurant to eat the Shanghainese food. It serves big dishes at a value price. It's famous for its dan dan noodles and hot and sour soup. 
• 3 Lung Wah Hotel (龍華酒店), #22, Wo Che Ha (Get off at Sha Tin MTR station. Walk in the direction of IKEA and along the path next to the railway line for around 10 minutes to get there.), ☏ +852 2691 1594. It is famous for roasted pigeons. (updated Jan 2023)
• Sham Tseng Yue Kee Roast Goose Restaurant is renowned for its roast goose. You can get there by red minibus from Jordan or Tuen Mun, or regular KMB bus.
• ASRA Indian Restaurant, Shop 15&19, 1/F Shatin Galleria, Shan Mei St, Fotan. This is a famous Indian restaurant in Shatin, they serves authentic Indian kebabs and curries. Affordable lunch sets and tasty dinner choices available with free parking. Near Fotan Station, exit B.

Drink

In addition to Sai Kung's watering holes (see above), in Tai Po Market there are a number of pubs and country clubs along Kwong Fuk Road and the adjacent Luk Heung Lane, Tung Cheong Street. While lacking the glamour of Hong Kong Island's Central district, the area offers more reasonable prices and a friendlier, more local feel. It is about a 5-minute walk from Tai Po Market MTR Station. Overnight transport is readily available on Kwong Fuk Road to take you back to downtown Kowloon and Hong Kong island.

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Bradbury Jockey Club Youth Hostel (白普理賽馬會青年旅舍), Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po, ☏ +852 2662 5123. A youth hostel in Tai Po. Lots of boating, walking and cycling opportunities nearby and right by the scenic Plover Cove Reservoir. Dorm: $110-170 (with HI membership). 
• 2 Ascension House (昇天屋), 33 Tao Fong Shan Rd, Sha Tin, ☏ +852 5768 1893, ascensionhousehk@gmail.com. A hostel run by a Christian group near Shatin. Located in the “jungle” on a mountain in the New Territories, they provide three meals a day including laundry, and have friendly, amiable staff on site. Dorm: $180, Double: $350. 

Mid-range

• 3 Panda Hotel, 3 Tsuen Wah Street, ☏ +852 2409 1111, info@pandahotel.com.hk. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: Noon. Tsuen Wan. With over 1,026-rooms, you're sure to find one that takes your fancy. Keep in shape by working out at the gym, or take a dip in their huge outdoor pool. (updated Feb 2023)
• 4 Royal View Hotel, 353 Castle Peak Road, Ting Kau, ☏ +852 3716 2888. Tsuen Wan. Uniquely situated amongst between the Ting Kau and Lido beaches, all 691 rooms give a superb view of the sea. Furnished in a modern design, all rooms feature a kitchen and are fitted out in the latest accessories. 

Splurge

• 5 Harbour Plaza Resort City, 18 Tin Yan Rd, Tin Shui Wai (Accessible through Tin Shui Wai MTR Station Exit E2 (Ginza)), ☏ +852 2180 6688. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: Noon. Has rooms and serviced suites, most of which overlook the Tin Shui Wai Central Park. 
• 6 Hyatt Regency Sha Tin (沙田凱悅酒店), 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin (next to University MTR Exit B), ☏ +852 3723 1234, fax: +852 3723 1235, hongkong.shatin@hyatt.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: Noon. Opened in 2009, this is the first Western-branded hotel in the New Territories, and not only is it gorgeous, but costs about a third of the price of an equivalent hotel in Kowloon or the Island. Facilities include spa, heated pool, popular restaurant, apartments for long stays. The downside is the location: it's not even in central Sha Tin, but two stops out by MTR, at least 20 min from the city and with virtually no amenities in the vicinity. Convenient for the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Hong Kong Science Park though. $1000. 
• 7 Regal Riverside (麗豪酒店), 34-36 Tai Chung Kiu Road, Shatin, ☏ +852 2649 7878. Tai Chung Kiu Road Shatin. Four-star hotel overlooking the stunning Shing Mun River. The hotel offers a range of facilities and services including airport transfers, jacuzzis and car rental services for convenience and comfort. (updated May 2019)
• 8 Royal Park Hotel (帝都香港酒店), 8 Pak Hok Ting St, Sha Tin, ☏ +85 2260 12111, inquiry@royalpark.com.hk. Four-star hotel conveniently located adjacent to New Town Plaza and with easy access to Sha Tin MTR station. Connected by a covered bridge, lots of amenities such as restaurants, department store, book store, supermarket and even a movie theatre are found in the malls nearby. It has a nice view overlooking the Shing Mun River. (updated Feb 2023)

Connect

Postal service

• Hongkong Post. Has an extensive network of post offices in the New Territories. Some post offices also have a philatelic section and you can purchase Hong Kong stamps and other postal souvenirs there.

Internet access

• Public libraries provide free access to the Internet. There is at least one library in every district.
• Community Halls provide wifi to users free of charge.