New Territories Travel Guide

Discover the culturally and naturally rich New Territories with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about must-visit attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety, and logistics.


The New Territories in Hong Kong is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Often overlooked in favor of the more popular tourist destinations like Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, the New Territories is a place where the old and the new mingle seamlessly. From traditional ancestral halls to modern architecture, from serene hiking trails to exhilarating mountain biking routes, the New Territories has something for every kind of traveler.

Introduction to New Territories

Located in the northeastern part of Hong Kong, the New Territories is the largest and least populated region of the city. It covers an area of approximately 977 square kilometers and is home to more than 3.8 million people. Despite its modern development, the New Territories still holds on to a rich cultural heritage that can be seen in its architecture, festivals, and cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in New Territories

Here are the must-visit destinations in the New Territories:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Hong Kong Heritage Museum
  2. Tai Fu Tai Mansion
  3. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
  4. Tsang Tai Uk
  5. Kam Tin Walled Village
  6. Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Natural Attractions of New Territories: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Hong Kong Geopark
  2. Pat Sin Leng Nature Trail
  3. Ma Shi Chau Special Area
  4. Tai Mo Shan Country Park
  5. Sai Kung East Country Park
  6. Plover Cove Country Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Territories

The New Territories is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers of all levels. Some of the most popular hiking and biking routes include:

  1. MacLehose Trail
  2. Wilson Trail
  3. Lantau Trail
  4. Hong Kong Trail
  5. Tai Lam Country Park mountain bike trail
  6. Shing Mun Country Park mountain bike trail

Best Things to Do in New Territories: Activities and Tours

From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in the New Territories:

  1. Visit Tin Shui Wai Sports Ground and enjoy a variety of activities including cycling, jogging, and football.
  2. Experience rural life at Yuen Long Old Market.
  3. Take a boat ride to explore the wetlands of Mai Po Nature Reserve.
  4. Join a dragon boat race at Sai Kung.
  5. Surf at Big Wave Bay beach.
  6. Visit Disneyland Hong Kong, located in Tsuen Wan in the New Territories.

Week-Long Itinerary for New Territories

Day 1: Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Tai Fu Tai Mansion. Day 2: Kam Tin Walled Village and Ping Shan Heritage Trail. Day 3: Tai Mo Shan Country Park and Pat Sin Leng Nature Trail. Day 4: Plover Cove Country Park and Ma Shi Chau Special Area. Day 5: Sai Kung East Country Park and boat ride to explore the wetlands of Mai Po Nature Reserve. Day 6: Shing Mun Country Park mountain bike trail. Day 7: Disneyland Hong Kong.

Food and Drink Scene of New Territories

The New Territories is a foodie’s paradise with a plethora of traditional food and drink options to choose from.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Roast goose
  2. Dim sum
  3. Egg tart
  4. Snake soup
  5. Tofu pudding

Local Beverages

  1. Jasmine tea
  2. Milk tea
  3. Herbal tea
  4. Lemon tea
  5. Yuanyang (a mix of coffee and tea)

Where to Stay in New Territories: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in the New Territories ranging from luxury hotels to affordable hostels and guesthouses. Some of the popular choices are:

  1. Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin.
  2. Pentahotel Hong Kong, Tuen Mun.
  3. Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, Tuen Mun.
  4. YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel, Sham Shui Po.
  5. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Sha Tin.

What to Buy in New Territories: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The New Territories is a great place to buy souvenirs and local products to take home as mementos of your trip. Some of the best things to buy in the New Territories are:

  1. Traditional Chinese clothing and accessories.
  2. Chinese ceramics and porcelain.
  3. Jade jewelry and ornaments.
  4. Chinese herbal products.
  5. Local handcrafted products like baskets and furniture.

Local Culture and Customs of New Territories

The New Territories is deeply influenced by Chinese culture and customs. Here are some of the local customs and traditions to keep in mind:

  1. Respect for the elderly and ancestors is highly valued.
  2. Tipping is not expected in restaurants, but it is appreciated.
  3. Taking off shoes before entering a home is a common practice.
  4. Chinese New Year is the most important festival in the area, celebrated for 15 days.

Best Time to Visit New Territories

The best time to visit the New Territories is during the autumn season (October to November) when the weather is cool and pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Territories

Do:

  1. Try the local food and drinks.
  2. Carry a map and a charged, updated copy of offline GPS on your phone.
  3. Get an Octopus card for travel convenience.
  4. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or cultural sights.
  5. Book cultural experiences in advance.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage public property.
  2. Talk loudly in public places.
  3. Point with your finger.
  4. Gift clocks or handkerchiefs, which are considered bad luck.
  5. Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious or cultural sights.

Safety and Health

Safety in New Territories

The New Territories is a safe place to travel to. However, it is advisable to exercise caution and take necessary precautions like:

  1. Keeping valuables and important documents in a safe place.
  2. Avoiding isolated areas or dimly lit streets, especially at night.
  3. Staying aware of your surroundings and not leaving your belongings unattended.

Health in New Territories

Hong Kong has a world-class healthcare system with excellent medical facilities. It is advisable to carry adequate travel insurance in case of any medical emergencies.

Getting to New Territories: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near New Territories

  1. Hong Kong International Airport

Bus Stations Near New Territories

  1. Yuen Long Bus Terminal
  2. Ma On Shan Bus Terminal

Other Options

  1. MTR (Mass Transit Railway)
  2. Taxis
  3. Ferries

How to Get Around in New Territories

The New Territories is well connected by public transportation. Some of the best ways to get around are:

  1. MTR (Mass Transit Railway)
  2. Buses
  3. Taxis
  4. Ferries

Where to Go Next from New Territories: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time, there are plenty of nearby destinations worth exploring:

  1. Lamma Island
  2. Cheung Chau Island
  3. Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha
  4. Victoria Peak
  5. Stanley and Repulse Bay

Conclusion

The New Territories is a place where adventure meets culture. From beautiful hiking trails to ancient cultural treasures, the New Territories has it all. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has given you a glimpse into what this fascinating region has to offer. Plan your trip to the New Territories today and experience the best of Hong Kong.

10,000 Buddhas Monastery, Sha Tin 10,000 Buddhas Monastery, Sha Tin Nam Cheung Country Trail in the Pat Sin Leng Country Park, North East New Territories Nam Cheung Country Trail in the Pat Sin Leng Country Park, North East New Territories Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai. Despite its outdoor wetland, its indoor exhibition is the living place of some interesting animal species Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai. Despite its outdoor wetland, its indoor exhibition is the living place of some interesting animal species Arhats in the bushes at 10,000 Buddhas Monastery Arhats in the bushes at 10,000 Buddhas Monastery Kat Hing Wai walled village Kat Hing Wai walled village If it swims, you can eat it in Sai Kung If it swims, you can eat it in Sai Kung