Uniquely HK

Feature Story

Explore Sha Tin a perfect day trip

Sha Tin, located in the heart of the New Territories, was the first of the 1970s New Town projects initiated by the Hong Kong Government to settle the city’s burgeoning population. Will over 650,000 residents, Sha Tin remains the largest New Town. Surrounded mostly by mountains, this city within a city was built on farmland along the Shing Mun River. While vestiges of rural villages remain, Sha Tin is now primarily a thriving dormitory community. Still, it offers bona fide tourist attractions and is a great place to explore Hong Kong's cultural heritage, the scenic outdoors, temples of worship and local foods, bundled with a down-to-earth slice of ‘everyday Hong Kong’, making it an ideal one-day visit.

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

One of the city’s best, this large museum beside the Shing Mun River comprehensively lays out the city’s history, art and culture. The museum houses six permanent exhibition galleries as well as temporary exhibitions, including the highly popular Bruce Lee: Kung Fu-Art-Life exhibition. 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin.

GET THERE：MTR Che Kung Temple Station, Ma On Shan Line.

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Located only half a kilometre from Sha Tin MTR Station, the monastery is one of the best-known and most visited temples. Built on a steep hillside, the monastery comprises five temples, four pavilions, one veranda and one pagoda, all connected by a steep path consisting of 431 steps. Over 500 lifesize Arhans – Buddhist saints – line the way up. There are almost 13,000 Buddha statues housed through the monastery grounds.

221 Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin.

GET THERE：Sha Tin MTR Station, thenwalk 500 metres.
Che Kung Temple

Built in honour of Che Kung, a great general from the Song Dynasty, the Che Kung Temple in Tai Wai is visited by thousands, especially during Chinese New Year. Built at the end of Ming Dynasty and renovated several times since, a giant statue of Che Kung stands in the main hall. A wheel of fortune supposedly brings good luck when the fan blade is turned three times.

7 Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai, Sha Tin.

GET THERE：Tai Wai MTR Station, Exit B, 10-minute walk.

Tsang Tai Uk (Big House of the Tsangs)

This historic village compound belonging to the Tsang clan was built in 1847 and remains one of the best-preserved walled villages of the Hakka people. The buildings retain the original granite, bricks and solid timber of the interlinked residential houses and ancestral hall, with a large courtyard in front. Tsang Tai Uk.

GET THERE：Che Kung Temple MTR Station Exit B and follow the signs.

Sha Tin Racecourse

This state-of-the-art racecourse is home to some of the most prestigious horse races in the world, including this month’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. There is no better place to enjoy Hong Kong people’s favourite pastime and experience the thrilling atmosphere of passionate punters.

GET THERE：Sha Tin Racecourse MTR Station (open only on racing days)

New Town Plaza

One of the largest and busiest shopping complexes in Hong Kong, New Town Plaza houses a wide spectrum of brands from luxury retail to electronic appliances to home furniture along with a plethora of cafes and restaurants. On the Podium of Phase 1 is the outdoor playground “Snoopy World”, the first Peanuts outdoor playground in Asia. 18 Sha Tin Centre Street.

GET THERE：Sha Tin MTR Station Exit A.

Lung Wah Hotel Restaurant

Sha Tin’s first post-war hotel was in business from 1951 to 1985. But the famous restaurant – which has served the legendary Bruce Lee and other Hong Kong celebrities – remains. Besides a nostalgic visit the restaurant is famous for its roast custard pigeon, chicken congee and tofu custard.
22 Ha Wo Che Village Sha Tin.

GET THERE：Sha Tin MTR Station, walk north for 10 minutes.

Sha Tin Park

The perfect spot for a break from your sightseeing, this nicely landscaped green space embell ished with tradi t ional archways next to the Shing Mung River offers a convenient respite.

2 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin.

Dai Pai Dong at Wo Che Estate Market

A great way to try out Hong Kong’s local food, the local way. The cluster of dai pai dongs (cooked food stalls) in the middle of a public housing estate is a local favourite. Check out Chan Kun Kee, one of the more established, and sample local classics including drunken chicken, crispy tofu rolls and stir-fried clams in black bean sauce.

3 Tak Hau Street, Sha Tin.

GET THERE：Fo Tan MTR Station, Exit A.

LEVELthirty Lounge & Bar

Located on the top floor (30th floor, naturally) of the Courtyard Hong Kong Sha Tin, LEVELthirty offers stunning views of Sha Tin, the racecourse across opposite, nearby Ma On Shan and the Tolo Harbour. It serves drinks and Asian snacks and Western tapas during happy hours and beyond.

30/F, 1 On Ping Street, Sha Tin.

GET THERE：MTR Shek Mun Station (Ma On Shan Line) 500 metres walk; or by taxi.

Bike ride from Sha Tin to Tai Po

Starting from Sha Tin Park, this dedicated bike path riding along the scenic coastline of Tolo Harbour is ideal for the whole family. The path ends at Tai Mei Tuk in Tai Po on the lakefront.

GET THERE：You can rent bikes from shops in Sha Tin Park and return at the other end. Sha Tin Park.

Hiking to Amah Rock

Sha Tin is home to several excellent hiking trails including into the nearby Ma On Shan Country Park. The Amah Rock is a 15-metre high rock in the shape of a woman holding her baby. Legend has it that she waits for her husband who never returned from the sea. It can be reached by an easy hike from Tai Wai and you’ll be rewarded with a good view of Sha Tin. The more intrepid can continue the hike and reach the top of Lion Rock Hill for a panoramic view of Kowloon and Hong Kong beyond.