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CHINA | Hong Kong, China Travel Guide
Saturday, November 30, 2024
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Hong Kong's New Territories
Hong Kong's New Territories
Hong Kong's Central New Territories
Due north of Kowloon, this part of the New Territories is little more than a continuation of urban Kowloon, which begins with Tai Wai before arriving at the original and still bustling Hong Kong new town, Sha Tin. While there’s nothing remarkable about Sha Tin, it enjoys a pleasant riverside setting, holds Hong Kong’s second racecourse, a fine Heritage Museum, the atmospheric 10,000 Buddha Monastery and all of this is less than half an hour away by KCR.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin. Opened in 2006, the modern Hong Kong Heritage Museum offers six permanent exhibitions, all of which are clearly labeled in English. The museum is a good place to visit on your way to the New Territories as its exhibits provide a detailed history of the area from prehistoric times to modern.
10,000 Buddhas Monastery
Although it’s a comparatively new monastery in Sha Tin, the 10,000 Buddhas is certainly worth the climb. The path is lined with golden arhats and when you arrive you’ll be greeted by the arresting sight of a vast collection of miniature statues of Sakyamuni, actually numbering 13,000. Many of the statues are quite unusual – look out for the statue of Sakyamuni astride a dog. In the small annex behind the main temple, you’ll find the body of the temple’s founding monk, now enshrined in gold leaf, whose mole reputedly continues to grow hair! You’ll also find it hard to miss the bright red gleaming pagoda that dominates the complex and even features on some Hong Kong HK$100 bank notes. If the walk up to the monastery has stimulated your appetite there’s also a good vegetarian restaurant (set meal HK$50) on-site. To get to the monastery look for the IKEA store just outside the KCR station where you’ll see the first sign and from here it’s about a 30-minute walk.
Sha Tin Racecourse
Sha Tin racecourse was built in 1978 and may not have quite the history of its older sister, Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island, but the atmosphere at the 83,000-capacity course is electric nonetheless. You can also see the world’s longest video screen here, extending an amazing 257 feet.
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