The
New Territories became part of the British Hong Kong possessions many years
after the island and the peninsula, hence the name. They are the reason why
Hong Kong eventually returned to China. Britain received these territories
on a 99-year lease, and these alone were to revert to China in 1997. But
without the factories and agricultural base in these further districts, Hong
Kong would become economically unviable. Hence the return of the entire
territory to the motherland.
A day in nature in Yuen Long Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens, below Kwun Yum Shan Mountain,
just before Yuen Long in the Central New Territories, is run by the
Conservation Department. The huge grounds are dotted with exhibits on
wildlife and botany that will take up a whole day. The farm is home to more
than half the butterfly species found in the territory. Its Butterfly Garden
houses several rare species such as the Golden Birdwing. Also explore the
denizens of the Insect House, which boasts of an Ant Tunnel for visitors to
crawl into, the Amphibian and Reptile House (spot the Tokay Gecko) and the
Parrot Sanctuary. The last holds the unwanted pets of Hong Kong children,
which is why their sheer numbers are sobering. Owls, buzzards and other
birds of prey live a retired life in the Jim Ades Raptor Sanctuary. ▪ Location Pak Ngau Shek ▪ Connections KCR: Tai Po Market then alight at Kadoorie Farm from
bus heading to Yuen Long (West) ▪ Entry Free ▪ Timings 9.30 am-4
pm
Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay
Sai Kung in the eastern New Territories, with its temples and fishing
villages, is among the most picturesque districts in the territory. The Sai
Kung Village waterfront is among the best places to have fresh Cantonese
seafood, picked fresh from the tanks outside the restaurants. The
neighbouring Clearwater Bay has a country park for a day's outing and
barbecue pits for days at the beach. ▪ Location Sai Kung Country Park ▪ Timings 9 am-4 pm, ▪
Tuesdays closed
TaiPo
You need a whole day to see all there is in this town, north of Sha Tin in
the New
Territories, on the edge of the picturesque Tolo Harbour. All visitors to
Tai Po stop by to make a wish at the twin banyan 'wishing' trees outside the
Tin Hau Temple on Lam Kam Road in Lam Tsuen. The biggest attractions of Tai
Po, though, are the huge floral display in and the views of Tolo Harbour
from the funky spiralling lookout tower at Tai Po Waterfront Park. The park
also boasts of a bowling green, a playground, insect museum and boat pool. ▪ Park timings 24 hours Insect House 8 am-7 pm Lookout Tower 7 am-7 pm.
The Tai Po Kau Interactive Nature Centre is spread over 23 bird-filled acres
just outside the 46-acre Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, the first reserve
dedicated to conservation in the territory. Do also visit the Museum of
Ethnology here. ▪ Museum entryfee Adults HK$ 25, Children and senior citizens
HK$ 15 Timings 10.30 am-6.30 pm; open to the public on weekends and
public holidays only ▪ Connections KCR: Tai Po Market, taxi/ bus to Savanna Garden or
Constellation Cove.
Fan Ling
You will need a few hours to look through every aspect of the massive Daoist
temple of Fung Ying Seen Koon Dao in Fan Ling, in the far north of the New
Territories. Over the years since the temple's inception, the faithful have
built amidst these extensive gardens the Great Palace of the Three Sages,
the Eastern Hall, the 'Plum' and 'Orchid' pavilions, the Hall of Eternal
Memory which honours departed ancestors and the octagonal Pavilion of Joyous
Benevolence. In these different halls the scriptures are read, ceremonies
are held, funerals take place and the ashes of the departed are stored in
what is now the biggest Dao temple in Hong Kong.
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