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CHINA | Hong Kong, China Travel Guide
Friday, April 19, 2024
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Hong Kong's Western New Territories
Western New Territories
The western part of the New Territories has experienced a great deal of change over the last 25 years, due to the rapidly inflating population in Kowloon and new towns have quickly developed. Only eight or nine miles from Kowloon, TsuenWan is the biggest new town in this part of the territories, while Tuen Mun is another new center out in the northwest and marks the end point of the cross territory MacLehose Trail (see Adventures On Foot, p. 540). While neither town is a particularly interesting place to visit, Tsuen Wan is well connected by MTR, KCR West Rail and boat. It offers a few worthwhile destinations, including an ancient walled village and a couple of religious sights that can make for an easy day-trip. North of here, 3,140-foot Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak, making for a steep climb, though the summit itself is fenced off.
Sam Tung Uk Museum, 2 Kwu Uk Lane, Tsuen Wan. This ancient Hakka (see Minorities, p. 44) walled village was first built in 1786 by migrants from Fujian and was inhabited until the 1970s, after which it was restored to serve as a portal into the past. Although it seems a bit artificial after restoration, the village is an excellent example of the many Hakka villages throughout southern China. The grandest of these lie on the Guangdong-Fujian border, still housing hundreds of people within their fortified, often circular walls. The rectangular village here in TsuenWan contains 12 restored houses and ancestral halls, complete with original furnishings. It’s a 10-minute walk west from the MTR station and is clearly signposted.
Yuen Yuen Institute, Sam Dip Tam, Tsuen Wan. For some insight into China’s principle three religions, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, the Yuen Yuen Institute is a good place to start, although you won’t be alone. The temples are popular with both tourists and locals. The expansive compound enjoys an attractive hillside location and incorporates a host of temples including houses of worship for each of the Chinese birth signs and a main structure resembling Beijing’s Temple of Heaven. There’s also a good vegetarian restaurant here. To get here, take minibus #81 from Shiu Wo Street near Tsuen Wan MTR.
Chuk Lam Shim Yuen Monastery, Fu Yung Shan, Tseung Wan. If you want a quieter religious experience this hillside monastery sees fewer tourists and seems like a much more authentic place of worship. The monastery is contained within tranquil grounds and you’ll often see monks chanting prayers in the temple at the far end of the compound. To get here take the MTR to Tsuen Wan then a taxi or minibus #85 from Shiu Wo Street.
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