Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [71]
MARKETS Map
6am-8pm
These two lively markets frequented by Hakka people are worth a look, particularly early (ie before 10am). Sheung Shui market (Chi Cheong Rd) is 250m north of the Sheung Shui MTR East Rail station. To reach Fanling market (Wo Mun St & Luen On St) in the old district of Luen Wo Hui, walk north along Sha Tau Kok Rd for about 1.5km or catch bus 77K from the Fanling MTR East Rail station. This bus carries on to the market in Sheung Shui.
PING KONG Map
77K
This sleepy walled village in the hills south of Sheung Shui is seldom visited by outsiders. Like other walled villages still inhabited in Hong Kong, it is a mix of old and new, and has a lovely little Tin Hau temple in the centre. You can also go exploring around the farming area behind the village compound.
To get to Ping Kong from Sheung Shui, catch green minibus 58K from the huge minibus station south of the Sheung Shui Landmark North shopping centre on San Wan Rd. The centre is a short walk northwest of Sheung Shui MTR East Rail station. Alternatively, bus 77K between Yuen Long and the Sheung Shui and Fanling MTR East Rail stations travels along Fan Kam Rd. Alight at the North District Hospital stop and walk southeast along Ping Kong Rd to the village.
A taxi from the Sheung Shui MTR East Rail station to Ping Kong will cost $23.
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TAI PO
Eating Click here
Another large residential and industrial New Town, Tai Po ( Map) is the springboard for excursions into Plover Cove Country Park and Pat Sin Leng Country Park. Four Lanes Square, where four pedestrian streets converge in the centre of town, is a popular shopping area. The Old Tai Po District Office (Wan Tau Kok Lane) was built in 1907 and is one of the oldest examples of Western architecture in the New Territories.
Tai Po lies north and south of the Lam Tsuen River, at the westernmost point of Tolo Harbour, making it an excellent springboard for excursions into Plover Cove Country Park and Pat Sin Leng Country Park. It’s an attractive market town and home to the Hong Kong Railway Museum (right).
Bicycles can be rented in season from several stalls around Tai Po Market MTR East Rail station, but try to arrive early – they often run out during the busiest times. A number of bicycle shops line Kwong Fuk Rd northwest of the MTR station.
One cycling route not to miss is the ride to Plover Cove Reservoir ( Click here) on the northeastern side of Tolo Harbour. Another is to the Chinese University of Hong Kong ( Click here) in Ma Liu Shui, on the southwestern side of the harbour. Allow half a day for either trip. There is also an inland route that goes to the university, but the coastal route linking the university with Tai Mei Tuk has the better views. Another option is to follow Ting Kok Rd east to the fishing village of San Mun Tsai ( Map).
HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM Map
2653 3455; 13 Shung Tak St; admission free; 9am-5pm Wed-Mon; Tai Wo
Housed in the former Tai Po Market train station, built in 1913 in traditional Chinese style, this museum is sure to appeal to train anoraks and young boys in particular. Exhibits, including a narrow-gauge steam locomotive dating back to 1911, detail the history of the development of rail transport in the territory. There is also much attention paid to the opening of the Kowloon–Canton Railway in 1910 and its original terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui, which moved to Hung Hong in 1975.
You can get to the museum most easily by alighting at Tai Wo MTR East Rail station, walking south through the Tai Wo Shopping Centre and housing estate, and crossing the Lam Tsuen River via Tai Wo Bridge (the small one with the Chinese roof) leading from Po Nga Rd. The museum is just southeast.
LAM TSUEN WISHING TREE Map
Lam Kam Rd, Fong Ma Po; 64K
Until a short time ago Tai Po was the springboard for this