A Hiker’s Guide to the New Territories

It’s easy to forget that Hong Kong—famed for its towering skyline, teeming high-rises, and sleek city-slicker reputation—is also home to less-charted expanses.  

Yet beyond the glass towers and urban rush of Central lies the New Territories, a side of Hong Kong that feels almost like another world entirely.  

Spanning vast swathes of land between Kowloon and the Chinese border, the Hong Kong New Territories are home to sleepy fishing villages, jungle-draped peaks, ancestral temples, and some of the city’s best hiking and biking trails. 

Long overlooked by visitors in favor of more polished downtown pursuits, this rugged region has quietly become a haven for outdoor lovers, weekend wanderers, and foodies in search of Hakka flavours or decadent roast goose.  

From the shores of Double Haven, known for its deep red-colored iron-oxide rich rocks, to the panoramic ridgelines of Pat Sin Leng and Tai To Yan, there’s a sense of space and stillness that’s hard to come by elsewhere.  

Add to that accessible transport, waterfront bike paths, off-grid temples, and even a handful of elegant stays, and you’ve got a compelling case for a detour north. 

Where to Stay 

Though Hong Kong’s New Territories are often treated as a day-trip destination, a few smart bases make it easier to explore the region in depth. Topping the list is Courtyard by Marriott Sha Tin, a modern high-rise perched beside the Shing Mun River.  

It offers beautifully appointed rooms with super-comfortable beds perfect for post-hike slumber. Many of the rooms feature gorgeous views over the Shing Mun River. Other trimmings include a lovely outdoor pool, the rooftop LEVELthirty Lounge, which offers gourmet European dishes and top-notch wine and cocktails, and one of the best breakfast buffets in the New Territories.  

It’s an ideal base for active travelers—with direct access to both the MTR and the hills of Pat Sin Leng and Tai Mo Shan. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and Che Kung Temple are also close at hand. 

What to Do 

Much of the New Territories’ appeal lies in its landscapes, and few routes capture its diversity better than the new Argyle Ross Trail. This ambitious, multi-stage swim-stream trek links up hiking paths, hidden beaches, and historic hamlets from Kat O to Castle Peak. The trail begins at Kat O, a traditional Hakka village on Crooked Island that feels like a time capsule.  

Reachable only by weekend ferry from Ma Liu Shui Pier, it’s a tranquil spot of slow walks and seafood snacks—don’t miss cuttlefish balls at Yik Man Restaurant. From here, a short walk leads to Tung O Beach, while strong swimmers and kayakers can make their way through Double Haven UNESCO Geopark to the wild sands of Tung Wan Beach on uninhabited Double Island. 

In Plover Cove Country Park, hikers can tackle the 17-kilometer Plover Cove Reservoir Trail, one of Hong Kong’s toughest ridge walks. Not far off-trail lies Hung Shek Mun, a rusty red coastal site shaped by oxidised iron cliffs. 

Inland, Tai Mo Shan Country Park offers a climb to the city’s highest peak—Tai Mo Shan Fire Lookout—with jaw-dropping views across the New Territories and back toward the harbour. More gentle routes can be found around Shing Mun Reservoir, where shady paperbarks frame the trail, and monkeys often make mischief along the path. Additional visual manna can be enjoyed via the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls, which run off the northern slope of Tai Mo Shan. Nearby, The Mills in Tsuen Wan turns an old textile factory into a cultural hub of boutiques, craft beer, and exhibitions. 

But not all the region’s gems require hiking boots. Ping Shan Heritage Trail in Yuen Long winds through 700 years of Tang clan history via ancestral halls and pagodas. Tai Fu Tai Mansion, near San Tin, is a Qing-era scholar’s residence of surprising grandeur. For a spiritual break, Tsz Shan Monastery offers a serene setting at the foot of Pat Sin Leng, dominated by a 76-meter Guan Yin statue, while Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin charms with its golden, statue-lined stairway and hilltop pavilions. 

If you’re traveling with little ones, there’s plenty to keep them busy in Hong Kong’s New Territories. Tai Po Waterfront Park is ideal for a scenic cycle, Tuen Mun Park offers an excellent playground and reptile house, and the Hong Kong Wetland Park makes a great educational pit stop. Golfers, meanwhile, can tee off at the storied Hong Kong Golf Club—Fanling, home of the Hong Kong Open, or head to Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course in Sai Kung—Asia’s only island-based public course. 

Where to Eat in Hong Kong’s New Territories

Hong Kong’s New Territories reward culinary curiosity. Green Villa, nestled in remote Sam A Tsuen and only accessible by ferry and foot, is a bucket-list stop for its homestyle Hakka dishes like braised pork belly and pickled vegetables. Over in Tai Mei Tuk, Chung King BBQ lets you grill your own meat and knock back beers on a budget, while hiker favorite QClub imported foods store caters to craft beer and Western cravings. Down the road, Mayse Bakery turns out crusty sourdough loaves and rustic pizzas with a side of local warmth. 

Tai Po brings the flavor in spades. Royal China Aqua Garden, perched on the Plover Cove waterfront, serves classic dim sum with killer views. Kings Belly dishes up pies and British-style comfort food, while Fat Belly Gin House lives up to its name with thick steaks and an encyclopaedic gin list. 

In the west, Choi Lung in Tsuen Wan is a favorite breakfast place where you grab dim sum from roving carts and sip tea on a shaded terrace. Yue Kee Roast Goose in Sham Tseng draws crowds for crispy-skinned perfection, and Indian Hot Pot Curry is a no-frills spot slinging some of the best-value South Asian food in the city. 

Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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