Hong Kong (China) > General information > Online travel guides > Hong Kong new territories (part 1)

New Territories    The New Territories is the name given to the part of Hong Kong ceded to the British as a buffer zone in 1898. The New Territories accounts for 40% of Hong Kong’s total area and, although this figure is matched in ratio by its population, the majority of inhabitants live in the bigger cities, which allows the rest of the region to maintain the feel of a rural backwater. The territories also include the Outlying Islands but the bulk of its landmass stretches north from Kowloon to the border with the mainland.     In recent years a series of new towns have been built in the New Territories to act as satellite and commuter cities for the overflow from Hong Kong and Kowloon. They now house over three million residents. In cities such as Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan, you’ll find the same modern services, shops and facilities as downtown, and you’ll get an idea of how half of Hong Kong’s people live.     However, the real reason to come to the territories is to explore the unspoiled countryside, dotted with traditional villages, ancient temples and pretty beaches, many of which are connected by hiking trails. There are pockets of interest spread over most of the territories, but the least developed and most beautiful parts lie to the east and include the beautiful Sai Kung peninsula.    In spite of grand incursions by the New Towns, as environmental consciousness develops in Hong Kong, the New Territories are benefiting from increasing interest in their natural habitats. Much of the region is protected as country parks and wildlife centers such as the new Wetlands Park and the Mai Po Marshes. These are helping to highlight the importance of protecting the “other” Hong Kong.      The great news is that the mountains, valleys, rivers and country parks of the New Territories see far fewer visitors than the central hub of Hong Kong and Kowloon. If you’re in Hong Kong for more than a few days and want a taste of the old Hong Kong and some adventure, the New Territories is a must. You could quite easily spend a few days out here and there are basic hostels dotted about the countryside as well as hotels in the New Towns. But if time is limited you can take one of Gray Line’s NewTerritories tours. It’s also feasible to do a day-trip to the New Territories independently if you limit yourself to a short excursion out from one of the major transport hubs or rent a private vehicle to take you.     Getting to the New Territories  The major New Towns of the territories are well-connected to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island by MTR, rail, buses and boats.   Heading north from Tsimshatsui East through Kowloon to the Central New Territories and out to the border, the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) takes in Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tai Wo, Fanling and the last stop before Lo Wu, Sheung Shui. For trips to the west, the West Rail and MTR lines extend out to Tsuen Wan. The less developed eastern part of the territories, including the Sai Kung peninsula, are reached by bus from Diamond Hill MTR on the Kwan Tong line or from Ma On Shan via a branch line which extends east from Tai Wai on the KCR. The New Territories are also served by boats to Tuen Mun.    If time is of the essence, then hiring a private car and driver can be an efficient way to see the territories and most hotels can arrange this for you, although prices are hardly cheap, starting at around HK$500 for a half-day. Visiting the New Territories (Part 2) Visiting Hong Kong Island: Visiting Kowloon and the Harbour Visiting the Outlying Islands: Lamma Island, Lantau, Cheung Chau Island Hong Kong Festivals Back to Hong Kong travel guide homepage