Hong Kong - Tai Po Travel Guides | Hong Kong | Sub Regions | Hong Kong - Tai Po

Deep into the New Territories and west of Tolo Harbour, Tai Po was one of the oldest-known settlements of Hong Kong dating back 4,500 years, first inhabited by fishermen and later an important centre for the pearl fishing trade. After the 17th century it became a market town and home to the Tangs, one of Hong Kong's original clans, but these days it is a growing industrial satellite town. However, it is still of interest especially for its market, the beautiful Man Mo Temple on Fu Shin St, and as a base to explore the nearby Plover Cove. Tai Po’s attractions are included in a self-guided walk, for which there is audio equipment which can be borrowed from the Hong Kong Tourist Board, Star Ferry Concourse.

Sights

As Tai Po has been a market town since the 17th century, its market provides a tiny remnant of its traditional past in the midst of modern town planning, although what is officially called the Temporary Market, has only been in operation relatively recently. Its original market was controlled by the Tang Clan, who imposed huge tariffs for ferry rides across the river. In the late 19th century the Man Clan set up their own market, built Man Mo Temple and a footbridge over the river. Predominantly on sale these days are fish, fruit, vegetables, meat and household goods.

13 Shung Tak St, Tai Po. T 2653 3455, http://www.lcsd.gov.hk 0900-1700; closed Tue.

In the old Tai Po Market station, which was built in 1913, this small museum has old railway carriages to explore, a narrow gauge engine, photographs of the opening of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, and coaches dating back to 1911 on the outside tracks. The building was declared a historical monument in 1984.

Lam Tsuen Village.

The Wishing Tree, outside the Tin Hau Temple in Lam Tsuen village, is an ancient banyan, now garlanded with red and gold incense papers thanks to the belief that it has the power to grant wishes. Especially during Lunar New Year, worshippers scribble their wishes on red paper (having supposed to have prayed all year), tied to an orange with string. They throw it up to the branches and if it gets caught on the tree, the wish is thought to come true. Next to the tree are women selling the oranges and paper for around $5, which if nothing else at least gives the opportunity to see what a good aim you have. The temple was built around the time of the Emperor Qian Long of the Qing Dynasty and was the largest of its kind in Tai Po. The main hall of the temple is devoted to Tin Hau, while those at either side are for Man (god of literature) and Mo (god of war), which is not uncommon in Hong Kong temples. For a view over Tolo Harbour and the Chinese border, climb the Lookout Tower, a pseudo space-age construction over 32m high, in Tai Po Waterfront Park. Access is between 0900-1800.

Facing Lam Kam Rd, Tai Po, T 2488 1317, http://www.kfbg.org 0930- 1700. Maps are available at the reception centre for $5. Registering on arrival and departure is necessary, and advance booking advisable. Bus no 64K or taxi from Tai Po Market KCR station.

Set up in the 1950s by the Kadoorie family, initially as an experimental breeding station and to provide thousands of post- Second World War refugees with a means of employment, this hilltop farm covers more than 145 hectares and focuses on education and conservation. It contains walking trails, animal conservatories, a butterfly farm, plants and exotic animals and is especially popular with children, and the Kadoorie Brothers’ Memorial Pavilion at the farm’s highest point is the perfect spot to enjoy the surrounding expanse of flowers and trees. This, plus another high point at Kwun Yum Shan, is a good 3-4 hour walk away. The insect house is a big hit with kids, containing all manner of creepie-crawlies and no doubt the instigator of many a bed-time story. There is no food available at the farm, so come with a picnic.

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