Compared to the density of Hong Kong’s urban centers, it often comes as a surprise to learn that about 75% of Hong Kong is actually rural, with the vast majority of undeveloped land in the New Territories.

These New Territories stretch from Kowloon north to the border of mainland China, making up more than 80% of Hong Kong’s landmass. Also surprising may be the fact that about half of Hong Kong’s 7 million residents live here, mostly in huge satellite towns that are cities in their own right. Sha Tin, location of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Monastery of 10,000 Buddhas, for example, has about 630,000 residents, making it the most populous of Hong Kong’s 18 districts.

From pristine coastlines to traditional Chinese architecture from past centuries, the New Territories provide a vastly different experience to Hong Kong’s well-trodden tourist paths. In fact, it could be argued that if you haven’t seen the New Territories, you really haven’t seen Hong Kong.

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