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Yuen Long
By LUXE City Guides; images by Jeremy Cheung
Nature Meets Nostalgic Charm
Closer to the border with the mainland Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen than it is to Hong Kong’s illustrious Victoria Harbour, Yuen Long may not be on the tip of travellers’ tongues, but it should be. A beautiful natural landscape, wetlands and wildlife, a rich heritage, indigenous communities and urban bustle make this jewel in the northwest of the New Territories well worth a detour.
Populated by Chinese settlers since the late Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), Yuen Long is a treat for those wanting to get a handle on clan culture, foodies in search of traditional mom-and-pop eateries, and twitchers, conservationists and nature-loving families.
Keen to learn about Hong Kong’s fascinating indigenous history and clan culture? The Ping Shan Heritage Trail takes you past ancestral halls, temples, walled compounds and Hong Kong’s oldest pagoda, still maintained by descendants of the original Tang settlers. Old-school eateries, traditional teahouses, hawker-style dai pai dongs and lively wet markets give you a taste for nostalgia, literally.
Want to escape the urban hustle? Then head to the low-lying wetlands, bisected by waterways brimming with fauna and flora. If you have family in tow, a day at the Hong Kong Wetland Park, with its excellent visitor centre, justifies the trip on its own. Meanwhile, the western point of Ha Pak Nai, flanked by mountains on one side and the shimmering waters of Deep Bay on the other, is arguably Hong Kong’s top spot for sunset views. Smartphone camera ready, set, click.
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Learn about historic clan culture along the Ping Shan Heritage Trail.
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Chow down on wonton noodles and other local fare on the foodie strip of Yau San Street.
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Enjoy 360-degree views of Yuen Long from the top of the Aviary Pagoda.
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Observe flocks of the endangered black-faced spoonbill and other birds at Mai Po Nature Reserve .
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Head to the mangrove beach of Ha Pak Nai, Hong Kong’s best sunset-snap spot.
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Hike the MacLehose Trail or go camping at Tai Lam Country Park.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability as to the quality or fitness for purpose of third party products and services; and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Information in this guide is subject to change without advance notice. Please contact the relevant product or service providers for enquiries.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this guide, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and LUXE City Guides accept no responsibility for any obsolescence, errors or omissions contained herein.