The MTR East Rail and West Rail Lines offer an exceptional opportunity to discover the historical roots of Kowloon and the New Territories. You’ll travel in comfort from Hong Kong’s renowned Tsim Sha Tsui, the modern bustling commercial and cultural hub of Kowloon, to the far-flung reaches of the New Territories where the pace of life is slower and where you can glimpse a more rural Hong Kong.

The MTR East Rail Line takes you through the teeming Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei neighbourhoods to the New Towns of Sha Tin, Tai Po and Fanling. These communities of towering apartment blocks are interspersed with villages and “village-style” two-storey dwellings that exemplify the rural side of the New Territories.

On the other hand, if you take the MTR West Rail Line, you’ll travel to Yuen Long in the western New Territories where you can see pagodas and ancient villages, and walk heritage trails. So, all aboard! Enjoy the hustle and the bustle, the culture and heritage, and the green and stunning vistas of the New Territories – and come away with a better understanding and appreciation of what a phenomenal place Hong Kong is.

This guide has been compiled with the invaluable assistance of Dr Patrick Hase, Immediate Past President of the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Branch and Honorary Adviser to the Museum of History. The following walks recommended by Dr Hase will each take two to four hours to complete. Dr Hase has also recommended some shops and restaurants to visit, “hidden treasures” of Hong Kong that he believes reflect the unique character of Kowloon and the New Territories.
Clock Tower, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui - Rendezvous of Cultures
From MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, visit various museums, declared monuments* and heritage sites.
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* Declared Monuments Hong Kong has more than 90 buildings of historical interest that have been declared monuments to protect and preserve them for posterity.
Mong Kok
Mong Kok - Market Town
From MTR Mong Kok East Station, soak up the ambience of one of the most densely-populated spots on earth, where old shop-houses and new skyscrapers mix in an area famous for an electric variety of street markets.
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Sha Tin
Sha Tin - Journey Between The Centuries
From MTR Che Kung Temple Station, explore the splendid Che Kung Temple, the Tsang Tai Uk village and the Heritage Museum.
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Railway Museum, Tai Po
Tai Po - Traditional Local Lifestyle
From MTR Tai Wo Station, experience a traditional New Territories market with a visit to the Tai Po Market and then check out the Railway Museum.
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Lo Wai, Fanling
Fanling - Walled Village
From MTR Fanling Station, explore part of the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail. Along the way, visit traditional walled villages.
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Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, Yuen Long
Yuen Long - First Heritage Trail in Hong Kong
Beginning at MTR Tin Shui Wai Station, this fascinating two-hour excursion takes you to a number of traditional Chinese buildings.
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Please note, that there are two separate classes on trains serving the MTR East Rail Line. These are designated as 'Standard Class' and 'First Class' compartments. You need to obtain different tickets to ride in these two distinct classes.

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