Sha Tin

As Hong Kong has kept growing, previously undeveloped areas like Sha Tin in the New Territories have continuously been built up. In the late 1970s, this area of agricultural villages was turned into one of Hong Kong's biggest "new towns", with a current population of around 700,000. Largely a residential area, it also has good communications, a big shopping mall, and its own set of surprises.

The area is probably best known for the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), one of the major institutions of higher learning in the city, and for having one of Hong Kong's two tracks for horse racing, the other one being Happy Valley in Wan Chai. It is also home to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

Although divided from Kowloon by a range of mountains, especially the famous Lion Rock, several high-speed tunnels have integrated it into the transport system. If you're willing to entertain the idea of staying in a hotel outside of the absolute middle of the city, there are a couple of solid options here. The MTR will take you to Central in half an hour or to Mong Kok in as little as 12 minutes!

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

The best tourist spot around here is the somewhat unknown Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Sze). Hidden away in the jungle on the mountain side, visiting is not without its tribulations! Even though it is only a few hundred metres walk away from Sha Tin MTR station exit B, the route is not marked out very clearly and has left quite a few people confused on their journey.

Once arrived at what has been called "a hole in the fence", the adventurer has to brave hundreds of steps up a fairly steep hillside. On the plus side, it is an interesting hike as the steps are lined with hundreds of man-sized golden statues. The temple itself has countless more statues (perhaps not literally 10,000, but they gave it a shot), and beautiful religious buildings.

In spite of the challenges, once there many people call this temple one of the top sights in Hong Kong. Do not miss out on this gem just because it is neglected by the mainstream tourism industry!

Steps up to the 10,000 Golden Buddhas temple in Sha Tin, Hong Kong

Sha Tin hotels

Hyatt Regency

This hotel below CUHK is a little bit outside of the town. It's a great alternative if you want good amenities and don't care too much about the location.

Royal Park Hotel

Next to the big New Town Plaza shopping mall and overlooking the park and the river, this has been ranked one of the best hotels in Hong Kong!

Regal Riverside Hotel

Worse location and not nearly the quality of the previous two, this considerably cheaper hotel is a possible budget option.

Horizon Suite Hotel

This outsider is probably not the best choice as it takes 7 stops on the subway just to get into Sha Tin. However, it does have a pretty grand sea view.