Sha Tin, Hong Kong

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Sha Tin, Hong Kong

Region: Hong Kong


Geographic Coordinates: 22.380200, 114.190000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 640000
Language: Cantonese

Sha Tin is a vibrant and bustling district located in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It boasts a rich history dating back to the Qing dynasty when it was just a small farming village. Today, Sha Tin is home to over 600, 000 residents and has become one of Hong Kong’s most popular shopping and entertainment destinations. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Sha Tin Racecourse, Which hosts some of Hong Kong’s biggest events throughout the year. The racecourse also features several dining options serving international cuisine and local delicacies.

New Town Plaza is another popular attraction in Sha Tin, Offering visitors an extensive range of fashion brands, Electronics stores and restaurants across three floors. The mall also houses an ice-skating rink and cinema complex making it ideal for families. For those seeking outdoor activities, Several parks are located within Sha Tin that offer stunning views and natural beauty. Lion Rock Country Park features hiking trails leading up to Lion Rock Mountain where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kowloon Bay and Victoria Harbour.

Cultural landmarks are also abundant in Sha Tin such as Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery featuring thousands of Buddha statues lining its pathways leading up to its main temple complex. Foodies will be delighted by the variety of dining options available in Sha Tin from traditional Cantonese cuisine at local eateries like Lei Garden Restaurant or Tim Ho Wan (famous for their dim sum) to international flavors at chain restaurants like Outback Steakhouse or Pizza Express – there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Overall, Whether you’re looking to shop, Dine or explore the great outdoors – Sha Tin has it all!



Important Landmarks

  1. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
  2. Sha Tin Racecourse
  3. New Town Plaza
  4. Hong Kong Heritage Museum
  5. Che Kung Temple
  6. Ma On Shan Park
  7. Lion Rock Country Park
  8. Sha Tin Town Hall
  9. Tai Wai Station Artwork
  10. Shing Mun River Promenade

Primary Industries

  1. Retail: Sha Tin boasts several large shopping malls, including New Town Plaza, Citylink Plaza, and HomeSquare.
  2. Education: The area is home to numerous schools and universities, such as Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.
  3. Finance: Several banks and financial institutions are located in Sha Tin, including HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank.
  4. Manufacturing: The district has several factories producing electronics, textiles, and other goods.
  5. Tourism: Due to its cultural attractions such as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and the Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin is a popular tourist destination.
  6. Healthcare: Several hospitals are located in Sha Tin including Prince of Wales Hospital which is one of the largest public hospitals in Hong Kong.
  7. Technology: Microsoft Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited is among several technology companies with offices or operations in Sha Tin.
  8. Transportation: Sha tin station serves both MTR East Rail Line & Ma On Shan Line connecting it with different parts of Hong Kong.

Noteable History

  1. The Sha Tin Racecourse is a famous landmark in Hong Kong that has hosted prestigious horse racing events, including the Hong Kong Derby.
  2. Sha Tin underwent a massive transformation in the 1970s as part of a new town development plan to accommodate Hong Kong’s growing population.
  3. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a popular tourist attraction located in Sha Tin and features over 13,000 Buddha statues.
  4. Siu Lek Yuen Village is one of the oldest villages in Sha Tin and home to many traditional Hakka houses dating back to the Qing Dynasty.
  5. The Ma On Shan Iron Mine was once one of Asia’s largest iron mines and played an important role in Hong Kong’s industrial history.
  6. Wong Tai Sin Temple, though not directly located within Sha Tin, attracts millions of visitors each year due to its reputation for granting wishes.
  7. Sir Edward Youde Memorial Park is a large public park within Sha Tin offering stunning views of Tolo Harbour and recreational facilities such as tennis courts and jogging paths.
  8. Notable people from or associated with Sha Tin include Olympic gold medalist windsurfer Lee Lai-Shan, former Financial Secretary for Hong Kong John Tsang, and lawyer/pro-democracy activist Albert Ho.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Hong Kong Heritage Museum
  2. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
  3. Sha Tin Racecourse
  4. Che Kung Temple
  5. New Town Plaza Shopping Mall
  6. Sha Tin Park
  7. Tsz Shan Monastery
  8. Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre
  9. Lion Rock Country Park
  10. Science Museum and Space Museum at the Hong Kong Science Park


Sports Teams

  1. Sha Tin Racecourse – This is the most well-known sporting venue in Sha Tin and has a long history dating back to 1978 when it first opened. It is home to some of the biggest horse racing events in Hong Kong and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
  2. Tai Po Football Club – Founded in 2002, this football club is based in Tai Po, which is adjacent to Sha Tin. The team plays in the Hong Kong Premier League and has won several titles over the years.
  3. Hong Kong Sports Institute – This institute was established in 2004 and provides training facilities for elite athletes from various sports including athletics, cycling, fencing, swimming and more. Many successful athletes have trained at this institute over the years.
  4. Shatin Sports Association – This association was founded in 1987 and aims to promote sports among residents of Sha Tin district through various programs and activities such as basketball tournaments, table tennis competitions etc.
  5. Shatin Rugby Football Club – Established in 1986 by a group of rugby enthusiasts from various countries including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England who were living or working around Shatin area at that time. The team plays regularly against other local rugby clubs as well as international touring sides who visit Hong Kong on their way through Asia-Pacific region.


Cultural Events

  1. Sha Tin Horse Racing Festival – This festival is held annually at the Sha Tin Racecourse, featuring some of the world’s top horses and jockeys competing in a series of races.
  2. Mid-Autumn Festival – Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, this festival is marked by colorful lantern displays and mooncakes.
  3. Che Kung Festival – This festival honors Che Kung, a legendary warrior who is believed to protect against evil spirits. It features lion dances, dragon boat races, and other cultural performances.
  4. Dragon Boat Festival – Held annually in June or July, this festival celebrates the Chinese poet Qu Yuan with dragon boat races and traditional food such as zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).
  5. Tai Po Dragon Boat Water Parade – Another dragon boat festival held in Tai Po district featuring decorated boats parading along Tolo Harbour.
  6. Sha Tin Arts Festival – An annual event that showcases local art exhibitions, music performances, and theatre productions from Hong Kong artists.
  7. New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration at Shatin Central Park – A popular event for locals to gather together to celebrate the new year with live music performances and fireworks display at midnight.
  8. Hong Kong Flower Show – An annual flower show held in Victoria Park showcasing beautiful floral arrangements created by both local and international florists.
  9. Hong Kong International Film Festival – A major film event held every year featuring screenings of international films at various venues across Hong Kong including theaters located in Sha Tin district like UA Cityplaza cinema complex or MCL Metro City Cinema.
  10. The Great European Carnival – An annual carnival that takes place during winter months featuring amusement rides, game stalls and food booths offering European cuisine specialties located at Central Harbourfront Event Space which can be easily accessed from Shatin via MTR East Rail Line station).

Cuisine

  1. Dim Sum: Dim Sum is a popular Cantonese cuisine that consists of small bite-sized portions of food served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Some popular dim sum restaurants in Sha Tin are Tim Ho Wan, Lei Garden, and Maxim’s Palace.
  2. Roast Meat: Roast meat is another popular Cantonese cuisine that includes roasted pork, duck, and goose. Some famous roast meat restaurants in Sha Tin are Kam Wah Cafe & Bakery and Yat Lok Restaurant.
  3. Noodles: Noodles are a staple food in Hong Kong cuisine, and there are many varieties available such as wonton noodles, beef brisket noodles, and fish ball noodles. Some recommended noodle shops in Sha Tin include Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop and Kwan Kee Store.
  4. Seafood: Being a coastal city, Hong Kong has an abundance of fresh seafood available all year round. Some notable seafood restaurants in Sha Tin include Tai Po Hui Market Seafood Street and Shun Hing Crab Palace.
  5. Desserts: Desserts play an essential role in the local food culture of Hong Kong with sweet soups like red bean soup being a favorite among locals. Sweetheart Garden Dessert House is one of the most well-known dessert places located within New Town Plaza shopping mall serving traditional Chinese desserts like Mango Pomelo Sago Soup or Egg Tart with Bird’s Nest to name just two examples among many others on their menu!

Parks and Recreation

  1. Sha Tin Park is a large public park that offers jogging trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
  2. Tolo Harbour Cycling Track is a scenic cycling track that runs along the waterfront of Tolo Harbour.
  3. Shing Mun River Promenade is a beautiful riverside walkway that provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.
  4. Ma On Shan Country Park is an excellent nature reserve with hiking trails, camping sites, and scenic viewpoints.
  5. Hong Kong Heritage Museum houses traditional Chinese art and culture exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
  6. New Town Plaza Shopping Mall is a popular shopping destination in Sha Tin with numerous retail stores and restaurants to choose from.
  7. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery boasts thousands of golden Buddha statues set amidst beautiful gardens for visitors to explore.
  8. Jockey Club Ti-I College Sports Grounds offer sports facilities for soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and more sports enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite games or activities.
  9. Sha Tin Racecourse is an iconic horse racing venue where international races take place throughout the year for fans of horse racing events or those looking for exciting entertainment options in Hong Kong’s cityscape area!
  10. Lion Rock Country Park offers another nature reserve option with hiking trails leading to stunning viewpoints overlooking Hong Kong’s cityscape area!

Suitcase

Go Where The Road Takes You.


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