We all know about expats calling the New Territories “the dark side”, but other than green coloured taxis (what a fright!), there’s really nothing to be afraid of. If you’re ever feeling adventurous, head over to Yuen Long and explore the calmer side of Hong Kong. Who knows – you might even fall in love with the neighbourhood and decide to move over there!
Explore the traditional walled villages
It’s always amazing to see bits of ancient Chinese history preserved here and there in the metropolitan city of Hong Kong. To check out the wonders of traditional walled villages, head over to Ping Shan. Fun fact: the original purpose of walled villages was to protect the villages from pirate attacks, of which some of them even protected themselves with cannons.
Eat like a villager
You don’t have to be a villager to eat like one – to get the full Yuen Long Hakkanese experience, try out the traditional basin meal (“Poon Choi”) while you’re at Ping Shan. This dish is basically a meat lover’s paradise, as the basin is stuffed with seafood, meat and steamed vegetables. Do keep in mind that this dish is meant for sharing, so bring a group along to enjoy this meal!
Treat yo’self to some Bboy Grass Jelly
Awarded as the best restaurant in Yuen Long, you can eat like a local at Kau Kee Dessert. Compared to western desserts, Chinese desserts tend to be more healthy, as they tend to be more soup-based desserts filled with fresh fruit. As the name suggests, grass jelly is their signature dessert. Other than satisfying your sweet tooth, you can get some savoury snacks, such as chicken wing tips, pig skin and fishballs there.
Go cycling at Nam Sang Wai
Heads up nature lovers – you may find your next favourite hangout spot at Nam Sang Wai. Nam Sang Wai is a wetland area located in the north side of Yuen Long. You can check out the birds and mangroves by boat, or rent a bicycle and cycle across Kam Tin River. If you’re feeling stressed from daily life, this place will definitely calm you down and give you a fresh perspective in life.
Watch the epic sunset at Ha Pak Nei
When you’re done cycling in Nam Sang Wai, head over to Ha Pak Nei to watch the best sunset view in Hong Kong. This shallow beach is a fishing village by day and a romantic spot by night. After all, what could be a more beautiful sight than watching the sunset by the beach?
P.S. If you’re looking to buy property in Hong Kong, you may get more bang for your buck in the New Territories. Whether you’re looking to invest or buy a house to settle down, Yuen Long provides more space at a lower cost compared to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.
