Header image courtesy of @andrewncy.images (via Instagram)
Originally published by Virginia Chan. Last updated by Beverly Ngai.
Venture into the northeastern corner of the New Territories, where rural landscapes mix harmoniously with pockets of bustling urban life. Covering two distinct geographical areas, Tai Po is one of the larger districts in the city, but it actually has the third-lowest population density—that means there is no shortage of open spaces to enjoy! The sprawling greenery and mountainous landscapes certainly make Tai Po a blissful escape from the cramped, concrete quarters of the city centre, but nature is not all there is to this northern neighbourhood.
Back in the late Ming and Qing dynasties, Tai Po was a thriving fishing and pearling industry. When the colonial government took over, the neighbourhood transformed itself to become a vital administrative centre of the region. These days, remnants of both Tai Po’s humble village town heritage and colonial pasts co-exist with the new vibrant shopping malls and eateries, all nestled within natural surrounds. If you want to discover all the best things to see and do in this charming district, follow our guide and start exploring!