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The Insider Guide to the Best Things to Do in Tai Po, Hong Kong 

If Tai Po is a romance movie, it certainly wouldn’t be the love-at-first-sight kind. I mean, it’s not as flashy as Victoria Harbour and not as popular as Mong Kok.   

However, there are plenty of things that will pull you in once you’re in this district. From picturesque country parks to vibrant fare, there’s so much to unearth in Tai Po. 

Today, we list down the coolest spots we’ve discovered in this area. Check them out and experience all the best things to do in this underrated district!

Explore Tai Po Waterfront Park  

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Website: https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/tpwp/  

Address: Dai Fat Street, Tai Po  

Contact details: +852 2664 2107  

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours  

Tai Po Waterfront Park is the spot for adventure wrapped in stunning views. It features a cool Spiral Lookout Tower showcasing scenic views of Tolo Harbour and Ma On Shan. Although it’s a bit of a climb, the view is totally worth it, especially on a sunny day. 

If you’re free for the whole day, we suggest you explore all the recreational facilities inside the park. You can start by checking out the whimsical Insect House filled with interesting creepy crawlers.  

Now, if that isn’t your thing, you can just bike or stroll along the waterfront promenade and watch huge kites fly above your head. If you’re bringing the kiddos, there are also plenty of playgrounds and themed gardens to explore in this park. 

Pro tip:

Here are the park’s operating hours:

  • Insect House (Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM)
  • Spiral Lookout Tower (Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 7 PM)
  • Gateball Court (Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM)
  • Bowling Greens (Tuesday to Friday – 8 AM to 1 PM, 6 PM to  10 PM), (Saturday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM) 

Visit Tsz Shan Monastery  

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Website: https://www.tszshan.org/home/new/zh-hk/ 

Address: 88 Universal Gate Rd, Tai Po 

Contact details: +852 2123 8666 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM 

Tsz Shan Monastery is a slice of zen on the edge of Tai Po. This monastery boasts lush forests alongside traditional temple structures that look straight out of the Tang Dynasty period.

Apart from its majestic 76-meter Guan Yin statue, be sure to also check out the Maitreya Hall, Grand Buddha Hall, and the Main Gate. In these buildings, you can stroll along the open corridors and halls and look at a unique collection of Buddhist art and relics. 

Pro tip:

The monastery only accepts a limited number of visitors each day and is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Before you visit, register and make a reservation here

Go on a tour at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden 

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Website: https://www.kfbg.org/en/  

Address: Lam Kam Rd, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po 

Contact details: +852 2483 7200 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM  

Admission Fee:

  • Below 4 years old – Free
  • 4 to 11 years old – HKD 25 
  • 12 to 59 years old – HKD 50 
  • Aged 60 or over/registered disabled individuals – HKD 20 

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden is a 148-hectare conservation land nestled in a valley near the New Territories. Here, you can go on a guided tour and marvel at the indigenous flora and fauna in well-manicured gardens. 

Apart from that, Kadoorie has a Wild Animal Rescue Centre housing native and rescued animals. In this wildlife walkthrough, you can meet rescued and rehabilitated alligators, leopards, macaques, and other mammals.   

Every week, Kadoorie Farm also features week-long Earth programs where volunteers can participate in different activities related to ecology, agriculture, waste management, and more.   

Pro tip:

For government groups, registered charities, and whole-day schools, you only have to pay HKD 25 each for admission, as long as you have a crew of at least 20 people.

Drop by the Hong Kong Railway Museum  

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Website: https://www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk/en/web/hm/museums/railway.html 

Address: Shung Tak St, 13號大埔墟, Tai Po  

Contact details: +852 2653 3455  

Operating hours: Wednesday to Monday – 10 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday – Closed 

Hong Kong Railway Museum is a cool stop if you’re up for a quick museum visit. Housed in the former Old Tai Po Market Railway Station, this pint-sized museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of trains.

It can be explored in less than an hour because it’s literally all things trains – from old-school steam locomotives to life-size retro passenger coaches and diesel-electric engines. 

History buffs will also love looking at permanent exhibits, which feature various historical photos, train models, and other artifacts related to the development of railways in the city.  

Pro tip:

If you’re coming out of Exit A2 of Tai Po Market Station, the most convenient way to reach the museum is by walking until you reach Tai Po Complex. Continue walking until you see the Wai Yi Street sign, and then go to On Fu Road until you see the museum across it.  

Bring the doggos to Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve 

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Website: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/tc_chi/country/  

Location: Northern part of New Territories   

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours  

We recommend Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve for people who want to spend quality time in nature with their loved ones and furry buddies. 

This green wonderland is huge. We’re talking 440 hectares of pristine woodland where you can camp, fish, have a picnic, and see wildlife. 

Apart from that, there are several walking trails where you and your dogs can run around, swim on trickling streams, and have a good time.  

Pro tip:

Want to try hiking in this nature reserve? Here are the trails we recommend:

  • Tai Po Kau Brown Walk (7.7-kilometer hike)
  • Tai Po Kau Red Trail (3.5-kilometer hike)
  • Tai Po Kau  Forest Loop (8.5-kilometer hike)

Enjoy vegetarian treats at Green Hub 

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Website: https://www.greenhub.hk/tc/  

Address: Old Tai Po Police Station, 11 Wan Tau Kok Ln, Tai Po  

Contact details: +852 2996 2800 

Operating hours: Wednesday to Monday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday – Closed 

Who would’ve thought that Green Hub was once the iconic Old Tai Po Police Station? Well, after the revitalization project, the historic building was transformed into a hub showcasing sustainable living. 

Now, the Green Hub is famous for serving healthy, delicious, and sustainably sourced meals. What’s unique about eating vegetarian treats here is that the menu changes every time because the cooks mostly use what’s available in their garden. 

Also, if you’re interested in learning some cooking tips, their Eat Well Ambassadors and staff are very much willing to share all the low-carbon recipes and other tips they have, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Pro tip:

You don’t need to reserve a table to dine here, but you have to take note of these schedules if you’re planning to visit:

  • Breakfast (Wednesday to Monday – 10 AM to 12 PM)
  • Lunch (Wednesday to Monday – 12 PM to 5 PM   
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