The New Territories

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Islands- The Island District is the largest district in terms of area, but is also the least populated district. It consists of 236 islands and a peninsula and has a population of 87,800. The islands that make up this district are referred to as the “outlying islands” and do not include some of the islands of Hong Kong, such as Hong Kong Island. The outlying islands are known for having a more relaxed way of life.

Kwai Tsing- Formerly known as the Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi District, this district was renamed in 1988. Within this district are the internationally known container terminals, which can be found along the shores of Rambler Channel between Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi Island. Kwai Tsing is part of the New Territories and has a population of 474,600. Over 75% of the residents of this district live in public housing.

North- This district is the farthest north of any of the districts and is in the northwestern part of the New Territories. Their population is 294,200 with 70% of those people living in the public estates located in the new town of Fanling-Sheung Shui. The remainder of the residents lives around the two centres and in the two rural towns of Sha Tau Kok and Ta Kwu Ling. The district is bordered by the Shenzhen city and the Sham Chun River.

Sai Kung- This district is the second largest in Hong Kong in terms of area and makes up the southern half of Sai Kung Peninsula and a strip to the east of Kowloon. It has a population of 316,000, most of which is located in the town of Tseung Kwan O. The district is known for its beautiful scenery, charming villages, stunning seascapes, and pristine beaches. It is sometimes referred to as the “last back garden” of Hong Kong.

Sha Tin- This district is located in the New Territories and has a population of over 600,000. It is famous for its southern Chinese food such as shanshui doufu, barbecued pigeon, and chicken congee. There are many tourist attractions is Sha Tin, including the Sha Tin Racecourse, Che Kung Miu, Amah Rck, Tsang Tai Uk, Lion Pavilion, and the New Town Plaza.

Tai Po- This district is also located in the New Territories and covers the areas of Tai Po, Tai Po Kau, Ting Kok, Plover Cove, and the northern part of Sai Kung Peninsula. It used to be a traditional market town, but now has a population of 321,500 people.

Tsuen Wan- This district is in the New Territories and has a population of 290,500. It is serviced by the Tsuen Wan Line of the MTR metro system and is the site of the Sam Tung Uk Museum, which was erected in a former Hakka walled village.

Tuen Mun- This is the westernmost district in Hong Kong and has a population of 520,000. This is expected to rise to 542,000 by 2011. In the Chinese language, Tuen Mun means a gateway where military is stationed. Some of the tourist attractions here include the Hong Kong Gold Coast, Ching Chung Koon, Red House, the Lingnan University, and the Reptile House.

Yuen Long- This district is located in the northwest area of the New Territories and contains the largest alluvial plain in Hong Kong. On the 23rd of the third month in the lunar calendar, the residents celebrate the birth of a local deity, Tin Hau, with parades on the two major streets in Yuen Long Town.



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