Sha Tin (Shatin)

Sha Tin, a fast growing new town in New Territories, is a recreational, shopping, gourmet and cultural center of Hong Kong. It is renowned for horseracing, intriguing shopping malls, delicious local delicacies and unique local culture. 
 

Horseracing is a great allure of Hong Kong. Sha Tin has the second largest racecourse in Hong Kong. Possessed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse is located near the Fo Tan Railway Station. The racecourse is well equipped, and one of the best in the world. It has a seating capacity of over 85,000. The color-TV screen in the racecourse is the largest in the world, allowing the audience to have a clear view of the race from any seating position. In the racing season (from September to June), on every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, tens of thousands of punters congregate to watch the days events. For those tourists who are not interested in horseracing, fun can be found in the Penfold Park, which is situated in the middle of the racecourse. It is open to the public without charge when there is no horseracing. The park also provides a natural habitat for many birds.

Situated at the heart of Sha Tin, New Town Plaza is a great place for shopping. It is a flagship shopping center of Sung Hung Kai Properties. Encompassing an area of 200,000 sq meters (239,198 sq yards), it is one of the largest shopping centers in Hong Kong. As it is close to KCR Station, customers flood into the shopping center at weekends. Shatin New Town Plaza consists of three parts: Phase One, Phase Three and Grand Central Plaza. New Town Plaza Phase One is composed of eight floors, where many famous shops sell a great variety of commodities. The renowned shops include the British department store 'Marks & Spencer' and Mega Lifestyle Specialty Store 'city'super'. New Town Plaza Phase Three accommodates numerous toyshops and children's clothes shops. With many cosmetics shops, it is also a shopping paradise for trendy youngsters. Grand Central Plaza is home to interior design companies and domestic furnishing shops. With the largest IKEA flagship store in Hong Kong, it is no doubt an ideal place for home decoration and furnishing.

Located on the third floor, on the podium of the New Town Plaza, Snoopy's World is a paradise for Snoopy fans. Covering an area of 40,000 sq meters (47,840 sq yards), it is the first Snoopy outdoor playground in Asia and only the second in the world. There are over 60 cartoon figures of Peanuts of different sizes, among which is the world's largest outdoor Snoopy figure. Visitors can get in close contact and take photos with the characters. Indulged in Snoopy's World, tourists will feel relaxed and joyful.Sha Tin is also a paradise for gourmets. Shatin Roasted Pigeon is popular with visitors from home and abroad. The dish is very tender, fresh and delicious. The chefs cook the pigeons with a special secret recipe everyday. Many tourists are drawn here to have a taste of roasted pigeons.

To understand the unique culture of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin is your best choice. It is a comprehensive museum, which demonstrates the unique local culture of Hong Kong. The museum is a combination of traditional Chinese courtyard and modern architecture design. It consists of twelve exhibition galleries covering a variety of themes ranging from history to art to culture.

Other cultural facilities include Sha Tin Town Hall and Public Library. The two buildings are the center of cultural activities in the eastern area of New Territories. Various cultural activities such as ballet performances, concerts, painting and sculpture exhibitions are often held here.

A world-class racecourse, intriguing shopping malls, fabulous local delicacies, and brilliant recreational and cultural facilities make Shatin a charming place and a fascinating tourist resort.
 1. Take East Rail Line to Sha Tin;
2. Take bus 47x, 48p, 48x, 49p, 49x, 72, 80k, 80m, 81, 81k, 83k, 798, 798a, 798b, or n170 to Shatin Central.The Hong Kong Heritage Museum, located in Tai Wai, Sha Tin, the New Territories, is designed using the layout of a traditional Chinese compound. It has a number of exhibition halls, which hold not only long-term but also short-term theme exhibitions.

The museum preserves both historical and art collections. The historical collection can be divided into five types – the local historical, natural historical, performance art, folk art and prevalence cultural (playthings and caricatures); and the art collection includes art of the present age, designs and Chinese art (Chinese paintings, calligraphy and cultural relics).

The museum through its various exhibitions and vivid explanations is an educational resource for visitors. It also provides activities designed for the general public, children, school groups and families. 
 1. Take Ma On Shan Line to Che Kung Temple and then walk northwest for 10 minutes to the museum;
2. Take East Rail Line to Sha Tin and walk southwest for 15 minutes to get there;
3. Take bus 72a, 80m, 86, 89, 240x, 282, 288, 288a, a41, n42, n271, or r42 to Heritage Museum.
 

Entrance Fee	Free
Opening Hours	Mon. & Wed. - Fri.: 10:00 -18:00; Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 - 19:00; Christmas Eve & Chinese Lunar New Year's Eve: 10:00 - 17:00; Closed on Tuesdays (Except Public Holiday) and the first two days of the Lunar New Year.