As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Hong Kong is often pictured by outsiders as an incredibly cramped place.

But if you are willing to venture out from the heart of the city and explore the under-the-radar New Territories, you would be surprised by the vast number of non-urban alternative attractions and activities. Yes, a whole new world awaits!

From the world’s very first Hello Kitty-themed organic farm, making a wish at Lam Tsuen Tree in a 700-year-old village to stuffing your faces at award-winning Kei Kee Dessert, here is a brief guide on what to do and what to eat on a day trip to Yuen Long and Tai Po in New Territories.

WHAT TO DO IN NEW TERRITORIES

Source: Hello Kitty Go Green Farm

Hello Kitty Go Green Farm

If Hong Kong Disneyland is considered too mainstream for you, then head over to Hello Kitty Go Green Farm instead.

This educational playground is the world’s very first Hello Kitty-themed organic farm and spans across 50,000 square feet. You can even enrol your kids in an interactive course and graduate with a Certificate of the Hello Kitty Little Farmer.

Sze Pai Shek, Yuen Long, New Territories
Tel: +852 5579 2178
Mon: 9.30am – 6pm
Thu to Sun: 9.30am – 6pm

Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree

Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree is a famous wishing tree is situated in a 700-year-old village in Tai Po. People from all walks of life would come forth and toss their written wishes at the tree – it is believed that your wish would be granted once the red paper successfully lands on a tree branch.

Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, New Territories
Tel: +852 2638 3678

Source: I Love Hong Kong

Pak Nai

While Pak Nai might not be as famous as Dragon’s Back and Sai Wan Beach, the wetland area is still a natural scenic spot that should not be missed for its stunning sunsets.The underrated attraction has also been declared a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and is rich in biodiversity. Take the green

The underrated attraction has also been declared a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and is rich in biodiversity.

Take the green mini bus #33 at Tai Fung Street in Yuen Long and alight at Tai Kok Miu.

WHAT TO EAT IN NEW TERRITORIES

Source: The Food Chapter

Ho To Tai Noodle Shop

Ho To Tai Noodle Shop is one of the oldest restaurants in Yuen Long and as its name implies, the casual Hong Kong restaurant is renowned for their noodles. The humble establishment was featured in the Bib Gourmand Restaurant in 2015 by Michelin inspectors for its scrumptious and affordable Shrimp Roe Noodles and Wanton Noodles.

No. 67, Fau Tsoi Street, Yuen Long, New Territories
Tel: +852 2476 2495

Kei Kee Dessert

Kei Kee Dessert—awarded as the Best Restaurant in Yuen Long in 2015—is extremely famous for their B-Zai Leung Fun (HK$75), which is a ginormous bowl of fruits and grass jelly.Thspecialityty dessert store’s extensive menu actually features more than 140 different types of sweet treats. Do note that they only accept cash!

The speciality dessert store’s extensive menu actually features more than 140 different types of sweet treats. Do note that they only accept cash!

Shop 7, Chi Fu Centre, Yuen Long
Tel: +852 2479 4743
Daily: 12.30pm – 2.30am

Lotus Courtyard Restaurant

Located across the revered Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree is Lotus Courtyard Restaurant—a gorgeous 200-seater restaurant that serves delectable Western delicacies. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, the serene ambience makes the garden-theme restaurant a perfect venue for private functions.

G/F, 43 Fong Ma Po, Lam Tsuen Valley, Tai Po
Tel: +852 2653 1313
Daily: 11am – 11pm