Sprawling along the Sham Chun River, the North District is one of the least populated districts in Hong Kong and lies adjacent to Shenzhen in neighbouring China. Its two main towns, Fanling and Sheung Shui, are dotted with the remnants of British colonial rule, while the district’s country parks feature 500-year-old villages.
Things to do in North District
Discover the region’s pre-colonial history along the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, which takes in walled villages established by the 13th-century Tang clan. The 2.6-kilometre-long trail winds between scenic waterways and agricultural fields, with its name translating as “Leaping Dragon”. A highlight of the trail is the Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, which is still used for traditional festivals and ceremonies.
Soak up the natural beauty of the North District on a hike from Lau Shui Heung to Fung Yuen, which hugs the heavily wooded banks of the Hok Tau Reservoir. The route ends at the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve where more than 200 native butterfly species have been recorded in its forested ravine. Keep your eyes peeled for the impressive dragontail and red-base jezebel butterflies.
An architectural highlight of the North District is the Lung Shan Temple, which can be reached on foot from the Fanling MTR station. Set across seven stories, it was built on the site of a 600-year-old temple, with a tranquil pool, a historic water wheel and a vegetarian restaurant set within its grounds.
Getting around North District
The North District is around 45 minutes’ drive from Central and Hong Kong International Airport. Several stations within the district are served by the East Rail Line of Hong Kong’s MTR. Buses travel throughout the region, although having your own vehicle gives you greater freedom to explore.