Sha Tin is a locality situated alongside the Shing Mun River in the eastern New Territories, Hong Kong. Nestled in a valley, Sha Tin spans both sides of the Shing Mun River, flowing from southwest to northeast. It shares borders with Tai Wai to the southwest and Fo Tan (left bank) and Shek Mun (right bank) to the northeast. Sha Tin is now Hong Kong’s most populous district, with 641,000 people living there.
Established in 1973 through the Hong Kong government's New Town Development Program, Sha Tin boasts many cultural, recreational, and sports facilities. It also has a unique selection of local Cantonese cuisine, with culinary hubs centered around cooked food stalls in Wo Che Estate and Fo Tan. Other attractions include the Town Hall, indoor recreation centers, football pitches, swimming pools, and various track and field facilities catering to Sha Tin residents.
A notable attraction in Sha Tin is the renowned Sha Tin Racecourse. Inaugurated in 1978, the racecourse spans approximately 70 hectares and ranks among Asia's premier racing venues. Situated in Sha Tin District, New Territories, Hong Kong, the racecourse hosts numerous local and international Group 1 races on weekends and holidays. Besides regular weekday horse racing, Sha Tin Racecourse also opens its gates for various international events.
To reach Sha Tin, you can utilize public transportation, specifically the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), which operates daily. Departing every 5 minutes from Mong Kok East Station to Fo Tan Station, MTR tickets range from around HKD4.80 to HKD50.80, and the journey takes approximately 11 minutes. You only have to walk for 10 minutes from Fo Tan Station to Sha Tin Racecourse.
Sha Tin is known for being a residential suburb with a rural ambiance, preserving its green areas along the Shing Mun River, historic walled villages, and suburban hills. Sha Tin is also famous for its distinct local Cantonese dishes like ShanSui Tofu, grilled pigeon, and chicken porridge.
In Fo Tan, repurposed old factory buildings now serve as a residential enclave for artists, and the city features the expansive Che Kung Temple. Sha Tin is also well known for its Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, and the delightful paths of Pai Tau Village, adorned with lychee trees and bougainvillea, offer a charming experience.
One of the best things to do in Sha Tin is visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Pai Tau Village, home to over twelve thousand Buddha statues, offering a serene place for a leisurely stroll with insights into the local’s spiritual culture.
You can also immerse yourself in the history and culture of Hong Kong through the art, literature, and popular culture exhibitions at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Don’t forget to enjoy a leisurely stroll or cycling excursion in Sha Tin, as there are many beautiful public spaces to explore, including Sha Tin Park, Shing Mun River, and Tsang Tai Uk.
While visiting Sha Tin, do not miss the chance to dine at Din Tai Fung, a globally renowned restaurant offering high-quality xiao long bao at reasonable prices. For a local favorite in Fo Tan, head to Golden Cuisine, known for its delectable grilled meat featuring tender Char Siu topped with honey. A visit to Sha Tin would be incomplete without savoring traditional Cantonese cuisine. You can come to Lei Garden, which is an excellent choice for top-notch dim sum.
Currently, Sha Tin is renowned as the home of four Group 1 races: the Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Vase, and Hong Kong Sprint, all held on the same day in December. From September to June, Sha Tin Racecourse hosts a total of 51 races, mostly on Saturdays but occasionally on Sundays and national holidays.
Notable track facts in Sha Tin include the inauguration of the Hong Kong Cup in 1988, marking the first international race in Hong Kong; the Diamond Vision screen in Sha Tin holds the record for the world's longest television display; and the Chinese New Year meeting at Sha Tin, typically on the third day of the Chinese New Year, is the most popular horse racing event in Hong Kong.
When exploring Sha Tin Racecourse, enhance your visit by heading to the Parade Ring, where you can observe trainers, jockeys, and horses before their performances. For capturing captivating photos, the Tourist Zone offers a dedicated photo booth for themed snapshots to share on your social media.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to witness the optimal vantage point for horse racing competitions from the Roof Deck. Apart from capturing the moment by taking photos, you can also enjoy various food and beverage choices, with prices typically hovering around HKD50.
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