Hong Kong Tai Po Market

Tai Po Market, located in the New Territories of Hong Kong, offers a vibrant slice of local life away from the city's skyscrapers. This bustling market town is a sensory feast of fresh produce, dried seafood, and traditional street food, all set against a backdrop of lush hills and the Lam Tsuen River. It's an ideal detour for travellers seeking an authentic Hong Kong experience, with a rich history as a fishing village and a thriving community market that has operated for centuries.

Highlights & What to See

• Tai Po Market Complex: Wander through the covered market packed with stalls selling exotic fruits, vegetables, and live seafood. Don't miss the dried seafood section, where you'll find everything from shark fin to scallops.
• Tai Po Old Market: Explore the narrow lanes of the old market area, where traditional Chinese medicine shops, herb stores, and tea houses evoke a bygone era.
• Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree: Visit this famous banyan tree where locals throw oranges hung with wishes onto its branches. A colourful and unique cultural experience.
• Hong Kong Railway Museum: Housed in the former Tai Po Market Railway Station, this small museum showcases vintage trains and carriages, perfect for transport enthusiasts.
• Plover Cove Country Park: Just a short bus ride away, this park offers excellent hiking trails with panoramic views of Tolo Harbour and the iconic Plover Cove Reservoir.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can cover the market and Old Market in half a day, but to fully soak in the atmosphere and combine a hike in Plover Cove, plan for a full day. Arrive in the morning when the market is most lively, then grab a bowl of fishballs or a dim sum lunch at one of the local eateries. Afternoon is perfect for a walk along the Lam Tsuen River or a visit to the Wishing Tree.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sha Tin: Just a short train ride away, Sha Tin is home to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and the Sha Tin Racecourse.
• Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve: A serene forest area with walking trails and a butterfly garden, ideal for nature lovers.
• Sai Kung: Known for its seafood restaurants and beautiful beaches, Sai Kung is a 30-minute minibus ride from Tai Po Market.
• Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail: Explore ancient walled villages and traditional ancestral halls in the Fanling area, a short distance north.
• Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark: The northeast New Territories section features dramatic volcanic rock formations, accessible via a ferry from Ma Liu Shui near Tai Po.

Please check official sources for current details.