With canoes cutting through the smooth waters of the Shing Mun River Channel and pedestrians strolling along its banks, it's hard to believe the eyes of the world will soon be focused on the surrounding district.
Next month Sha Tin takes centre stage as the proud host of the Olympic equestrian events. With world-class riders and pure-bred horses taking part, the local Jockey Club facilities will be basking in the full glare of the international media limelight.
And having a historic sporting event on their doorstep is causing quite a stir amongst the town's residents.
Kwok Ngai-man, 22, a resident of Lek Yuen Estate, is eager to catch a glimpse of the Olympic action.
'Although I haven't bought tickets to the equestrian competitions, I will certainly watch the events on TV,' said Ms Kwok.
Situated in the mid-eastern New Territories, Sha Tin's population of 630,000 makes it the city's second largest new town.
From the old-style village houses of the Hakka clan in Tsang Tai Uk to the gleaming private estates at its centre, the town is home to people from a wide range of economic and social backgrounds.
