Tai Wai On Tires

If you love cycling, but aren’t so keen on those thigh-burning hills, then Tai Wai is the perfect place to start a leisurely but fun ride. Upon arrival at Tai Wai Station, exit to the west and you’ll find several bike rental shops. Avoid pushy staff and be prepared to shop around, as prices vary from shop to shop (be aware that prices can rise on the weekends or on public holidays). Once you’ve hired your speedy set of wheels, be sure to double-check everything including the brakes, steering, tire pressure and even the bell—with these shops, you want to be sure everything is in order before you set off. Now you’re ready to hit the road.

First stop is the historic Tai Wai Village (#1), which is only a short pedal from the MTR. It’s the biggest and the most historic village in the Sha Tin district and interesting features include the traditional entrance, a hundred-year-old ancestral home and a temple in the village center.

Head back the way you came, then turn into Che Kung Miu Road where you’ll find Che Kung Temple (#2) which was built at the end of the Ming Dynasty. It’s dedicated to Che Kung, a Song dynasty general credited with ridding Sha Tin of the plague. Today, the public has access to a modern temple which was built in 1993. The original temple, which is more than 400 years old and is a Grade II historical building, is on private property behind the new complex.

Follow the signs toward the Hong Kong Heritage Museum (#3) situated by the Shing Mun River. If you have time, it’s worth exploring the museum, which has 12 exhibition halls showcasing Hong Kong’s culture through displays of art, music, dance, history, literature and theater. A highlight is the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall.

Continue riding along the trail and once you pass the racecourse, you can either go left (west) towards Tai Po or right (east) to Ma On Shan and Sai Kung. Each option is challenging and full of paths to explore. The Ma On Shan route is a bit more uphill, but the visual rewards are greater. But if you’re looking for more places to visit, ride along the trail leading to Tai Po. The cycle path will take you toward the Science Park and nearby is the new Hyatt Regency (#4) which opened back in February. If all that exercise has made you peckish, why not check out the Hyatt’s new, upscale Chinese restaurant Shatin 18? It has four show kitchens, each one specializing in a different regional Chinese cuisine.

Upon arriving in Tai Po, head to the town center and explore Tai Wo Market (#5)—it’s similar to Graham Street Market, only bigger and has its own temple (Man Mo Temple) near the bakery. The area was a bustling center of commercial activity as far back as 1892. You can get yourself a rare traditional Hakka tea snack called “Ji Xi Teng” (which literally means “chicken shit weed”) but don’t worry, it’s just a name. Buy it from the nice old lady near the temple. Recommended dining spots range from Italian restaurant Oliva (Treasure Garden, 1 On Chee Rd., 2665-0663) to local beef brisket shop Kwan Kee Beef Brisket (26 Tai Ming Lane, 2638-3071).