Sha Tin, a fast growing new town in New Territories, is a recreational, shopping, gourmet and cultural center of Hong Kong. It is renowned for horseracing, intriguing shopping malls, delicious local delicacies and unique local culture.

Horseracing is a great allure of Hong Kong. Sha Tin has the second largest racecourse in Hong Kong. Sha Tin Racecourse is located near the Fo Tan Railway Station. The racecourse is well equipped, and one of the best in the world. It has a seating capacity of over 85,000. The color-TV screen in the racecourse is the largest in the world, allowing the audience to have a clear view of the race from any seating position. In the racing season (from September to June), on every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, tens of thousands of punters congregate to watch the days events. For those tourists who are not interested in horseracing, fun can be found in the Penfold Park, which is situated in the middle of the racecourse. It is open to the public without charge when there is no horseracing. The park also provides a natural habitat for many birds.

Situated at the heart of Sha Tin, New Town Plaza is a great place for shopping. It is a flagship shopping center of Sung Hung Kai Properties. Encompassing an area of 200,000 sq meters (239,198 sq yards), it is one of the largest shopping centers in Hong Kong. As it is close to KCR Station, customers flood into the shopping center at weekends. Sha Tin New Town Plaza consists of three parts: Phase One, Phase Three and Grand Central Plaza. New Town Plaza Phase One is composed of eight floors, where many famous shops sell a great variety of commodities. The renowned shops include the British department store 'Marks & Spencer' and Mega Lifestyle Specialty Store 'city'super'. New Town Plaza Phase Three accommodates numerous toyshops and children's clothes shops. With many cosmetics shops, it is also a shopping paradise for trendy youngsters. Grand Central Plaza is home to interior design companies and domestic furnishing shops. With the largest IKEA flagship store in Hong Kong, it is no doubt an ideal place for home decoration and furnishing.

Located on the third floor, on the podium of the New Town Plaza, Snoopy's World is a paradise for Snoopy fans. Covering an area of 40,000 sq meters (47,840 sq yards), it is the first Snoopy outdoor playground in Asia and only the second in the world. There are over 60 cartoon figures of Peanuts of different sizes, among which is the world's largest outdoor Snoopy figure. Visitors can get in close contact and take photos with the characters. Indulged in Snoopy's World, tourists will feel relaxed and joyful.

Sha Tin is also a paradise for gourmets. Sha Tin Roasted Pigeon is popular with tourists from home and abroad. The dish is very tender, fresh and delicious. The chefs cook the pigeons with a special secret recipe everyday. Many tourists are drawn here to have a taste of roasted pigeons.

To understand the unique culture of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Heritage Museum is your best choice. It is a comprehensive museum, which demonstrates the unique local culture of Hong Kong. The museum is a combination of traditional Chinese courtyard and modern architecture design. It consists of twelve exhibition galleries covering a variety of themes ranging from history to art to culture.

Other cultural facilities include Sha Tin Town Hall and Sha Tin Public Library. The two buildings are the center of cultural activities in the eastern area of New Territories. Various cultural activities such as ballet performances, concerts, painting and sculpture exhibitions are often held here.

A world-class racecourse, intriguing shopping malls, fabulous local delicacies, and brilliant recreational and cultural facilities make Sha Tin a charming place and a fascinating tourist resort.

What to See in Shatin:
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum, located in Tai Wai, Sha Tin, the New Territories, is designed using the layout of a traditional Chinese compound. It has a number of exhibition halls, which hold not only long-term but also short-term theme exhibitions.

The museum preserves both historical and art collections. The historical collection can be divided into five types – the local historical, natural historical, performance art, folk art and prevalence cultural (playthings and caricatures); and the art collection includes art of the present age, designs and Chinese art (Chinese paintings, calligraphy and cultural relics).

The museum through its various exhibitions and vivid explanations is an educational resource for visitors. It also provides activities designed for the general public, children, school groups and families. 

Opening Hours:

Mon., Wed. to Sat.	10:00 – 18:00
Sun. and public holidays	10:0 – 19:00
Christmas Eve & Chinese Lunar New Year's Eve	10:00 – 17:00

How to get there:
1. Take the East Rail and get off at Tai Wai Station or Sha Tin Station. Then, walk for 15 minutes;
2. Take the free shuttle bus provided by the museum at Exit B of the Subway Sha Tin Station.
The timetable of the free shuttle bus: 

Sat.	13:00 – 18:30
Sun. and public holidays	13:0 – 19:30