Hong Kong – Tai Po
Deep into the New Territories and west of Tolo Harbour, Tai Po was one of the oldest-know settlements of Hong Kong dating back 4,500 years, first inhabited by fishermen and later an important center for the pearl fishing trade. After the 17th century it became a market town and home to the Tangs, one of Hong Kong’s original clans, but these days it is a growing industrial satellite town. However, it is still of interest especially for its market, the beautiful Man Mo Temple on Fu Shin Street, and as a base to explore the nearby Plover Cove. Tai Po’s attractions are included in a self-guided walk, for which there is audio equipment which can be borrowed from the Hong Kong Tourist Board, Star Ferry Concourse.
Tai Po Market
As Tai Po has been a market town since the 17th century, its market provides a tiny remnant of its traditional past in the midst of modern town planning, although what is officially called the Temporary Market, has only been in operation relatively recently. Its original market was controlled by the Tang Clan, who imposed huge tariffs for ferry rides across the river. In the late 19th century the Man Clan set up their own market, built Man Mo Temple and footbridge over the river. Predominantly on sale these days are fish, fruit, vegetables, meat and household goods.
Hong Kong Railway Museum
13 Shung Tak Street, Tai Po. www.lcsd.gov.hk 0900-1700, closed on Tuesday.
In the old Tai Po Market station, which was built in 1913, this small museum has old railway carriages to explore, a narrow gauge engine, photographs of the opening of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, and coaches dating back to 1911 on the outside tracks. The building was declared a historical monument in 1984.
(above information is from www.footprintguides.com/Hong-Kong/Tai-Po.php)