Hong Kong’s newest museum, on the outskirts of Sha
Tin in the New Territories, is by far its best (although the revamped
History Museum in Kowloon is also worth a visit). Opened in 2000, the
Heritage Museum covers the culture, arts and natural history of Hong
Kong and the New Territories. Exciting audio-visual exhibits and a good
interactive section for children make for a fun day out.
1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, New Territories 2180 8188 East Rail Line to Tai Wai, then bus 30K or 38K KCR: Che Kung Temple, then a five-minute walk
www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk
10am–6pm Mon, Wed–Sat, 10am–7pm Sun & public hols Adm HK$10 (free Wed)
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The New Territories
History hall tells the scant story of Hong Kong’s original inhabitants.
Bronze Age people left behind axe and arrowheads in various parts of the
territory more than 4,000 years ago, along with some mysterious rock
carvings. Excavations on Lamma Island have turned up artifacts from an
older Stone Age civilisation, dating back about 6,000 years.
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Museum entrance
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Combine a visit to the museum with a trip to the races at Sha Tin if you can .
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Admission to the Heritage Museum is free on Wednesdays.
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There is a small café and gift shop in the lobby.
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Top 10 FeaturesArchitecture and Design The Heritage Museum building is based on the traditional Chinese si he yuan style, built around a courtyard. The style is still visible in the walled villages of the New Territories .
Orientation Theatre For
a brief overview of the museum, visit the Orientation Theatre on the
ground floor opposite the ticket office. A short film in English and
Cantonese (in rotation) explains the exhibits and the main aims of the
museum. Children’s Discovery Gallery The
brightly coloured gallery is a vibrant, fun way to introduce children
to local nature and archaeology, and the history of toys. Interactive
exhibits and the child-size 3-D models are very popular with young
children. Cantonese Opera Hall Cantonese
opera is an obscure subject. However, the sumptuous costumes, intricate
stage sets and snatches of song from the elaborate operas of Guangdong
and Guanxi go some way to illustrating the attraction.
Thematic Exhibitions Five
halls on the first and second floors house temporary exhibitions
focusing on subjects varying from popular culture, contemporary art and
social issues in Hong Kong, to traditional Chinese art and history. Chao Shao-an Gallery The
delicate ink on scroll paintings of artist and one-time Hong Kong
resident Chao Shao-an are known far beyond China. There are dozens of
fine examples in the gallery. Courtyard For fresh air and interesting surroundings, head to the shaded courtyard in the centre of the complex.
New Territories Culture Large
mock-ups of old maritime and village scenes recreate the pre-colonial
days. The growth of the new towns, such as Sha Tin, are also covered.
New Territories History The
rich fauna and flora of the region are exhibited along with
6000-year-old artifacts from the early days of human habitation in Hong
Kong. TT Tsui Gallery The
works of art dating from Neolithic times to the 20th century include
porcelain, bronze, jade and stone artifacts, furniture, laquerware and
Tibetan religious statues.
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