Yuen Long given modern makeover with all the attributes of a 21st century city

Yuen Long has been steadily growing in size over the years, with the former farming district in the New Territories now boasting the attributes of a modern miniature city, with skyscrapers, restaurants and an impressive transport network.

The area, encompassing Tin Shui Wai, began its transformation thanks to a growing transport network, especially the MTR’s West Rail line which has cut travel time from Yuen Long to Central and Tsim Sha Tsui to less than an hour. Other modes of public transport operate 24 hours a day.

According to the Town Planning Board website, about 430 hectares of land has been reclaimed, and the Development Zone comprises 220 hectares. This is in the southern part of Tin Shui Wai and houses about 200,000 people, complete with infrastructure and community facilities. A light rail network and new roads linking Tin Shui Wai mean the new town is well connected to Yuen Long and Tuen Mun.

In order to attract residents and tourists, the government redeveloped the wetland park and opened this to the public in May 2006.

Tin Shui Wai was developed in the mid-1990s by CK Property when it launched the development of Kingswood Villas to attract professionals and buyers looking for affordable housing with modern facilities.

The new town has been growing , while shedding its image as the “city of sadness”. The total population of Tin Shui Wai is expected to grow from 290,000 to 306,000.

Following an outcry from residents, the government has also bowed to pressure and opened a hospital, which is expected to relieve pressure on Tuen Mun and Pok Oi Hospitals that were serving Tin Shui Wai until the recent opening.