As an archipelago, Hong Kong‘s unique geography offers a surprising number of beaches despite its small size. From water sports and seaside dining to simply lounging on the sand, there’s a beach for everyone to enjoy. Having spent countless Hong Kong summers chasing the sun and waves, I’ve discovered that HK’s beaches are incredibly diverse and beautiful. Here are my top 9, with personal tips for making the most of your visit! This post features some hidden gems that you may have never heard of before, alongside popular favorites. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these beautiful coastal spots is a must this summer!
Shek O Beach (石澳)
Shek O is your ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. While many tourists flock to Repulse Bay, I’ve always found Shek O to have a much more laid-back, “European-Mediterranean-meets-HK” charm. This charming beach offers soft sand, clear waters, and scenic views. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, unwinding, or enjoying a meal at one of the nearby eateries.
The vibe here is also very lively! On weekends, you’ll hear big groups of friends and family chatting and BBQing together.
Don’t just stay on the sand! Shek O Village is a quaint pastel-colored dreamand really adds to the charm, there is also a lovers bridge nearby, making it a delightful day trip.
Location: Shek O Village, Hong Kong Island
Best For: Social butterflies, groups of friends, and families who want a “vacation vibe” without leaving the island.
Facilities Check: Showers (Yes), Lifeguards (Seasonal), BBQ pits (Yes), Restaurant and Cafes (Yes)
How to Get There: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station and then take bus 9 to Shek O. On busy Sundays, the Bus 9 queue can be long. Look for the Red Minibus nearby; it’s often faster and drops you right in the heart of the village.
- Looking for hotels? Check out these stays near Shek O beach.
Hap Mun Bay (廈門灣)
Hap Mun Bay (Half Moon Bay) is your ideal beach getaway off the coast of Sai Kung Town. This beach, part of Sharp Island, offers some of the clearest waters in Hong Kong.
Beyond the Sand: The Sharp Island
Because you are on a UNESCO Global Geopark island, the beach is just the beginning. It also has a short 1.6km hiking trail nearby, “Pineapple Bun” rocks, a natural tombolo (sand bridge) connecting to a small islet and volcanic remnants on the other side of the Island, making it such a fun weekend escape to explore!
Tip for the Tombolo – Check the Hong Kong Observatory’s tide chartsbefore you leave. You need the tide to be below 1.4 meters to cross the tombolo safely without getting soaked!
Location: Hap Mun Bay (Half Moon Bay), Sharp Island, Sai Kung
Best For: Snorkelers, geology nerds, and anyone chasing the clearest water in Hong Kong.
Facilities Check: Showers (Yes), Lifeguards (Seasonal), BBQ Area (Yes), a snack kiosk (for basic drinks/cup noodles).
How to Get There: 15 minutes by boat from Sai Kung Public Pier ($30 HKD return). Head to Sai Kung Public Pier. Look for the stalls with the colorful flags You’ll see signs for “Hap Mun Bay” (廈門灣) or “Half Moon Bay” (半月灣). Usually, you’ll be given a colored ribbon or a ticket—don’t lose this! It’s your “return key” for that specific boat company. Kaito ferries are run by independent private companies; you can only board the return boat that matches your specific color code.
Lung Kwu Tan (龍鼓灘)
If you’re looking for a hidden gem, Lung Kwu Tan is the place to be. Located in Tuen Mun, this black sand beach is known for its incredible sunset views and a rugged, moody atmosphere, which gives the beach a unique aesthetic.
Because it catches the western winds, it’s also a hotspot for kite-surfers. Watching them catch the wind as the sky turns orange is a highlight you won’t get at the south-side beaches like Repulse Bay. It’s one of the few places in Hong Kong where you get a truly unobstructed view of the sun dipping below the horizon.
Location: Tuen Mun, New Territories
Best For: Photographers, sunset chasers, and those who want a “raw” beach experience far from the weekend crowds.
Facilities Check: Public toilets (Yes), Lifeguards and Shark Nets (No, note that this isn’t a gazetted beach by the LCSD), Paid BBQ Area (Yes), a snack kiosk (for basic drinks/cup noodles).
How to Get There: Take the MTR to Tuen Mun Station and then catch a bus K52 to Lung Kwu Tan. This can take 40-minutes. You can also go by Taxi from the MTR for a faster journey, just tell the driver: “Lung Kwu Tan, m’goi” (龍鼓灘).
Leave No Trace: Because this isn’t a managed public beach, trash collection isn’t as frequent. Please pick up your trash after yourselves to keep it clean!
Coral Beach (東灣仔)
For those seeking a peaceful getaway, Coral Beach in Cheung Chau is a hidden gem worth visiting. Most people get off the ferry at Cheung Chau and stop at the first beach (Tung Wan Beach) they see, which is almost always crowded.
Nestled on the north side of the island, this lesser-known beach offers a tranquil respite away from the crowds. With its serene atmosphere and stunning views, it’s the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of Hong Kong’s coastline.
Location: Cheung Chau
Best For: Escape artists who find the main Tung Wan Beach too crowded.
Facilities Check: Public toilets (No), Lifeguards and Shark Nets (No; Not managed by the LCSD).
How to Get There: Hike to the North Lookout Pavilion, which is linked to this secluded beach. The path is well-paved and just 20 mins away from Cheung Chau Ferry Pier.
Ting Kau Beach (汀九灣)
Ting Kau Beach is a family-friendly destination with calm waters, making it perfect for a relaxing day out with loved ones. The waters are shallow and calm. This beach faces the shipping channels and has a lot of boats nearby. Rather than a long swim, I recommend having a picnic on the sandy shores, build sandcastles, or simply basking in the sun in this picturesque setting.
Location: Ting Kau, Tsuen Wan
Best For: Families and photographers who want that “Iconic HK” backdrop.
Facilities Check: Showers, Changing Rooms (Yes), Lifeguards (Seasonal), BBQ Pits (Yes), a small refreshment kiosk (Yes)
How to Get There: Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan Station and then catch a taxi or bus 234B to Ting Kau.
Lower Cheung Sha Beach (下長沙泳灘)
For a quieter alternative to the more popular beaches, Lower Cheung Sha Beach offers a peaceful escape. This is arguably the most “un-Hong Kong” beach in the city. It’s the longest stretch of sand in HK and feels like you’ve been transported to Australia, which is probably why it’s so popular among foreigners. The vibe is lively but spacious. You have water sports on one end and beachside restaurants on the other. Surrounded by natural beauty, it’s a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a good book by the shore. It’s also the best spot for a “work-from-beach” day if you have a hotspot!
Location: Lantau Island
Best For: Water-sport lovers, seaside dining and “staycation” vibes.
Facilities Check: Showers, Changing Rooms (Yes), Lifeguards (Seasonal), Beachside Restaurants (Yes).
How to Get There: Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, then catch bus 11 or 23.
Fun Fact: Often you will see wild water buffalo or cows relaxing at the beach. Don’t be surprised, they are locals, too!
- Book your Kiteboarding/Wingsurf or Water Skiing Experience near Lower Cheung Sha Beach for an unforgettable adventure!
Lido Beach (麗都灣泳灘)
A favoured spot for families, Lido Beach features soft sand and shallow waters, making it perfect for kids to play safely. With ample facilities nearby, it’s easy to spend an entire day enjoying the sun and surf here. This beach sits next to Ting Kau Beach in Tsuen Wan, framed by the massive Tsing Ma Bridge.
Location: Ting Kau, Tsuen Wan
Best For: Families and photographers who want that “Iconic HK” backdrop.
Facilities Check: Showers, Changing Rooms (Yes), Lifeguards (Seasonal), Beach volleyball court (Yes).
How to Get There: Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan Station and then catch a taxi or bus 234B or 96M.
Pak Tso Wan (白鰽灣)
If you’re seeking tranquillity, Pak Tso Wan (also known as Italian Beach) is another hidden gem worth exploring. Surrounded by hills on all sides, It is the ideal beach for a quiet getaway. it Enjoy a picnic while taking in the scenic beauty of the area. This serene beach is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and connect with nature.
Location: Cheung Chau
Best For: Escape artists who find the main Tung Wan Beach too crowded.
Facilities Check: Public toilets (No), Lifeguards and Shark Nets (No; Not managed by the LCSD).
How to Get There: It is right on the Family Loop Trail, a 25-minute walk away from Cheung Chau Ferry Pier.
Hung Shing Yeh Beach (洪聖爺灣泳灘)
Last but not least, Hung Shing Yeh Beach is known for its clear waters, making it a fantastic spot for swimming and relaxation. Lamma Power Station chimneys are nearby, but the water is surprisingly clean and the sand is soft. With nearby food stalls offering local delights, you can savour delicious snacks while enjoying the seaside atmosphere.
Location: Lamma Island
Best For: Those looking for a island escape, and seafood-lovers.
Facilities Check: Showers, Changing Rooms (Yes), Lifeguards (Seasonal), Seaside Restaurants and food stalls (Yes)
How to Get There: Take a ferry from Central Pier to Yung Shue Wan, then walk 20-25 minutes to Hung Shing Yeh Beach. Stop at Ah婆豆腐花 (Grandma’s Tofu Pudding) for some classic “Tofu Fa” on the way!
Overview
| Beach | Best For | Location | Transport | Water Quality |
| Shek O | Village Vibe & BBQs | HK Island | Bus 9 or Red Minibus (Shau Kei Wan) | Grade 1-2 |
| Hap Mun Bay | Crystal Clear Snorkeling | Sai Kung | Kaito Ferry (Sai Kung Public Pier) | Grade 1 |
| Lung Kwu Tan | Dramatic Sunset Views | Tuen Mun | Bus K52 (Tuen Mun MTR) | Non-Gazetted |
| Coral Beach | Remote Tranquility | Cheung Chau | Hike via North Lookout Pavilion | Non-Gazetted |
| Ting Kau | Bridge Views & Picnics | Tsuen Wan | Bus 234B / Taxi (Tsuen Wan MTR) | Grade 2 |
| Lower Cheung Sha | Water-sports & Dining | Lantau | Bus 11 / 23 or Blue Taxi (Tung Chung) | Grade 1-2 |
| Lido Beach | Families & Volleyball | Tsuen Wan | Bus 234B / 96M Minibus (Tsuen Wan) | Grade 2 |
| Pak Tso Wan | Nature & Isolation | Cheung Chau | Hike via Family Loop Trail (South) | Non-Gazetted |
| Hung Shing Yeh | Island Food & Swimming | Lamma | Ferry (Central) + 20min Walk | Grade 1-2 |
Conclusion
With so many stunning beaches to explore this summer, Hong Kong offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, indulge in water sports, or simply enjoy the natural beauty, these beaches are sure to provide memorable experiences. Grab your beach gear and set off to discover the coastal treasures that Hong Kong has to offer!
