Summary of Hong Kong’s Best Beaches
Not many people associate Hong Kong with beaches; however, with over 200 islands, the territory is blessed with a host of outstanding beaches, many with world-class leisure facilities. Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages 41 gazetted public beaches, ensuring the presence of lifeguards and contributing to the upkeep of facilities like campgrounds and shark prevention nets.
The beaches in this list are relatively easy to reach using Hong Kong’s transportation system. If you’re planning a trip to any of them, remember to prepare for the heat and wear high factor sunblock before laying in the sun.
Stanley Main Beach: Sleepy Seaside Village
Stanley is a village in Hong Kong Island’s Southern District, where many of Hong Kong’s top beaches can be found. Visitors to Stanley will find a well-developed beachfront before them, with a gorgeous promenade and a host of western-style bars and restaurants lining the waterfront. The village has two beaches: Stanley Main Beach and St. Stephen’s Beach.
Boating enthusiasts converge on Stanley Main Beach in June for the biggest Dragon Boat Festival race in Hong Kong, turning this otherwise sleepy beach town into a crowded tourist hotspot.
A number of buses serve travelers from Central to Stanley, most of them picking up passengers from Queensway in front of Admiralty MTR station.
Water quality: Good, 3/5. Stanley Main Beach is reasonably clean. Although some rubbish is evident in the water, it’s acceptable to most.
Facilities: Excellent. Stanley is the epitome of a seaside town, featuring lifeguards, shark nets, and a variety of dining options.
Lo So Shing Beach: Secluded Serenity
While it may take little legwork to get here, this secluded spot on Lamma Island boasts crystal-clear water and a beautiful strip of sand. Its distance from civilization ensures its low crowd density even on weekends.
To reach Lo So Shing, take the ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan, then follow the Family Walk to Lo So Shing, a 40-minute walk each way.
Water quality: Excellent, 5/5. Aside from uninhabited islands, Lo So Shing is the cleanest beach in Hong Kong.
Facilities: Surprisingly good. About a 60-minute hike from Yung Shue Wan, Lo So Shing offers lifeguards, shark nets, and changing rooms.
Silvermine Bay Beach: Family-Friendly Stop
Out on Lantau Island in the New Territories, Silvermine Bay is a relaxed beach next to Lantau’s unofficial capital, Mui Wo. It’s a great option for travelers with kids, as the beach features a variety of attractions.
Silvermine Bay visitors can also explore nearby attractions like the Ngong Ping Cable Car and the spectacular Tian Tan Big Buddha. To visit, take the Ferry from Central Pier to Lantau Island.
Water quality: Excellent, 5/5. Lantau’s beaches are among the cleanest in Hong Kong.
Shek O Beach: Take a Hike
Shek O is a beautiful beach on the southeast of Hong Kong Island, popular among those seeking a retreat from the city. Many first-time beachgoers in Hong Kong enjoy its accessibility. Moreover, Shek O offers immediate access to the Dragon’s Back hiking trail, one of Hong Kong’s best hiking destinations.
To reach Shek O Beach, take the No 9 Minibus from Shau Kei Wan MTR station.
Water quality: Good, 4/5. Shek O’s water quality makes it worth the effort to visit. Nearby Big Wave Bay also boasts excellent water quality.
Facilities: Very good. This fantastic seaside spot has a range of restaurants and offers lifeguards, shark nets, and changing rooms.
Repulse Bay Beach: Luxe Life
Repulse Bay is probably Hong Kong’s most-visited beach, attributed to its proximity to Central rather than the quality of the beach itself. However, it remains Hong Kong’s top luxury beach destination, filled with upscale restaurants and shops.
At the southern end of Repulse Bay Beach, you will find the Tin Hau Temple, dedicated to protecting local fishermen and their families. To get to Repulse Bay, take Bus 6 or 6X from Central, or a short walk from the Ocean Park MTR station.
Water quality: Good, 4/5. Due to its location, the water around Repulse Bay can be somewhat cloudy, yet many locals still swim here.
Facilities: Excellent. Repulse Bay offers a variety of luxury dining options and amenities such as lifeguards, changing rooms, and shark nets. The beach gets crowded on weekends.
Sai Kung’s Beaches: Take Your Pick
Sai Kung Peninsula offers stunning views, which you can enjoy from one of the four beaches around Tai Long Wan Bay: Tai Long Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan. Ham Tin Wan beach is renowned for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters.
A great day-trip option, reaching the beaches along Sai Kung Peninsula requires a little effort as it is located in the eastern New Territories. Take Bus number 92 from Diamond Hill MTR in Kowloon to access this beautiful area.
Water quality: Good, 4/5. The distance from Hong Kong Island helps maintain Sai Kung’s clean waters.
Facilities: Excellent. Abundant dining options are available, including gourmet restaurants. Sai Kung is perfect for those interested in watersports, such as kayaking and windsurfing.
Pui O Beach: Camping Country
Pui O, located on Lantau’s Chi Ma Wan Peninsula, is perhaps Hong Kong’s top beach for camping. The beach features both black and yellow sand with a semi-volcanic origin. Additionally, it connects to the Lantau Trail Section 12, linking Pui O and Mui Wo.
To get to Pui O Beach, take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take Bus 1 to Pui O Beach.
Water quality: Good, 4/5. Overall, the water quality is generally good, although it’s best to avoid swimming during heavy rain.
Facilities: Excellent. For campers, Pui O Campsite is located right next to the beach, equipped with barbecue pits.
Cheung Chau Island: Ride the Waves
Weekenders converge on Cheung Chau Island’s beaches, either to windsurf or to relax on the golden sands. The larger of the two beaches, Tung Wan, is also the more popular, with more complete facilities and a nearby hotel.
The smaller beach, Kwun Yam, is known for its windsurfing potential, iconicized by Olympic champion Lee Lai-shan’s local achievements.
To reach Cheung Chau, take the ferry from Central Pier 5, then walk along Tung Wan Road to the beach.
Water quality: Good, 4/5. The water quality at both beaches is generally good.
Facilities: Good. Visitors can find changing rooms, shower facilities, and rafting rentals available.
