Special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on 24 and 25 December to facilitate the celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For details, please click here.
Visitors are advised to check the availability of lifeguard services at the beach on the respective website before visiting. The public should not swim at beaches without lifeguard services to avoid accidents.
Hong Kong Island packs a lot of beach into a little bit of land. While the north-side districts of Central and Western, Wan Chai and Eastern are crammed with glass and steel skyscrapers and towering apartment blocks, Southern district boasts bay after bay of golden sand and calm waters that are safe for a splash and swim with family and friends year-round. Whether you want to dive in for some water sports, dine by the seaside, or simply find a patch of sand to chill out, the Island’s southern coastline has a beach for everyone. Running from south-east to south-west there are: village-y Shek O; touristy Stanley; secluded Chung Hom Kok; chilled South Bay; flamboyant Middle Bay; glitzy Repulse Bay; and leafy Deepwater Bay. Below is a rundown of a few of our favourites.
One of Hong Kong’s most popular beaches, Shek O {{title}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info is favoured by French expat families and laid back, eclectic locals. It can sometimes feel like half the city is there with you, especially on summer weekends, but is well serviced with changing rooms, showers, playground and barbecue area.
There are plenty of beachside eateries to sate your appetite, including food and chilled wine on its terrace overlooking the sea. If you want to blend in with the locals, seek out the divey Ben’s Back Beach Bar on the sand.
Despite the name, Repulse Bay Beach {{title}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info is the glitziest of Hong Kong’s beaches, boasting an idyllic, palm-fringed swathe of sand and shallow waters ideal for family frolics. It has great facilities, with changing rooms and showers, and a beach-front mall The Pulse, as well as a seasonal weekend sunset beach club and plenty of smart lifestyle and children’s boutiques.
Its location in one of Hong Kong’s most affluent neighbourhoods means Repulse Bay attracts a well-heeled crowd. Expect to share the sand with bankers, tai tais, mums and mums-to-be, expat kids and a heap of day-trippers.
The lesser-known Chung Hom Kok {{title}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, calm waters and a clean, comfortable beach. With just a few barbeque pits and a simple kiosk, this under-the-radar alcove might not have the same repertoire of bars and restaurants of busier bays, but that’s exactly part of its charm, making it the ideal place for low-key beach lounging and swimming.
People love Stanley {{title}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info for its bustling village atmosphere, reminiscent of an English seaside town with lovely alfresco eating, drinking and people-watching opportunities, rather than as a swimming beach. Away from the promenade, there’s shopping at Stanley Plaza and the labyrinthine Stanley Market, which is touristy but fun for a browse for art, souvenirs, clothing and linen. Every June, the beachfront transforms into one of the most popular places in Hong Kong to watch the Dragon Boat Festival races, which take on a party vibe as large crowds drink and get merry.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability as to the quality or fitness for purpose of third party products and services; and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.