Beaches of Hong Kong
Encyclopedia
Hong Kong has a long coast
line that is full of twists and turns with many bays and beach
es. Many of them are well sheltered by mountains nearby, as Hong Kong is a mountainous place. As a result, large wave
s seldom appear at the bays, making them suitable for swimming.
However, with the increasing development and urbanisation of Hong Kong, water quality has worsened resulting in the closure of several beaches previously suitable for swimming. These include Approach Beach, Ting Kau Beach, Anglers' Beach, Gemini Beaches, Hoi Mei Wan Beach, Casam Beach and Lido Beach in Tsuen Wan
. In 2011, Lido Beach, Casam Beach, Approach Beach and Hoi Mei Wan Beach were reopened following an improvement in water quality.
The majority of beaches suitable for swimming in Hong Kong are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department
, and are officially referred to as gazetted beaches. A number of other beaches are privately owned or not gazetted, but are nonetheless publicly accessible.
and the southern part of Kowloon Peninsula
, and the remaining 29 are located across the New Territories
, including the outlying islands.
(黃金泳灘) is located at the 18.5 km milestone of Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun
. It is the largest beach in Tuen Mun with a total area of 78,500 m² and a length of 545 metres. It is the first artificial beach in Hong Kong. It is classified as a Grade 2 beach, meaning that the water quality is fair. Refreshment kiosks, a hotel and a shopping mall are to be found adjacent to the beach.
Golden Beach is unique amongst the beaches of Hong Kong in that it has a volleyball court. The Hong Kong Beach Volleyball
Team occasionally practises on Golden Beach.
Golden Beach is served by KMB bus routes 52x (Tuen Mun Central Bus Terminus ↔ Mongkok), 53 (Yuen Long
↔ Tsuen Wan
) and 61M (Tuen Mun Central Bus Terminus ↔ Kwai Fong
);
by Citybus
bus routes 962/N962 (Lung Mun Oasis ↔ Causeway Bay
), 962B (Chi Lok Fa Yuen ↔ Admiralty
) and 962S (Chi Lok Fa Yuen ↔ Causeway Bay
);
by MTR Bus feeder bus routes K51 (Fu Tai ↔ Tai Lam) and K53 (Tuen Mun Station ↺ So Kwun Wat
).
island.
Beach (大浪湾泳滩) in Southern District
is also the site of prehistoric rock carvings similar to those found on Cheung Chau
Island. Not to be confused with other places called Big Wave Bay
or Tai Long Wan in Hong Kong.
and west of Tai Tam Reservoir is Turtle Cove Beach (龜背灣泳灘) which is a Grade 1 beach. Being less than 70 meters long, it can easily be considered as a "baby beach". Turtle Cove is very well equipped; with changing rooms, toilet
s and showers as well as a small playground, a soft drink
s kiosk and seven barbecue pits.
Turtle Cove Beach is accessible by bus No.14 from exit A of the Sai Wan Ho
MTR station or mini-bus 16X from Chai Wan; the beach is located near the Red Hill estate stop (past the Tai Tam Reservoir). From near the bus stop, stairs lead down the hill to the beach.
.
. The sand on the beach is very fine, like powder. The water of the Beach is clean and it is classified as a Grade 1 beach.
Near the beach, there is a barbecue area, refreshment kiosk, and shower and changing facilities.
There is no public transport on Lamma Island. To reach the beach one must travel to Yung Shue Wan
from Central
by ferry, and then walk for about 20 minutes. The route is signposted.
about halfway between the main villages of Yung Shue Wan
and Sok Kwu Wan
. The water of the beach is clean and it is classified as a Grade 1 beach. Some years ago the government of Hong Kong built shower and refreshment facilities there, which remain almost unused because of the beach's remote location and the absence of public transport.
To reach the beach one must travel to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan from Central by ferry, and then walk for about 40 minutes.
, Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Beach. Although they are not as big as the well-known beaches along the Hong Kong Island coast, they do have their own qualities. Kwun Yam Beach is a beautiful fine white beach situated on the east coast of Cheung Chau. The water quality is good and it is classified as a Grade 1 beach. It provides many water sports facilities, particularly for sailboarding. Many lovers like to take leisurely walks there and to enjoy the village scene which still keeps the old traditions. Also, it is the place where Hong Kong's first Olympic medallist, Lee Lai Shan
, practised when she was young. A formal monument to her achievement is erected in the children's playground on Tung Wan Beach, while an unofficial monument is to be found beside the "windsurfer" cafe owned by her uncle, which is situated between the two beaches.
from Central to Mui Wo
. Then, if necessary, one can just hop on a bus.
Silvermine Bay Beach, which is a Grade 1 beach, is the easiest one to get to, since it is located about a 5 minute walk away from the Mui Wo ferry pier. Since there is a sandbar area, this beach is ideal for flinging frisbees or flying kites. Further along the beach is a swimming area with several lifeguards on duty. Many visitors rent a bike for the afternoon, and stop off at the many refreshment kiosks and little restaurants along the road fronting the beach. If people do not feel like hurrying back into the city, they can also choose to stay overnight at the Silvermine Beach Hotel, located right on the waterfront. Also, there are several other hotels and guesthouses in the area where people can stay.
:Image:Silvermine bay beach.JPG
Note: some of these beaches are difficult to reach. Because they are not maintained by the government, some may be unclean at times. As no lifeguards are on duty, swimmers are recommended to exercise caution.
. Every week, water samples of each beach are collected for analysis to find out their bacterial level.
Grade 1 means that the water qualities of the beaches are good. The amount of E. coli is no more than 24 counts per 100 mL of beach water. Also no related case of skin
and gastrointestinal illnesses has been reported by swimmers who have swum at these beaches.
Grade 2 means that the water qualities of the beaches are fair. The amount of E. coli is about 25 – 180 counts per 100 mL of beach water. Also the rate of skin and gastrointestinal illnesses is no more than 10 cases per 1000 swimmers.
Grade 3 means that the water qualities of the beaches are poor. The amount of E. coli is about 181 – 610 counts per 100 mL of beach water. Also the rate of skin and gastrointestinal illnesses is about 11 – 15 cases per 1000 swimmers.
Grade 4 means that the water quality is very poor. The amount of E. coil is greater than 610 counts per 100 mL of beach water. Also the rate of skin and gastrointestinal illnesses is greater than 15 cases per 1000 swimmers. As a result, swimmers are advised not to swim at Grade 4 beaches.
Coast
A coastline or seashore is the area where land meets the sea or ocean. A precise line that can be called a coastline cannot be determined due to the dynamic nature of tides. The term "coastal zone" can be used instead, which is a spatial zone where interaction of the sea and land processes occurs...
line that is full of twists and turns with many bays and beach
Beach
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...
es. Many of them are well sheltered by mountains nearby, as Hong Kong is a mountainous place. As a result, large wave
Wave
In physics, a wave is a disturbance that travels through space and time, accompanied by the transfer of energy.Waves travel and the wave motion transfers energy from one point to another, often with no permanent displacement of the particles of the medium—that is, with little or no associated mass...
s seldom appear at the bays, making them suitable for swimming.
However, with the increasing development and urbanisation of Hong Kong, water quality has worsened resulting in the closure of several beaches previously suitable for swimming. These include Approach Beach, Ting Kau Beach, Anglers' Beach, Gemini Beaches, Hoi Mei Wan Beach, Casam Beach and Lido Beach in Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan is a bay in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, opposite to Tsing Yi Island across Rambler Channel. The market town of Tsuen Wan emerged for the surrounding villages and fleets of fishing boats in the area. The town is around the present-day Tsuen Wan Station of the MTR...
. In 2011, Lido Beach, Casam Beach, Approach Beach and Hoi Mei Wan Beach were reopened following an improvement in water quality.
The majority of beaches suitable for swimming in Hong Kong are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Leisure and Cultural Services Department
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department , often abbreviated as LCSD, is a department in the Government of Hong Kong. It reports to the Home Affairs Bureau, headed by the Secretary for Home Affairs. It provides leisure and cultural activities for the people of Hong Kong, which was also one of...
, and are officially referred to as gazetted beaches. A number of other beaches are privately owned or not gazetted, but are nonetheless publicly accessible.
Beaches suitable for swimming, managed by the LCSD
At present, a total of forty beaches in Hong Kong are managed by the LCSD. Eleven of them are located on Hong Kong IslandHong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500 and its population density is 16,390/km², as of 2008...
and the southern part of Kowloon Peninsula
Kowloon Peninsula
The Kowloon Peninsula is a peninsula that forms the southern part of the main landmass in the territory of Hong Kong. The Kowloon Peninsula and the area of New Kowloon are collectively known as Kowloon....
, and the remaining 29 are located across the New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
, including the outlying islands.
- Butterfly Beach (蝴蝶灣泳灘)
- Castle Peak Beach (青山灣泳灘)
- Kadoorie Beach (加多利灣泳灘)
- Cafeteria Old Beach (舊咖啡灣泳灘)
- Cafeteria New Beach (新咖啡灣泳灘)
- Golden BeachGolden Beach, Hong KongGolden Beach is located at the 18.5 km milestone of Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong. It is adjacent to the Cafeteria New Beach....
(黃金泳灘) - Anglers' Beach (釣魚灣泳灘)
- Gemini Beaches (雙仙灣泳灘)
- Hoi Mei Wan Beach (海美灣泳灘)
- Casam Beach (更生灣泳灘)
- Lido Beach (麗都灣泳灘)
- Ting Kau Beach (汀九灣泳灘)
- Approach Beach (近水灣泳灘)
- Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach (馬灣東灣泳灘)
- Kiu Tsui Beach (橋咀泳灘)
- Hap Mun Bay Beach (廈門灣泳灘)
- Trio Beach (三星灣泳灘)
- Silverstrand BeachSilverstrand BeachThe Silverstrand Beach is small narrow beach located in Clear Water Bay Peninsula, Sai Kung, Hong Kong.-Management:...
(銀線灣泳灘) - Clear Water BayClear Water BayClear Water Bay is a bay on the east shore of Clear Water Bay Peninsula of Hong Kong located within Clear Water Bay Country Park. There are two beaches at Clear Water Bay, namely Clear Water Bay 1st beach and Clear Water Bay 2nd beach...
First Beach (清水灣第一灣泳灘) - Clear Water Bay Second Beach (清水灣第二灣泳灘)
- Big Wave Bay BeachBig Wave Bay, Hong Kong IslandBig Wave Bay or Tai Long Wan is a bay in the Southern District of Hong Kong. It is located on the eastern coast of Hong Kong Island, south of Cape Collinson and north of Shek O....
(大浪湾泳滩) - Shek O Beach (石澳泳灘)
- Turtle Cove Beach (龜背灣泳灘)
- Hairpin Beach (夏萍灣泳灘)
- Stanley Main Beach (赤柱正灘泳灘)
- St. Stephen's BeachSt. Stephen's BeachSt. Stephen's Beach is a secluded beach in the Southern District of Hong Kong, five minutes from Stanley main beach. It is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and is rated as Grade 1 by the Environmental Protection Department for its water quality.- External links :*...
(聖士提反灣泳灘) - Chung Hom Kok Beach (舂坎角泳灘)
- South Bay Beach (南灣泳灘)
- Middle BayMiddle BayMiddle Bay is a small bay in Southern District, Hong Kong Island, between Repulse Bay and South Bay....
Beach (中灣泳灘) - Repulse BayRepulse BayRepulse Bay is a bay in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, located in the Southern District, Hong Kong.-Geography:Repulse Bay is located in the south of Hong Kong Island, to the east of Deep Water Bay and to the west of Middle Bay and South Bay...
(淺水灣泳灘) - Deep Water Bay Beach (深水灣泳灘)
- Hung Sing Yeh Beach (洪聖爺灣泳灘)
- Lo So Sing Beach (蘆鬚城泳灘)
- Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach (長洲東灣泳灘)
- Kwun Yam Beach (觀音灣泳灘)
- Silvermine Bay Beach (銀鑛灣泳灘)
- Pui O Beach (貝澳泳灘)
- Upper Cheung Sha Beach (上長沙泳灘)
- Lower Cheung Sha Beach (下長沙泳灘)
- Tong Fuk Beach (塘福泳灘)
6. Golden Beach - New Territories
Golden BeachGolden Beach, Hong Kong
Golden Beach is located at the 18.5 km milestone of Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong. It is adjacent to the Cafeteria New Beach....
(黃金泳灘) is located at the 18.5 km milestone of Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun
Tuen Mun
Tuen Mun is a town near the mouth of Tuen Mun River and Castle Peak Bay in the New Territories, Hong Kong. It was one of the earliest settlements in Hong Kong which can be dated back to the Neolithic period. In the more recent past, it was home to many Tanka fishermen who gathered at the Castle...
. It is the largest beach in Tuen Mun with a total area of 78,500 m² and a length of 545 metres. It is the first artificial beach in Hong Kong. It is classified as a Grade 2 beach, meaning that the water quality is fair. Refreshment kiosks, a hotel and a shopping mall are to be found adjacent to the beach.
Golden Beach is unique amongst the beaches of Hong Kong in that it has a volleyball court. The Hong Kong Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball
Beach volleyball, or sand volleyball, is an Olympic team sport played by two teams of two players on a sand court divided by a net.Like volleyball, the object of the game is to send the ball over the net in order to ground it on the opponent’s court, and to prevent the same effort by the opponent....
Team occasionally practises on Golden Beach.
Golden Beach is served by KMB bus routes 52x (Tuen Mun Central Bus Terminus ↔ Mongkok), 53 (Yuen Long
Yuen Long
Yuen Long , formerly Un Long, is an area and town located in the northwest of Hong Kong, on the Yuen Long Plain. To its west lie Hung Shui Kiu and Ha Tsuen, to the south Shap Pat Heung and Tai Tong, to the east Au Tau and Kam Tin, and to the north Nam Sang Wai.-Name:The Cantonese name Yuen Long 元朗...
↔ Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan is a bay in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, opposite to Tsing Yi Island across Rambler Channel. The market town of Tsuen Wan emerged for the surrounding villages and fleets of fishing boats in the area. The town is around the present-day Tsuen Wan Station of the MTR...
) and 61M (Tuen Mun Central Bus Terminus ↔ Kwai Fong
Kwai Fong
Kwai Fong is an area of Kwai Chung Town, Kwai Tsing District, Hong Kong. The mainly residential area extends to Kwai Hing in the north, Lai King in the south, Tsing Yi Bridge to the west, and Tai Lin Pai Industrial Area to the east. It is part of the reclamation of Gin Drinkers Bay in 1960s.Kwai...
);
by Citybus
Citybus (Hong Kong)
Citybus Limited is one of the three major bus operators in Hong Kong. It provides both franchised and non-franchised bus service. The franchised route network serves mainly Hong Kong Island, cross-harbour routes , Ocean Park, North Lantau and Hong Kong International Airport...
bus routes 962/N962 (Lung Mun Oasis ↔ Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is a heavily built-up area of Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, located on the Hong Kong Island, and covering parts of Wan Chai and Eastern districts. The Chinese name is also romanized as Tung Lo Wan as in Tung Lo Wan Road...
), 962B (Chi Lok Fa Yuen ↔ Admiralty
Admiralty, Hong Kong
Admiralty is the eastern extension of central business district of the Central on the Hong Kong Island of Hong Kong. It is located on the eastern end of the Central and Western District, bordered by Wan Chai to the east and Victoria Harbour to the north. The name of Admiralty refers to the former...
) and 962S (Chi Lok Fa Yuen ↔ Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is a heavily built-up area of Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, located on the Hong Kong Island, and covering parts of Wan Chai and Eastern districts. The Chinese name is also romanized as Tung Lo Wan as in Tung Lo Wan Road...
);
by MTR Bus feeder bus routes K51 (Fu Tai ↔ Tai Lam) and K53 (Tuen Mun Station ↺ So Kwun Wat
So Kwun Wat
So Kwun Wat, commonly pronounced So Kwun Fat , is an area on the south coast of the western mainland New Territory in Hong Kong. The proper So Kwun Wat is a human inhabitant in the valley between Siu Lam and Sam Shing Hui...
).
14. Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach - Ma Wan island
Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach (馬灣東灣泳灘) is located on Ma WanMa Wan
Ma Wan is an island of Hong Kong, located between Lantau Island and Tsing Yi Island, with an area of 0.97 km². Administratively, it is part of Tsuen Wan District....
island.
21. Big Wave Bay Beach
Big Wave BayBig Wave Bay, Hong Kong Island
Big Wave Bay or Tai Long Wan is a bay in the Southern District of Hong Kong. It is located on the eastern coast of Hong Kong Island, south of Cape Collinson and north of Shek O....
Beach (大浪湾泳滩) in Southern District
Southern District, Hong Kong
The Southern District is one of the 18 districts of Hong Kong. It is located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island. It had a population of 290,240 in 2001. This district has the fourth lowest population of Hong Kong.-Geography:...
is also the site of prehistoric rock carvings similar to those found on Cheung Chau
Cheung Chau
Cheung Chau is a small island 10 km southwest of Hong Kong Island, is nicknamed as the 'dumbbell island' for its shape. It has been inhabited for longer than most other places in the territory of Hong Kong, with a population of about 23,000 up to 2006...
Island. Not to be confused with other places called Big Wave Bay
Big Wave Bay
Big Wave Bay or Tai Long Wan is the name of several bays in Hong Kong:*Big Wave Bay, Hong Kong Island*Tai Long Wan, Chi Ma Wan*Tai Long Wan, Sai Kung*Tai Long Wan, Shek Pik...
or Tai Long Wan in Hong Kong.
23. Turtle Cove Beach - Hong Kong Island
The beach situated east of StanleyStanley, Hong Kong
Stanley is a town and a tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It located on a peninsula on the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island. It is east of Repulse Bay and west of Shek O, adjacent to Chung Hom Kok...
and west of Tai Tam Reservoir is Turtle Cove Beach (龜背灣泳灘) which is a Grade 1 beach. Being less than 70 meters long, it can easily be considered as a "baby beach". Turtle Cove is very well equipped; with changing rooms, toilet
Toilet
A toilet is a sanitation fixture used primarily for the disposal of human excrement, often found in a small room referred to as a toilet/bathroom/lavatory...
s and showers as well as a small playground, a soft drink
Soft drink
A soft drink is a non-alcoholic beverage that typically contains water , a sweetener, and a flavoring agent...
s kiosk and seven barbecue pits.
Turtle Cove Beach is accessible by bus No.14 from exit A of the Sai Wan Ho
Sai Wan Ho
Sai Wan Ho is a primarily residential area on the northeastern shore of Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, between Quarry Bay and Shau Kei Wan. It is part of the Eastern District, and is administered together with surrounding areas under the Eastern District Council.-Location:Sai Wan Ho is conventionally...
MTR station or mini-bus 16X from Chai Wan; the beach is located near the Red Hill estate stop (past the Tai Tam Reservoir). From near the bus stop, stairs lead down the hill to the beach.
28. and 29. South Bay Beach (南灣泳灘) and Middle Bay Beach (中灣泳灘) - Hong Kong Island
These two small beaches are located within walking distance of Repulse Bay Beach. However, since they are not directly accessible by public transport, they tend to be quieter and less crowded than Repulse Bay.30. Repulse Bay Beach (淺水灣泳灘) - Hong Kong Island
This beach, traditionally Hong Kong's most popular because of its easy access by bus and extensive facilities, is located on southern Hong Kong Island. See Repulse Bay.31. Deep Water Bay Beach (深水灣) - Hong Kong Island
The beach is located on southern Hong Kong Island. See Deep Water BayDeep Water Bay
Deep Water Bay is a bay on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. The bay is surrounded by Shouson Hill, Brick Hill, Violet Hill and Middle Island.Beneath the hill of Violet Hill is a beach, Deep Water Bay Beach...
.
32. Hung Shing Yeh Beach (洪聖爺灣泳灘) - Lamma Island
Hung Shing Yeh Beach is the most popular beach on Lamma IslandLamma Island
Lamma Island , also known as Pok Liu Chau or simply Pok Liu , is the third largest island in Hong Kong. Administratively, it is part of the Islands District.-Name:...
. The sand on the beach is very fine, like powder. The water of the Beach is clean and it is classified as a Grade 1 beach.
Near the beach, there is a barbecue area, refreshment kiosk, and shower and changing facilities.
There is no public transport on Lamma Island. To reach the beach one must travel to Yung Shue Wan
Yung Shue Wan
Yung Shue Wan is the main population centre on Lamma Island, Hong Kong. It has a population of approximately 6,000.-Features:The village is a mix of residential properties, shops and restaurants. Yung Shue Wan gives a Mediterranean feeling when walking through it...
from Central
Central, Hong Kong
Central is the central business district of Hong Kong. It is located in Central and Western District, on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui, the southernmost point of Kowloon Peninsula...
by ferry, and then walk for about 20 minutes. The route is signposted.
33. Lo So Shing Beach (盧鬚城泳灘) - Lamma Island
Lo So Shing Beach is located on Lamma IslandLamma Island
Lamma Island , also known as Pok Liu Chau or simply Pok Liu , is the third largest island in Hong Kong. Administratively, it is part of the Islands District.-Name:...
about halfway between the main villages of Yung Shue Wan
Yung Shue Wan
Yung Shue Wan is the main population centre on Lamma Island, Hong Kong. It has a population of approximately 6,000.-Features:The village is a mix of residential properties, shops and restaurants. Yung Shue Wan gives a Mediterranean feeling when walking through it...
and Sok Kwu Wan
Sok Kwu Wan
thumb|250px|Sok Kwu Wan viewed from [[Lamma Island]] walkSok Kwu Wan or Picnic Bay is a bay in the Middle East coast of Lamma Island, Hong Kong...
. The water of the beach is clean and it is classified as a Grade 1 beach. Some years ago the government of Hong Kong built shower and refreshment facilities there, which remain almost unused because of the beach's remote location and the absence of public transport.
To reach the beach one must travel to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan from Central by ferry, and then walk for about 40 minutes.
34. and 35. Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach (長洲東灣泳灘) and Kwun Yam Beach (觀音灣) - Cheung Chau
There are two main beaches on Cheung ChauCheung Chau
Cheung Chau is a small island 10 km southwest of Hong Kong Island, is nicknamed as the 'dumbbell island' for its shape. It has been inhabited for longer than most other places in the territory of Hong Kong, with a population of about 23,000 up to 2006...
, Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Beach. Although they are not as big as the well-known beaches along the Hong Kong Island coast, they do have their own qualities. Kwun Yam Beach is a beautiful fine white beach situated on the east coast of Cheung Chau. The water quality is good and it is classified as a Grade 1 beach. It provides many water sports facilities, particularly for sailboarding. Many lovers like to take leisurely walks there and to enjoy the village scene which still keeps the old traditions. Also, it is the place where Hong Kong's first Olympic medallist, Lee Lai Shan
Lee Lai Shan
Lee Lai-Shan MBE BBS is a former world champion and Olympic gold medal-winning professional windsurfer from Hong Kong. She is the first and last ever athlete to win an Olympic medal representing Hong Kong, not as part of China...
, practised when she was young. A formal monument to her achievement is erected in the children's playground on Tung Wan Beach, while an unofficial monument is to be found beside the "windsurfer" cafe owned by her uncle, which is situated between the two beaches.
36. Silvermine Bay Beach (銀鑛灣泳灘) - Lantau Island
Hong Kong's largest island, Lantau, has several beaches which are clean, uncrowded and relatively convenient to reach. For all of them, the first step is to simply take the ferryFerry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
from Central to Mui Wo
Mui Wo
Mui Wo is a rural town on the eastern coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. The main beach in Mui Wo is known as Silver Mine Bay .-History:...
. Then, if necessary, one can just hop on a bus.
Silvermine Bay Beach, which is a Grade 1 beach, is the easiest one to get to, since it is located about a 5 minute walk away from the Mui Wo ferry pier. Since there is a sandbar area, this beach is ideal for flinging frisbees or flying kites. Further along the beach is a swimming area with several lifeguards on duty. Many visitors rent a bike for the afternoon, and stop off at the many refreshment kiosks and little restaurants along the road fronting the beach. If people do not feel like hurrying back into the city, they can also choose to stay overnight at the Silvermine Beach Hotel, located right on the waterfront. Also, there are several other hotels and guesthouses in the area where people can stay.
:Image:Silvermine bay beach.JPG
38. and 39. Cheung Sha Beaches (長沙泳灘) - Lantau Island
Cheung Sha Beach on the southern shore of Lantau Island, is divided into two parts: Upper Cheung Sha Beach and Lower Cheung Sha Beach. It is 3 km long and is the longest beach in Hong Kong.Privately owned/Other beaches suitable for swimming
- Chung Wan (涌灣) South Crooked HarbourCrooked HarbourCrooked Harbour or Kat O Hoi is a harbour at the northeast of New Territories, Hong Kong. The harbour is connected to Double Haven and the bigger sea of Mirs Bay. Crooked Island, also known as Kat O, and several islands, including Ap Chau, form the harbour with the mainland New Territories....
, North DistrictNorth District, Hong KongNorth District is the northernmost district of the 18 districts of Hong Kong. It is located in the northwestern part of the New Territories. The new town of Fanling-Sheung Shui is within this district. It had a population of 298,657 in 2001. The district has the second lowest population density.It... - Cheung Sha Wan (長沙灣) Northeast Ping ChauPing ChauPing Chau is an island in Hong Kong. It is also known as Tung Ping Chau . Tung is prepended to the name so as to avoid possible confusion with Peng Chau, another island in Hong Kong with an identically pronounced name in the Cantonese language...
- Crescent Bay (娥眉灣) Crescent IslandNgo Mei ChauCrescent Island or Ngo Mei Chau is an island of Hong Kong, located southeast of Crooked Island and northeast of Double Island . Administratively, it is part of North District.-Conservation:...
, Mirs BayMirs BayMirs Bay is a bay in the northeast of Crooked Island and Sai Kung Peninsula of Hong Kong. Ping Chau stands in the midst of the bay... - Lo Kei Wan (籮箕灣) Crescent IslandNgo Mei ChauCrescent Island or Ngo Mei Chau is an island of Hong Kong, located southeast of Crooked Island and northeast of Double Island . Administratively, it is part of North District.-Conservation:...
, Mirs Bay - Tung Wan (東灣) Wong Wan ChauWong Wan ChauDouble Island or Wong Wan Chau is an island located in the north-eastern part of Hong Kong. Administratively, it is part of North District.-Geography:...
, Mirs Bay - Wu Kai Sha (烏溪沙) Wu Kai ShaWu Kai ShaWu Kai Sha , formerly known as Wu Kwai Sha or U Kwai Sha , is a place at the shore of Tolo Harbour, northwest of Ma On Shan in the New Territories, Hong Kong. It is famous for a campsite, Wu Kai Sha Youth Village of YMCA. Originally there were only a few villages like Wu Kwai Sha Village. It is...
, Ma On ShanMa On Shan (area)Ma On Shan is a new town along the eastern coast of Tolo Harbour in the New Territories of Hong Kong. Although it was initially an extension of Sha Tin New Town, it has been designed to have its own town centre and is now classified as a separate new town in government reports... - Lung Mei (龍尾) Plover CovePlover CovePlover Cove or Shuen Wan Hoi is a cove in the Tai Po area of Hong Kong, near Tolo Channel and Tolo Harbour.It is encircled by the hills Pat Sin Leng and Wan Leng , the Yim Tin Tsai, Ma Shi Chau and Tung Tau Chau island ranges, and a long peninsula extending from Fu Tau Sha...
, East Tai PoTai PoTai Po is an area in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It refers to the vicinity of the traditional market towns in the area presently known as Tai Po Old Market or Tai Po Kau Hui and the Tai Wo Town on the other side of the Lam Tsuen River, near the old Tai Po Market Station of the... - Hoi Ha Wan (海下灣) Hoi Ha WanHoi Ha WanHoi Ha Wan or Jone's Cove is a bay at the north of Sai Kung Peninsula. It is a marine park in Hong Kong.The location has a high biological value, as it shows a high degree of biodiversity...
, North Sai Kung - Nam She Wan (蚺蛇灣) East Sai Kung, Mirs Bay
- Tung Wan (東灣) East Sai Kung, Tai Long WanBig Wave BayBig Wave Bay or Tai Long Wan is the name of several bays in Hong Kong:*Big Wave Bay, Hong Kong Island*Tai Long Wan, Chi Ma Wan*Tai Long Wan, Sai Kung*Tai Long Wan, Shek Pik...
- Tai Wan (大灣) East Sai Kung, Tai Long Wan
- Ham Tin Wan (鹹田灣) East Sai Kung, Tai Long Wan
- Tai Long Sai WanSai Wan, Sai KungSai Wan is a beach in Sai Kung, Hong Kong. To distinguish it from other bays and beaches of the same name, it is commonly known as Tai Long Sai Wan, as it is one of the four beaches of Tai Long Wan. It came first in the Hong Kong Best 10 Scenic Sites Election in 2006...
(大浪西灣) East Sai Kung, Tai Long Wan - Long Ke Wan (浪茄灣) Long Ke Wan, East Sai Kung
- Long Ke Tsai (浪茄仔) Long Ke Wan, East Sai Kung
- Pak Sha Chau (白沙洲) Sai Kung HoiInner Port ShelterInner Port Shelter or Sai Kung Hoi is a harbour off the shore of Sai Kung Town, south of Sai Kung Peninsula, Hong Kong. The Sharp Island is the major island in the harbour....
, Sai Kung - Pak Lap Wan (白臘灣) High IslandHigh Island, Hong KongHigh Island or Leung Shuen Wan is a former island in the southeast of Sai Kung Peninsula, Hong Kong. The island was connected to the peninsula by two dams to enclose the Kwun Mun Channel and form the High Island Reservoir. The construction of the dam spanned 10 years from 1969 to 1979...
, South Sai Kung - Ma Tau Wan (馬頭環) High Island, South Sai Kung
- Kam Lo Wan (蠄蟧灣) High Island, South Sai Kung
- Nam Fung Wan (南風灣) High Island, South Sai Kung
- Kau Sai Wan (滘西灣) Kau Sai ChauKau Sai ChauKau Sai Chau is an island located off the coast of Sai Kung of Hong Kong, with an area of 6.70 km², making it the 6th largest island of Hong Kong.-Geography:...
, Sai Kung - Whiskey (白環) Kau Sai Chau, Sai Kung
- Campers' Bay (露營灣) Ngau Mei Hoi, Clearwater Bay
- Pak Shui Wun (白水碗) Ngau Mei Hoi, Clearwater Bay
- Bayside (碧沙灣) Ngau Mei Hoi, Clearwater Bay
- Little Palm (小棕林) Ngau Mei Hoi, Clearwater Bay
- Lung Ha Wan (龍蝦灣) Ngau Mei Hoi, Clearwater Bay
- Ung Kong Wan (甕缸灣) Bluff IslandBluff IslandBluff Island, indigneously known as Sha Tong Hau Shan , also known as Ung Kong , is an island in Port Shelter, south of Sai Kung Peninsula of Hong Kong. It is an important area for corals and other marine life. The island is zoned as Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1979...
, Clearwater Bay - Lung Kwu Upper (龍鼓上灘) Lung Kwu TanLung Kwu TanLung Kwu Tan is an area located in the western part of Tuen Mun District, Hong Kong.-Geography:The area is located at the southwest of Castle Peak and consists of Lung Kwu Tan and Lung Kwu Sheung Tan.-Features:...
, west Tuen MunTuen MunTuen Mun is a town near the mouth of Tuen Mun River and Castle Peak Bay in the New Territories, Hong Kong. It was one of the earliest settlements in Hong Kong which can be dated back to the Neolithic period. In the more recent past, it was home to many Tanka fishermen who gathered at the Castle... - Lung Kwu Lower (龍鼓下灘) Lung Kwu TanLung Kwu TanLung Kwu Tan is an area located in the western part of Tuen Mun District, Hong Kong.-Geography:The area is located at the southwest of Castle Peak and consists of Lung Kwu Tan and Lung Kwu Sheung Tan.-Features:...
, Tuen Mun - Dragon Bay (青龍灣) Tsing Lung TauTsing Lung TauTsing Lung Tau is a small area in Tsuen Wan West, New Territories in Hong Kong.-Geographical information:It is located on the southwest coast of the New Territories in Hong Kong, between Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun. There are two villages: Tsing Lung Tau Village and Yuen Tun Village, with many...
, Tsuen WanTsuen WanTsuen Wan is a bay in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, opposite to Tsing Yi Island across Rambler Channel. The market town of Tsuen Wan emerged for the surrounding villages and fleets of fishing boats in the area. The town is around the present-day Tsuen Wan Station of the MTR... - To Tei Wan (土地灣) Shek OShek OShek O is a beachside village located on the south-eastern part of Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Administratively, it is part of Southern District. The scenery of Shek O is the setting of numerous Cantopop music videos.-Geography:...
, Cape D'AguilarCape D'AguilarCape D'Aguilar, or Hok Tsui, is a cape in the south of Shek O and D'Aguilar Peak on southeastern Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. The peninsula, where the cape is on its southeastern side, is also known as Cape D'Aguilar... - Tai Pak Wan (大白灣) Discovery BayDiscovery BayDiscovery Bay is a mixed, primarily residential, development comprising a residential development and private and public recreational facilities in Hong Kong. It is situated on the north-eastern coast of Lantau Island in the New Territories. The development spans an area of 650 hectares , and...
, East Lantau IslandLantau IslandLantau Island , based on the old local name of Lantau Peak , is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River. Administratively, most of Lantau Island is part of the Islands District of Hong Kong... - Tai Long Wan (大浪灣) Chi Ma WanChi Ma WanChi Ma Wan is a bay on southeastern Lantau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong. Chi Ma Wan Peninsula is where Chi Ma Wan, as well as Cheung Sha Wan, Tai Long Wan, Yi Long Wan and Mong Tung Wan are located...
, South Lantau Island - Yi Long Wan (二浪灣) Chi Ma Wan, South Lantau Island
- Sha Lo Wan (沙螺灣) West Tung ChungTung ChungTung Chung, meaning 'eastern stream', is an area situated on the north-western coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Tung Chung, currently one of the latest generation of new towns, was formerly a rural village around Tung Chung Wan, and along the delta and lower courses of Tung Chung River and Ma...
, North Lantau Island - Tai Long Wan (大浪灣) Shek PikShek PikShek Pik is an area located along the southwestern coast of Lantau Island, Hong Kong. When the Shek Pik Reservoir was built, villages at Shek Pik were demolished and the villagers were relocated to other parts of Lantau Island and to Tsuen Wan...
, South Lantau Island - Lo Kei Wan (籮箕灣) Shui Hau, South Lantau Island
- Kau Ling Chung (狗嶺涌) Fan LauFan LauFan Lau is peninsula and area in the southwest tip of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. It is also the southwest end the territory of Hong Kong. The very end of the tip is Fan Lau Kok . The peninsula separates water into Fan Lau Tung Wan in the east, and Fan Lau Sai Wan and Fan Lau Miu Wan Fan Lau...
, Southwest Lantau Island - Fan Lau Tung Wan (分流東灣) Fan Lau, Southwest Lantau Island
- Fan Lan Sai Wan (分流西灣) Fan Lau, Southwest Lantau Island
- Luk Keng Wan (鹿頸灣) Yam OYam OYam O is a bay located on the northeast shore of Lantau Island, in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It is part of the Tsuen Wan Rural West constituency of the Tsuen Wan District Council.Yam O was the one and only natural lumber preservation zone in Hong Kong...
, Northeast Lantau Island - Tai Kwai Wan (大貴灣) Northwest Cheung ChauCheung ChauCheung Chau is a small island 10 km southwest of Hong Kong Island, is nicknamed as the 'dumbbell island' for its shape. It has been inhabited for longer than most other places in the territory of Hong Kong, with a population of about 23,000 up to 2006...
- Po Yue Wan (鯆魚灣) Southwest Cheung Chau
- Pak Tso Wan (白鰽灣) Southwest Cheung Chau
- Shek Pai Wan (石排灣) Southeast Lamma Island
- Mo Tat wan (模達灣) East Lamma Island
- Kwo Chau Wan (果洲灣) Tai Chau, Ninepin GroupNinepin GroupThe Ninepin Group or Kwo Chau Islands is a group of 29 islands in the easternmost waters of Hong Kong. The Ninepin Group falls under the jurisdiction of Sai Kung District of Hong Kong.-Islands:The islands of the group include:...
- Siu A Chau Wan (小鴉洲灣) Siu A ChauSiu A ChauSiu A Chau is an uninhabited island of Hong Kong, part of the Soko Islands group, located south of Lantau Island.-Geography:Siu A Chau is the northernmost and the second largest of the Soko Islands, after Tai A Chau. It is dumbbell-shaped and has a rugged indented coastline with steep slopes. The...
, Soko IslandsSoko IslandsThe Soko Islands are a group of islands in Hong Kong. The group consists of Tai A Chau, Siu A Chau and several smaller nearby islands, in the southwestermost waters of the territory, to the southwest of Lantau Island....
Note: some of these beaches are difficult to reach. Because they are not maintained by the government, some may be unclean at times. As no lifeguards are on duty, swimmers are recommended to exercise caution.
Grading system of beaches
Gazetted beaches in Hong Kong are classified into four grades ( Grades 1 – 4 ) according to the level of E. coli in the water of the beaches. This is done by the Environmental Protection DepartmentEnvironmental Protection Department
Environmental Protection Department is a department of Hong Kong Government concerning the issues of environmental protection in Hong Kong.-History:...
. Every week, water samples of each beach are collected for analysis to find out their bacterial level.
Grade 1 means that the water qualities of the beaches are good. The amount of E. coli is no more than 24 counts per 100 mL of beach water. Also no related case of skin
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
and gastrointestinal illnesses has been reported by swimmers who have swum at these beaches.
Grade 2 means that the water qualities of the beaches are fair. The amount of E. coli is about 25 – 180 counts per 100 mL of beach water. Also the rate of skin and gastrointestinal illnesses is no more than 10 cases per 1000 swimmers.
Grade 3 means that the water qualities of the beaches are poor. The amount of E. coli is about 181 – 610 counts per 100 mL of beach water. Also the rate of skin and gastrointestinal illnesses is about 11 – 15 cases per 1000 swimmers.
Grade 4 means that the water quality is very poor. The amount of E. coil is greater than 610 counts per 100 mL of beach water. Also the rate of skin and gastrointestinal illnesses is greater than 15 cases per 1000 swimmers. As a result, swimmers are advised not to swim at Grade 4 beaches.
See also
- Geography of Hong KongGeography of Hong KongThe geography of Hong Kong primarily consists of three main territories: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories.The name "Hong Kong", literally meaning "fragrant harbour", is derived from the area around present-day Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island, where fragrant wood products...
- Hong Kong Country Parks & Special Areas
- Environment of Hong Kong
- List of buildings, sites and areas in Hong Kong
- Kiteboarding Beaches