Summer or not, these are the best beaches in Hong Kong for fun and frolicking all year-round.
One of the perks of living in Hong Kong is that there are plenty of things we can do to enjoy the surrounding nature, from exploring hiking trails and camping out, to riding a junk boat or enjoying water sports. Tourists and locals alike also love to hang out at the beach. If you’re planning on making the most of the sunny days, these are the best beaches in Hong Kong that you should not miss. See you in the surf!
Explore the shores of the best beaches in Hong Kong
1. Shek O Beach
Located at a beachside village on the Southeastern part of Hong Kong Island, Shek O is a peninsula that literally translates to a “rocky bay”. Facing the South China Sea, Shek O Beach is surrounded by a rocky headland that makes a great spot for rock climbing. The water here is clean and relatively calm, attracting families who often pack the shore with colourful inflatables, especially during sunny days and the holidays. The beach also has a barbecue area, bars, restaurants, a raft playground, and a golf course – no wonder it’s one of the best beaches in Hong Kong!
Shek O Beach, Shek O Road, Shek O, Hong Kong
2. Big Wave Bay
Located a short distance from Shek O Beach, Big Wave Bay is the go-to beach if you plan on riding the waves. Living up to its name, this beach is famous for its huge waves, making it a favourite destination for surfers on the island. Notorious for attracting daredevil surfers when the water swells during typhoons, Big Wave Bay is where to be for those who want to hang ten in the 852.
Big Wave Bay, Big Wave Bay Road, Shek O, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
3. Cheung Sha Beach
This beach is the longest one in Hong Kong, stretching to Lower Cheung Sha and Upper Cheung Sha, separated by a rocky outcrop. Given its vast length, the crowds are more spread out for you to have some uninterrupted beach time. Lower Cheung Sha is slightly more happening as there are restaurants and kiosks, if you’d like to have a more chill time (with water buffalos), you can head to Upper Cheung Sha Beach instead. You can also rent surfboards or go paragliding if you’re feeling adventurous too.
Cheung Sha Beach, South Lantau Road, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
4. Clearwater Bay
Within Clearwater Bay Country Park, on the Eastern shore of Clearwater Bay Peninsula, are two popular beaches: First Beach and Second Beach. Both offer public facilities including changing rooms, lockers, showers, toilets, and rafts. To make the most of the great outdoors, don’t miss the chance to play water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating on the calm waters, before having a feast with friends at the designated barbecue area.
Looking for more swell shores? Here are prime beaches for wakeboarding and wakesurfing in Hong Kong.
Clearwater Bay Beach, Tai Wan Tau and Tai Au Mun Road, Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong
5. Repulse Bay Beach
Situated on the South side of Hong Kong Island, Repulse Bay Beach is loved by both citizens and tourists alike, thanks to its clean water and white sand. The crescent-shaped beach has a resort-like feel as it’s overlooked by a high-end residential area, making it the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, and simply unwind. You and your sports-loving friends can also play beach volleyball at the designated court. Want to grab some snacks or go shopping after some fun in the sun? Check out the stores, restaurants and, of course, The Pulse shopping centre, which are all only a few steps away from the beachfront.
Repulse Bay Beach, Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
6. Hung Shing Yeh Beach
Located in Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island, Hung Shing Yeh Beach is reachable by ferry from Central. The beach itself can be accessed through a walking trail from the main street that’s lined with restaurants, cafes, and street vendors selling souvenirs. If you choose to make your own meals instead, there’s also a public barbecue area surrounded by lush green hills – perfect for a leisurely grill.
Discover the full beauty of Lamma Island with our neighbourhood guide.
Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong
7. Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach
Down to try windsurfing? Head over to Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, the hub for windsurfers in Hong Kong. In fact, it’s the very place where former world champion and Olympic windsurfing star, Lee Lai-shan, used to train. There’s even a garden nearby that’s dedicated to commemorating the achievement of Hong Kong’s first-ever gold medallist with her own sculpture! Surrounded by affordable accommodations for short getaways, the tranquil beach offers a panoramic view of Aberdeen and Lamma Island that looks especially stunning at night.
Read about all our fave spots on Cheung Chau.
Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, Cheung Chau Beach Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
8. Silverstrand Beach
Over in Sai Kung, nestled in the Clear Water Bay Peninsula, is Silverstrand Beach, a narrow sandy alcove with clear waters. You’ll find a range of facilities at this beach, including a parking lot, refreshment kiosk, changing rooms, showers, and an elderly fitness corner. Want to bring your own food for your day out at Silverstrand Beach? Barbecue pits are available for your grilling and roasting needs. The water here is relatively calm and clear, making it a good spot for a dip in the sea.
Silverstrand Beach, Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
9. Pui O Beach
Nestled away near the rolling hills of Lantau Island is Pui O Beach, a semi-secluded location that still attracts lots of loyal visitors. A restaurant, bar, and fast-food kiosk line this laid-back beach – offering refreshments in between sandy activities. Also along the paths are a few shops selling beach equipment to add to your day of fun in the sun. If you’re lucky enough, among the swimmers, surfers, and families, you may spot some of this beach’s most famous visitors: water buffaloes. Be sure to try and catch the sunset at Pui O Beach because it’s a moment that’s begging to be Instagrammed.
Pui O Beach, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
10. Stanley Main Beach
A popular stretch of sand for families out and about in the South side of Hong Kong, Stanley Main Beach is conveniently located within walking distance of Stanley Market. Frequented by tourists and locals alike, this beach may get quite crowded during weekends and holidays due to its accessibility and safety. Everything you need for some fun in the sun is available here, with food kiosks and BBQ pits on the premises, as well as changing rooms, showers, and toilets. Bonus: some of Hong Kong’s most prestigious dragon boat races are held here!
Explore the rest of the area with our neighbourhood guide to Stanley.
Stanley Main Beach, Stanley Beach Road, Stanley, Hong Kong
[This article was originally published in May 2018 and updated in 2024 by Min Ji Park.]