Photo: Mainichi Newpaper, Japan / Public domain
Cheung Sha Beach, on the southern coast of Lantau Island, is one of Hong Kong's longest and most serene stretches of sand. Divided into Upper and Lower Cheung Sha, this golden shoreline offers a welcome escape from the city's intensity, with gentle waves, soft sand, and a laid-back vibe that feels a world away from Central. It's a favourite among locals for weekend getaways, beachside dining, and water sports, yet remains uncrowded enough to find your own patch of paradise.
Highlights & What to See
- Upper and Lower Cheung Sha – The two sections are separated by a small headland; Upper is quieter and great for swimming, while Lower has more facilities and a wider beach.
- Water sports – Try windsurfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding at the beach's watersports centre, which offers rentals and lessons.
- Beachfront dining – Several casual cafés and restaurants serve everything from Thai and Western food to fresh seafood; The Stoep is a popular spot for its relaxed garden setting and South African-inspired menu.
- Sunset views – The beach faces west, making it a prime spot for watching the sun sink over the South China Sea.
- Nearby hiking – The Lantau Trail passes near the beach, offering easy walks through coastal scenery and up to the nearby hills.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend a half-day to a full day at Cheung Sha Beach. Arrive by late morning to claim a good spot, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the beachfront eateries, and spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or trying water sports. If you're hiking the Lantau Trail, you can incorporate a couple of hours here for a refreshing break. The beach is also lovely for a sunset picnic before catching the bus back to the ferry pier.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Tung Chung – Gateway to Lantau, with a Ngong Ping 360 cable car terminus and a large shopping mall; combine a beach day with a ride to the Big Buddha.
- Tai O – A traditional fishing village on Lantau's west coast, famous for its stilt houses and dried seafood; about 20 minutes by bus from Cheung Sha.
- Ngong Ping – Home to the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and the Wisdom Path; accessible via bus from Tung Chung or direct from Cheung Sha.
- Mui Wo – A laid-back town with a ferry pier, Silvermine Bay Beach, and the start of several hiking trails; a pleasant stop on the way to or from Cheung Sha.
- Discovery Bay – A resort-style community with a marina, restaurants, and a private beach; reachable by ferry from Central or bus from Tung Chung.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Tai O Fishing Village — Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Ngong Ping & Big Buddha — Fitri Agung aka fitri.agung on Flickr. / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Tung Chung — Sergeant Paul Shaw LBIPP / OGL v1.0
- Mui Wo — CC BY-SA 3.0
- Discovery Bay — Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0