Photo: WhisperToMe / CC0
Hong Kong's Tseung Kwan O (將軍澳) is a dynamic new town on the eastern edge of Kowloon, often overlooked by visitors but offering a refreshing slice of local life, coastal walks, and surprising nature. Built on reclaimed land, it's a hub of modern housing, shopping malls, and a waterfront promenade that buzzes with families and joggers. Beyond the urban facade, the surrounding hills and country parks provide quick escapes into greenery, while the area's fishing village heritage lingers in pockets like Lei Yue Mun. This is a place to experience Hong Kong beyond the skyscrapers—authentic, lived-in, and with a laid-back seaside vibe.
Highlights & What to See
- Tseung Kwan O Waterfront Promenade: A scenic 4km walkway along the harbor, perfect for cycling, jogging, or sunset strolls. Rent a bike from MTR stations and enjoy views of the High Island Reservoir and distant islands.
- Lei Yue Mun Fishing Village: A short walk or ferry from Tseung Kwan O, this historic village is famous for its seafood restaurants lining the pier. Watch fishermen unload their catch, then pick your own live seafood for a waterfront dinner.
- Hong Kong Velodrome Park: A massive sports complex with a world-class cycling track, skatepark, and open lawns. Even non-cyclists enjoy the futuristic architecture and panoramic views of the new town.
- Junk Bay Chinese Permanent Cemetery: An unlikely attraction but one of Hong Kong's most photogenic cemeteries, with terraced graves cascading down a hillside overlooking the sea. Quiet, contemplative, and culturally insightful.
- Clearwater Bay Peninsula: Just east of Tseung Kwan O, this area offers stunning coastal hikes, sandy beaches (like Clearwater Bay First Beach), and the Clearwater Bay Country Park with trails to the High Island Reservoir dam.
- PopCorn Shopping Mall: The main retail hub, directly connected to Tseung Kwan O MTR station. It's a hive of local eateries, fashion stores, and a cinema—handy for a rainy-day break.
Suggested Time to Spend
Half a day is enough to soak up the waterfront and visit Lei Yue Mun for a seafood lunch. But to fully explore the hiking trails of Clearwater Bay and the Velodrome, dedicate a full day. Start with a morning hike in Clearwater Bay Country Park, then cycle the promenade in the afternoon, and end with dinner at Lei Yue Mun. Tseung Kwan O works well as a low-key day trip from central Hong Kong—just 15 minutes on the MTR from Quarry Bay.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Kowloon City: A gritty, food-packed district known for its Thai restaurants, old-school markets, and remnants of the former Kai Tak airport.
- Sai Kung Town: A former fishing village turned seafood paradise and gateway to the Sai Kung Peninsula's hiking trails and pristine beaches.
- Clearwater Bay: Beyond Tseung Kwan O, this area offers the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club and serene beaches like Silverstrand Beach.
- High Island Reservoir: Part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, this reservoir is ringed by dramatic hexagonal rock columns and scenic hiking trails.
- Ma On Shan: A nearby new town with a long waterfront promenade, a country park, and hiking trails up Ma On Shan peak for panoramic views.
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
- Kowloon City — Ian Lambot / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Sai Kung Town — Shi Deru (a.k.a. Shawn Xiangyang Liu) / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Clearwater Bay — Michel Rathwell from Cornwall, Canada / CC BY 2.0
- High Island Reservoir — Gracchus250 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ma On Shan — Jailon / CC BY-SA 3.0