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Uniquely HK
Feature Story
Hong Kong's Amazing Coastline
Explore the amazing diversity of Hong Kong’s coastline and its wondrous landscapes
At 723 kilometres, Hong Kong’s coastline is the longest of any global city. Winding around an area of only 1100 square kilometres, our varied coastline is never far away and always has something to offer the visitor.
The sheer diversity of the coastline landscape is stunning, which is amazing for such a small area. Whether it’s the waterfront of Victoria Harbour set against one of the world’s most spectacular skylines, jagged headlands interspersed with alluring white-sand beaches on the Sai Kung Peninsula, geological gems off the east coast, or the fishing ponds, wetlands, mangrove swamps and mudflats of the northwest New Territories, Hong Kong has them all, and with an equally rich marine environment to match.
We recommend the ten best destinations along the city’s amazing coastline as a highlight of your visit to Hong Kong. Explore and enjoy
Harbour
Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
The world-famous promenade starting from the Star Ferry offers a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island where the hills, skyscrapers and the water converge to form an unforgettable setting. Walk along the waterfront all the way to Hung Hom for a different vista of the harbour.
Instagram Pier to Kennedy Town Praya
For an up-close feel of the harbour as both a working environment and a natural wonder, the waterfront stretching from the Western District Working Cargo Area (dubbed Instagram Pier) to Kennedy Town is not to be missed. From gorgeous sunset photo ops to trendy dining outlets lining the praya, it’s an invigorating yet relaxing stroll along the harbourfront.
Sai Wan Ho/Quarry Bay Park & Promenade
A haven for joggers, dog owners and local residents out for a daily stroll, this neatly landscaped promenade offers an expansive view of the eastern harbour and Kowloon beyond and a glimpse of urban life in Hong Kong. Into the Park and be sure to check out the Alexander Grantham fireboat along on permanent display.
Rugged coastline, pristine beaches and fantastic rock formations
Maclehose Trail Section 2
This hike starting from the East Dam of High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung Country Park affords the best views of Hong Kong's wildest coastline. The East Dam itself is part of the Hong Kong Geopark where you can observe otherworldly hexagonal volcanic rock columns and other geological formations. Several pristine white-sand beaches await, including at Long Ke, a secluded rocky cove, and the four Ham Tin beaches, Hong Kong's closest approximation to a tropical paradise. Enjoy the rugged coastline traversed by the trail . We promise it will be an unforgettable experience.
Hong Kong Global Geopark
This UNESCO-designated geopark comprising groups of islands off the eastern coast of Hong Kong is home to fascinating rock formations ranging from wave platforms to jagged outcrops to surprising caves. Most of the rock here is volcanic but the small island of Tung Ping Chau displays a uniquely sedimentary geology. Tung Ping Chau is accessible by ferry on weekends from Ma Liu Shui near Tai Po; or you can hire a boat or join a tour of the Ninepin Islands that form part of the Geopark islands, starting from Sai Kung Pier.
Shek O
This popular destination on southeast Hong Kong Island offers a bit of everything: a wide sandy beach for sun worshippers and surfers, rocky headlands perfect for exploration, and a quaint village with enchanting houses and cafes. It is easily accessible from the city by bus or taxi.
Islands, tranquil coves and rustic fishing villages
Tai O Village
One of our oldest fishing villages remains essentially as it has been for over a century. This popular destination on southwest Lantau is known for the blending of structure and sea with its houses built on stilts over the water and where fishing is still a way of life , now supplemented with tourism.
Lamma Island
Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan are the two best-known villages on this enchanting island south of Hong Kong. A moderate hike from Yung Shue Wan to So Kwu Wan passes through an idyllic village where resident foreigners and locals rub shoulders, a swimming beach, and a gentle hill with gorgeous view of the island coastline before descending into an small estuary that is home to a rich variety of foliage, birds and marine life, ending with a pleasant seafood dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan .
Alluvial plain and wetlands galore
Mai Po Reserve/Nam Sang Wai/Hong Kong Wetland Park
For a totally different landscape, one in which the low-lying coast is dominated by the ebb and flow of the tide, either of the Mai Po Reserve and nearby Nam Sang Wai are well worth a visit. Here, the vista is one of wetlands and mangroves that are home to migratory birds, mudflats, fish ponds and ancient villages. The Hong Kong Wetland Park offers a similar environment, and its educational programmes and guided tours are perfect for kids.
Pak Nai
A six-kilometre shoreline further down from Mai Po in the northwest corner of the New Territories is an ecological delight. Comprising Sheung Pak Nai and Ha Pak Nai (upper and lower), the coastline is one of expansive mudflats and wetlands. It is renowned as one of the best spots to watch the sunset, and nearby Lau Fau Shan is home to several seafood restaurants. A temple with a 1500-year history and a colonial fortified structure are of interest to visitors.
