Beaches and Swimming

There are two official swimming beaches on the island and both are busy during the summer swimming season, particularly at weekends. Other parts of the island have sandy bays from which it is possible to swim, but these have no facilities and are rarely used, but are fine for playing on the sand if you want a quieter choice. Click the 3 minute video below

Official Beaches

Tung Wan Beach - The larger of the two beaches this is long stretch of soft golden sand (pictured) with large changing rooms, and toilets, life guards, nearby snack restaurants that also hire out beach toys and swimwear, as well as two floating platforms and shark nets. A collection of small trees along the beach provide a small amount shade while the far ends of the beaches have small rocky outcrops.  Overlooked by the Warrick Hotel and just 5 minutes walk from the Ferry Pier it is the number one choice for most visitors to the island. The path from the ferry pier is well signposted.

Beach Specifications and Facilities

Tung Wan Beach Technical Details: This magnificent beach stretches for 230 meters along Cheung Chau's eastern coastline and has earned Hong Kong's highest Grade 1 water quality rating from the Environmental Protection Department. The beach's comprehensive safety features include two floating platforms and protective shark nets that create clearly marked swimming areas supervised by multiple lifeguards throughout the day. For added convenience, beach chairs and umbrellas can be hired directly from nearby snack restaurants, making it easy to set up for a comfortable day by the sea.

Watersports and Activities

Tung Wan Beach serves as the hub for watersports enthusiasts visiting Cheung Chau. The Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre operates directly from the beach, offering equipment rentals for windsurfing, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP), and kayaks. The consistent winds and protected harbor conditions make it an ideal location for both beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts to enjoy these exciting activities in a safe, supervised environment with professional instruction available.

Kwun Yam Beach - Smaller than Tung Wan this beach has coarser sand and only half the swimming area, but a quieter and more laid back style. With only minimal changing and toilet facilities it can't cater to a large crowd, but the popular beach bar attracts a crowd of locals residents particularly on weekends.  Close behind the beach is a path leading past a small temple then up into the wooded hills.  To reach Kwun Yam Wan Beach simply turn right and walk along the Beach Road with the sea on your left until you leave the main beach, and 3 minutes walk beyond you will see Kwun Yam Wan.

You will walk over a small rocky headland that is between the two beaches, it also that connects to the Helicopter landing pad which is used for air ambulance evacuation flights taking patients from the nearby island hospital, while above is the Windsurfer Cafe in an old lifesaving association building.

Beach Comparison and Details

Kwun Yam Beach Specifications: This more intimate beach offers a 50% smaller swimming area compared to Tung Wan, featuring coarser sand that creates a different texture underfoot. The beach maintains a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere that attracts visitors seeking a peaceful escape from crowds. A floating platform and beach cafe provide essential amenities, while the minimal changing and toilet facilities help preserve its authentic, uncommercialized character. The beach serves as a gateway to nature trails leading into Cheung Chau's wooded hills, making it perfect for combining beach relaxation with hiking adventures.

Sandy Bays

Not suitable for swimming due to the lack of lifeguards or shark nets, but a great place to enjoy nature and relax on the sand there are several sandy bays on the island that are very quiet even during the hight of the summer season. The largest and easiest to reach is Tai Kwai Wan which can be found to the north west of the island by following the coast road beyond the Pak Tai Temple. Continue on with the firestation on your right past boat yards, past the mini-organic farm on your right and head up the hill towards the Cheung kwai public housing estate, then over the hill and as you walk down you will see the beach.

Harder to reach and much smaller is Pak Tso Wan also known as Italian Beach or Afternoon Beach due to it's southerly location makes it a great place to watch the sun go down on an afternoon in the cooler weather, when the main beaches are sometimes too cold as they face away from the sun.  Take either the coast road or the sam pan ferry to the westerly Sai Wan, then follow the road up through the Canadian CARE Village and as you leave the village and walk uphill watch for a sign just before the graveyard pointing out steps to the right leading down to the beach.

Beach Safety and Accessibility Guide

Important Beach Information: While Tai Kwai Wan and Pak Tso Wan offer stunning natural beauty and peaceful environments, visitors should note that these beaches lack the safety infrastructure of the main beaches. There are no lifeguards on duty, shark nets, or emergency facilities, so swimming is not recommended. However, these locations are perfect for beach walking, picnicking, photography, and quiet contemplation. The contrast between these pristine, undeveloped bays and the fully-equipped main beaches gives visitors a complete spectrum of Cheung Chau's coastal offerings.

Getting Around: Bicycle Rentals and Island Transportation

Explore Cheung Chau by Bicycle: One of the most enjoyable and authentic ways to discover all of Cheung Chau's beaches and coastal attractions is by bicycle, taking advantage of the island's unique car-free environment where bicycles and motorized scooters serve as the primary means of transportation for both residents and visitors. This peaceful, environmentally-friendly approach to getting around creates a safe and relaxing atmosphere that perfectly complements the island's laid-back character.

Rental Details and Practical Information: Bicycle rentals are readily available throughout the island, with numerous rental shops conveniently located on Tai Hing Tai Road offering daily rentals for around HK$50 with refundable deposits ranging from HK$50-500 depending on the shop and type of bicycle selected. These facilities provide a comprehensive range of options including adult bicycles for serious exploration, children's bikes with training wheels for family adventures, and even some tuk-tuk style vehicles for those preferring alternative transportation methods. However, visitors should be aware that helmets are typically not provided by rental shops, so bringing your own safety equipment is strongly recommended, especially for families traveling with children.

Scenic Cycling Routes: Popular cycling routes include picturesque paths along the harbor leading to the southeast and northeast coastal areas, offering spectacular ocean views and convenient access to all the island's diverse beach destinations. While the terrain includes some gentle hills and occasionally requires carrying bikes up short flights of stairs in certain areas, most routes are easily manageable for recreational cyclists of all skill levels. The cycling experience provides an authentic way to appreciate the island's diverse landscapes, from bustling fishing village areas to secluded coastal hideaways, making it an ideal activity for environmentally conscious travelers and families seeking safe, car-free vacation experiences in a controlled island environment.