Cheung Sha Beach is our favourite family hangout and it’ll be your’s too! Why? Because there’s plenty of space for kids to run around, clean amenities, soft sand and family-friendly eateries, to name a few!
Now that the school summer holidays have officially begun, it’s prime time to pack up and visit the outlying islands for a day of barefoot fun on the beach. One of our favourites is Cheung Sha Beach on Lantau Island, cocooned by mountains and famous for its soft sand and serene seaside setting. Comprised of Upper Cheung Sha and Lower Cheung Sha, the longest beach in Hong Kong offers plenty of space for kids to play and a host of family-friendly restaurants and activities that everyone can enjoy.
Read More: Best Beaches In Hong Kong To Visit With The Family
Where To Eat In And Around Cheung Sha Beach
Bathers
A guide to Cheung Sha Beach wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Bathers, one of the most beloved beachside restaurants in Hong Kong. The extensive menu – including a kid’s meal – has everything from French toast to a seafood selection and the restaurant’s prominent position on the beach means you can unwind with a cocktail while soaking up the uninterrupted ocean view.
Bathers, 32 Lower Cheung Sha Village, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2504 4788, www.bathers.com.hk
Natural Plus Beach Club & Restaurant
Located behind the main cluster of beachfront restaurants, you won’t miss this cheerful spot, painted bright yellow and surrounded by colourful flowers. The menu has lots of traditional beach bites, but we love its focus on nutrition here, especially the locally sourced salads and homemade enzyme drinks.
Natural Plus Beach Club & Restaurant, 50 Lower Cheung Sha Village, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 6485 2233, www.naturalplus.com.hk
Coffea
A casual coffee shop on the doorstep of the beach, we recommend this for a quality caffeine fix (adults can add a splash of Baileys for an extra treat), refreshing juices and light snacks. Pick up a filled croissant, or hot dog and take a seat outside to experience brunch island-style.
Coffea, G/F 39 Lower Cheung Sha Village, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, Whatsapp: 9191 1598, www.instagram.com/_coffea_
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Frankie’s Barbeque
We really like Frankie’s for a beach barbecue, where you can gather as a group at the grill to a soundtrack of great music. Relax with friends and family, drink in hand, while the food is cooked freshly in front of you.
Frankie’s Barbeque, 38 Lower Cheung Sha Village, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, Whatsapp: 9369 6227, www.facebook.com/LantauGrocer
Bella Ciao
Located closer to Pui O Beach, we highly recommend taking the short drive to Bella Ciao for unrivalled authentic pizza, pasta and seasonal dishes. The atmosphere is lively, enhanced by charming staff and you can also stock up on Italian ingredients from the in-store gourmet grocery.
Bella Ciao, G/F 15 Lo Wai Village, Pui O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 9321 0487, www.bellaciao-lantau.com
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Things To Do In Cheung Sha
Bask On The Beach
If you prefer more privacy, we suggest you find a space on Upper Cheung Sha Beach where you can switch off while listening to the waves roll in. Although there are no amenities here, it’s usually quieter and less crowded. The local restaurants and bars are on Lower Cheung Sha Beach which also has changing rooms and shower facilities, making it the perfect place to pitch up with the kids for the day.
To make sure you have everything to hand, stock up on essentials from Lantau Grocer and pack a picnic. You can while away the hours swimming or playing beach games and wait for your chance to spot the water buffalos strolling by, usually later in the day.
Give Water Sports A Whirl
On weekends, the beach is always full of water lovers who take to the waves for surfing, boarding, or kayaking. Long Coast Seasports have you covered for equipment rental and – depending on your ability and appetite for adventure – you can purchase packages for an hour, half a day, or over four hours.
Private lessons are also available for all kinds of water sports including kitesurfing, windsurfing and skimboarding. If chilling on the beach is more your thing, you can rent items like deck chairs and beach umbrellas, for maximum comfort and protection from the sun.
Read More: The Top 12 Public Swimming Pools In Hong Kong For Kids And Families
Hiking and Camping
When it comes to hiking trails in Lantau, there are lots of options that cater to all levels for you to explore with your little ones. On Section 12 of the Lantau Trail, the coastal route from Mui Wo to Pui O is a fantastic family hike but probably better suited to older children, as it does include a few challenging peaks along the way.
Start walking from Mui Wo Ferry Pier and climb to soak up stunning views of Pui O from Tai Ngau Wu Peak. Once you’ve reached Pui O, you can take a short taxi to Lower Chung Sha Beach and set up camp for the evening. If you don’t have your own camping gear, you can check into a caravan or teepee tent for overnight glamping with Long Coast Seasports.
Read More: Hiking Hong Kong With Kids – The Best Hikes For Families
How To Get To Cheung Sha Beach
Option 1
Take the ferry from Central Pier Number 6 to Mui Wo. From the Mui Wo Ferry Pier, you can jump on a taxi or hop on bus number 1, 2, or 4, alighting at bus stop Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen for Lower Cheung Sha Beach, or Cheung Sha Beach for Upper Cheung Sha Beach.
Option 2
Take the MTR to Tung Chung. From the bus terminus, take a taxi or bus number 11, 11A, or 23, alighting at Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen, or Cheung Sha Bridge.
Option 3
If you hold a valid permit to drive in South Lantau, you are free to take your car directly to Cheung Sha Beach. Roads on South Lantau are designated as closed roads and all motorists are required to hold a valid Lantau Closed Road Permit (LCRP).
Under the “Driving on Lantau Island” Scheme, non-residents may apply to drive a private car on the closed roads from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 8am to 7pm. The daily quota is 50 private cars and passes are allocated by ballot system. Apply for your permit here. Residents of Lantau can apply for an LCRP with valid and current proof of address.
And don’t forget, only blue taxis drive on Lantau Island!
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