Clear Water Bay

🌊【Clear Water Bay】 is a breathtaking coastal gem and a key highlight of the Clear Water Bay Peninsula. The peninsula itself acts as a natural divide, separating Port Shelter (Ngau Mei Hoi) to the east from the waters of Tseung Kwan O to the west. Clear Water Bay proper sits nestled on the southeastern curve of the headland, world-famous for its crystal-clear emerald waters and serene coastal charm. The area boasts two prominent public beaches—Clear Water Bay First Beach and Second Beach—conveniently located just a five-minute stroll from one another and fully equipped with shark prevention nets, floating platforms, refreshment kiosks, and barbecue pits. Historically, this scenic region served as the glittering cradle of Hong Kong’s broadcasting and cinematic golden age, housing both the iconic Shaw Studios and the old TVB City. Today, it has gracefully evolved into a premier recreational escape, drawing urbanites with its raw natural landscapes, hiking trails like High Junk Peak, ancient rock carvings at Lobster Bay, and the windy lawns of Tai Hang Tun, which doubles as a favorite kite-flying field and stargazing hotspot. — Spanning a massive 615 hectares, the Clear Water Bay Country Park blankets the rugged, mountainous eastern terrain of the peninsula, sheltering a rich ecosystem, coastal feng shui woods, and dramatic geological formations like submerged coastlines. Winding through the park are premier hiking paths like the High Junk Peak Country Trail and the Lobster Bay Country Trail, both treating hikers to sweeping vistas of Po Toi O fishing village and the crystal-clear waters of . Nearby, the summit of Tai Leng Tung stands out as a world-class vantage point for catching golden hour sunsets and looking out across the distant Ninepin Group of islands. Adding a profound touch of local history, the area is also home to the ancient Joss House Bay Tin Hau Temple—one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most historically significant temples—making Clear Water Bay the ultimate weekend getaway for nature lovers, history buffs, and coastal explorers. —

🚍 Getting There & Transportation

Starting Point Transportation Options
Choi Hung MTR Station KMB Route 91 or 91R (runs directly to the Clear Water Bay Terminus)
Tseung Kwan O MTR Station Green Minibus Route 103M (runs directly to Clear Water Bay)
Driving / Car Rental Drive along the scenic (public parking spaces available on-site)

🏖️ Beach Paradise: Clear Water Bay First & Second Beach

Beach Name English Name Key Features Available Facilities
清水灣第一灣 Clear Water Bay First Beach Smaller, more secluded beach layout with thinner crowds Shark nets, changing rooms, showers, BBQ pits, refreshment kiosk
清水灣第二灣 Clear Water Bay Second Beach Spacious, powdery white sands with pristine, clear swimming waters Shark nets, changing rooms, showers, floating platform, refreshment kiosk

Lifeguard Service Hours: Summer (April to October) from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, extended to 7:00 PM on weekends and public holidays. Lifeguard services are reduced or suspended at select beaches during the winter months.

🥾 Hiking Hotspot: Clear Water Bay Country Park

Established in 1979 and spanning 615 hectares, the park covers dramatic topography including High Junk Peak and Lobster Bay, showcasing classic examples of a “submerged coastline.”

  • Total Area: 615 hectares
  • Key Highlights & Trails:
    • High Junk Peak Trail: Standing at 344 meters, this intermediate trail features sharp, narrow ridges and majestic coastal views. It is famously known as one of Hong Kong’s “Four Treacherous Peaks.”
    • Tai Leng Tung: Celebrated for its rugged sea-erosion landforms, dramatic cliffs, and jaw-dropping geological vistas.
    • Tai Miu Wan Trail: A breezy, beginner-friendly coastal walk that winds directly down to the ancient Tin Hau Temple, making it perfect for family outings.

🏯 Cultural Heritage: Joss House Bay Tin Hau Temple

Dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1266), this is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most prominent Tin Hau temples, officially designated as a Declared Monument in 2023. An ancient rock carving dating back to 1274 sits right behind the temple complex, standing as a declared monument that offers a rare window into early seafaring communities.

  • Year Established: 1266 (The 2nd year of the Xianchun reign, Southern Song Dynasty)
  • Heritage Status: One of the oldest and largest Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong; officially gazetted as a Declared Monument in 2023.
  • Rock Carvings: The rock inscription behind the temple dates back to 1274 (the Jiaxu year of the Xianchun reign) and is protected as a Declared Monument.

🎥 Shaw Studios

Historically the legendary powerhouse of Hong Kong’s movie-making golden age, this massive complex has been beautifully modernized into a world-class state-of-the-art film production and digital media base.—

⛳ Premium Leisure: The Clear Water Bay Country Club

  • The Clear Water Bay Golf & Country Club: A prestigious, member-exclusive country club featuring a stunning 18-hole seaside golf course, panoramic swimming pools, and fine dining outlets.
  • Clear Water Bay Marina: A premier yacht club providing world-class mooring, sailing facilities, private cafes, and a dedicated helicopter pad.

🏡 Luxury Residential Living: Mount Pavilia

  • Address: 663 Clear Water Bay Road
  • Key Features: A premium, low-density luxury residential development boasting a sprawling 600,000 sq. ft. sculpture park and lush gardens, complete with trendy cafes, an organic supermarket, resort-style pools, and a gym.

🌅 Hidden Coastal Gems Nearby

Location English Name Key Features
銀線灣泳灘 Silverstrand Beach Tucked right beneath an elite luxury residential neighborhood, offering excellent water quality and full beach amenities.
白水碗沙灘 Pak Shui Wun Beach Famously known as the “back garden” of HKUST, featuring a scenic trek complete with an organic farm and a hidden freshwater waterfall.

🎯 Recommended Activities

  • 🏊‍♂️ Swimming, sunbathing, and beach relaxation
  • 🍖 Seaside barbecues with family and friends
  • 🚶‍♀️ Ridge hiking, nature photography, and bird watching
  • 🛥️ Luxury yachting, wakeboarding, and coastal water sports
  • 🪁 Flying kites and stargazing on windy park lawns

📌 Pro-Tips for Visitors

  • Summer weekends draw heavy crowds; arrive early in the morning to beat the rush and secure parking or beach spots.
  • While beach changing amenities are top-notch, the on-site food kiosks have limited options, so packing snacks or a picnic is highly recommended.
  • Hikers should wear sturdy, high-grip trail shoes and carry ample drinking water, as the ridge lines offer little to no shade.
  • Clear Water Bay makes for the ultimate day-trip itinerary: tackle a rewarding hike in the morning, and unwind on the beach all afternoon.

  • Tai Wan Tau Road, Bus Stop