Given its extremely small size and high population, we already all know that Hong Kong is a highly dense metropolis where recent developments are more vertical than horizontal by nature. Towering skyscrapers can be seen practically everywhere. They are so abundant that it makes one wonder if the people of Hong Kong can still enjoy some of the amenities not found in the city.
We already all know about Hong Kong Disneyland, which, for some time, has become one of the icons of this East Asian hub. We also know that there's an abundance of malls here, which is why it was hailed as one of the world's shopping capitals. I know people living in a nearby country who go to Hong Kong just to shop for clothes. But the places I mentioned are both cosmopolitan by nature. These are the products of massive consumerism that Hong Kong has become known for.
With this thought, I was actually so surprised that the Asian Economic Tiger actually has a beach located within its limits. It's called Cheung Sha and it's located in the southern coast of Lantau Island. I once thought that all shores here ar used as ports or, at the very least, they are beaches with that cosmopolitan feel, too, with hotels and everything located all around. To my surprise, however, this is not the case. There are clusters of establishments (mostly restaurants) in three locations, but they are all low-rise so you won't be able to feel that you are in busy Hong Kong at all.
The eastern side of the beach seems to be more popular among the visitors, because that is where most of them and the establishments are in place. The western side, on the other hand, is less populated and wilder, in my opinion. Th eonly building there was the one housing the beach's lifeguards. It isn't too far from the road as well, so don't worry about getting lost.
In summary, I think Cheung Sha is a very good destination if you want to relieve yourself from the stress in the mainland. Even on holidays and weekends, the influx of visitors is not enough to ruin one's peace. So if you have the chance, just go there and enjoy.
