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Lung Mei Beach is located on the shores of Plover Cove in the Northeastern New Territories of Hong Kong. A man-made beach, Lung Mei offers lifeguards, changing facilities, and lockers. And numerous food and beverage outlets are within an easy walk of Lung Mei Beach. Buses and Minibuses link it to the Tai Po Market MTR station on the East Rail Line.
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Beaches in Hong Kong – Overview
The waters at all but one of Hong Kong’s beaches are calm, and breakers are rare. And this makes them suitable for swimming.
About half of the beaches suitable for swimming are accessible by land. They have changing facilities and showers as well as rafts you can swim out to, sunbathe on, and dive off of. Lifeguards are on duty during Hong Kong’s lengthy swimming season.
Most interesting, Hong Kong’s newest beach – Lung Mei Beach – is a man-made beach overlooking a reservoir. And it offers a welcome respite from summer heat to residents of the Northern and Northeastern New Territories of Hong Kong!
BTW,, lung mei is Cantonese for “dragon’s tale”.
Taipo Lung Mei Beach – Overview
Taipo Lung Mei Beach is Hong Kong’s newest beach. In fact, it is a man-made beach.
However, its development was controversial as environmentalists opposed its construction claiming it would be harmful to the ecosystem. As a result, its development was delayed by several years.
In the end, the beach was built, and it is now open to the public.
Firstly, Lung Mei Beach is about 200 meters long. And it is located in a section of Hong Kong long popular with local residents.
Not only does Lung Mei Beach overlook picturesque Clover Cove. In addition, it is within walking distance of numerous self-serve barbecue venues, restaurants, and cafes.
Furthermore, the district has long been popular with bicyclists. And if you don’t have your own, there are many shops where you can rent one!
Taipo Lung Mei Beach is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD),
Food and Beverage
A self-service BBQ venue is located across the street. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.You can buy snacks and soft drinks as well as swimming supplies at Lung Mei Beach. Unfortunately, there are no proper food and beverage outlets on the beach. However, hungry beachgoers are certainly spoiled for choice!
In fact, there are NUMEROUS other eateries within walking distance of the beach. And some of them are almost directly across the street from the beach!
For example, I spotted several do-it-yourself barbecue joints on my way from the car!
Tai Mei Tuk – Foodie’s Paradise?
To clarify, Tai Mei Tuk, where the beach is located, is a well-established foodies paradise. In fact, there are numerious eateries in the district. And many of them feature outdoor seating!
While Thai restaurants are among the most popular, there are also Chinese, Japanese, Italian, French, Indian, seafood, vegetarian – the list goes on.
In fact, my sources tell me there is even a Mexican restaurant! As a native Californian, I’ll have to reserve judgment.
Lung Mei Beach – Facilities
Facilities include parking for automobiles. And the charge is HK$5 per 30 minutes. And there are also parking spots for up to 95 bicycles.
Other facilities include toilets as well as men’s and women’s changing rooms with indoor showers. In addition, there are unisex outdoor showers – perfect for families.
The beach also provides lockers, but make sure to bring your own lock! Unlike the public swimming pools in Hong Kong, these lockers do not accept coins.
Snacks, soft drinks, and swimming accessories are also on sale.
Word to the Wise
On the weekend Tai Po Lung Mei Beach opened, dozens of swimmers were stung by sea urchins or jellyfish.
OUCH!
While not exactly life-threatening, such stings are not exactly pleasant. And they do require medical attention. Fortunately, the lifeguards were able to offer such assistance.
Can this issue be dealt with? Only time will tell. Happily, I haven’t noticed anyone screaming in pain on any of my visits to Lung Mei Beach.
Lung Mei Beach – When to Go
Lifeguards are on duty from 9 am to 6 pm every day between April and October.
Hours are extended from 8 am to 7 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during the peak period between June and August.
You should not go swimming when lifeguards are not on duty.
What I Love
A beach within a reasonable commute from home? What is there not to like? I am absolutely thrilled that this place has opened!
In addition, I appreciate the attractive architecture, the tasteful landscaping, and the beautiful views.
And then there is the location! Tai Mei Tuk is chock-a-block with all manner of eateries – not to mention well-maintained bicycle paths! In fact, it is one of the most popular recreational zones in the New Territories!
What I Hate
The changing rooms lack ventilation, a common complaint in Hong Kong. As a result, it is impossible to properly dry yourself following a shower.
In addition, I wish there were some F&B outlets overlooking the beach. Wouldn’t it be nice to nurse a beer as the sun goes down?
And a few pontoons you could swim out to would be nice. In fact, most of the other beaches in Hong Kong have them. Perhaps, will some be installed later?
How to Get to Lung Mei Beach
Lung Mei Beach is located in the the Tai Po section of the New Territories of Hong Kong.
In fact, it is near the Tai Mei Tuk Public Transport Interchange at 168 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po.
Firstly, take the MTR East Rail Line to Tai Po Market Station. Then take bus No. 75K or bus No. 275R (available on Sundays and public holidays only) or the green minibus No. 20C.
Finally, get off at Lo Tsz Tin and walk across the street to the beach.
And don’t forget, green minibus drivers don’t make change! So, either use your Octopus card or carry exact change.
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For More Information …
Lung Mei Beach is the third in a series of mini-guides to Hong Kong’s Best Beaches