Pui O and Cheung Sha are two popular beaches on Lantau Island. Although they are connected via the South Lantau Road, it is also possible to hike between the two beaches.
The hike between Pui O and Cheung Sha Beach may not be as popular or challenging as the hike from Mui Wo to Pui O, but it’s still enjoyable.
The idea for the hike came when I was tasked with finding a fun, scenic, and easy hike that finishes with a good lunch for a group of friends. The group had varying levels of fitness and there was even a visitor from out of town.
Given that, I naturally thought of Lantau Island with its numerous hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and restaurants along the coastline! With those criteria, I picked the Pui O and Cheung Sha Beach Hike via Lantau Trail Section 11.
And it turned out to be a great choice for everyone!
About the Pui O to Cheung Sha Beach Hike
The hike between Pui O and Cheung Sha Beach can essentially be broken into three broad sections:
- The initial climb
- The easy walk along the water catchment
- The final descent to Cheung Sha Beach
The hike crosses Lantau Trail Section 11, between Pui O village and the park next to the Cheung Sha Service Reservoir and Treatment Works, and then an additional section down to Cheung Sha Beach.
Overall, the hike is very easy and scenic. The only challenging section of the hike is the initial climb. But after that, it’s a beautiful and scenic walk.
Starting point
The starting point of the Pui O and Cheung Sha Beach Hike is Lo Uk Tsuen, which is next to Pui O village.
To arrive here, you can catch buses 1, 2, 3M, or 4 from the Mui Wo Ferry Pier to the Lo Uk Tsuen bus stop. The Central to Mui Wo Ferry timetable can be found on the operator’s website.
If you’re coming from Tung Chung, you can take bus 3M and alight at the Lo Uk Tsuen bus stop.
Towards the start of the climb
Once you alight at the Lo Uk Tsuen bus stop, you’re already on Lantau Trail Section 11. This section of the Lantau Trail starts on South Lantau Road before moving towards the hills.
To begin the hike, walk on South Lantau Road, away from Pui O village. Walk on the right side of the road as there is no pedestrian side walk on the left side.
Continue walking on South Lantau Road for about 280 metres till a small right turn. The turn is marked by a sign for Tung Chung Road via Catchwater.
- Turn right onto this road
- Follow the sign for Tung Chung Road via Catchwater
Turn right and walk up the incline. Just before the road curves right, there is a trail heading into the woods with another sign for Tung Chung Road.
Follow the sign and enter the trail. This marks the start of the uphill section of the hike.
To the catchwater
The next 1 km is the most challenging section of the hike. And fortunately, it’s the only uphill section of the entire hike and is shaded all the way.
By the end of the climb, the trail gains approximately 125 metres in altitude. It starts off gradually with a few easy steps that are spaced far apart.
- The initial section is quite gentle
- The gradual climb with widely spaced steps
At the end of the steps, the trail runs on flat terrain for a short distance before approaching the next flight of steps.
- The flat trail is a welcome change after the steps
- Keep walking on Lantau Trail Section 11
I know I said that this is a very easy hike but try not to panic when you see the next flight of steps, which is much steeper!
Walk up carefully as the boulders aren’t particularly step-friendly and are very narrow.
- The steps are steep and narrow
- Probably the toughest section of the hike
Keep climbing as the steps gradually become less intense before the next flat section.
- Thankfully the whole section of the climb is shaded
- More steps to climb
Catch your breath as you walk on a flat trail because there is one more flight of steps to be conquered!
- The flat terrain after the second flight of steps
- More easy walking before the next flight of steps
- making our way up to the Catchwater on Lantau Trail Section 11
- Almost at the end of the climb
Fortunately, this is the final flight of steps on this section (and the entire hike) and it’s a shorter climb compared to the previous one.
At the end of the steps (at the L120 marker), turn left and continue walking on Lantau Trail.
This is the final stretch of this section and there is no more climbing.
- No more climbing from this point on
- Slowly making our way to Cheung Sha Beach
Continue walking on Lantau Trail, as it twists and turns till it reaches a small bridge over a catchwater drain.
Cross the bridge and follow the path to the left. Keep walking on the trail as it continues alongside the catchwater drain and emerges from the woods onto another, longer bridge.
- After the bridge, take the path on the left
- Continue following the trail
- The trail returns alongside the catchwater
Cross the bridge onto the paved road.
- And we’re almost out of the woods
- Follow the sign for Tung Chung Road
- Cross this bridge to enter the paved part of Lantau Trail Section 11
To Tsing Lung Stream
As you stand on the paved road, with a picnic garden on one side and the catchwater on the other side, take a moment to appreciate this beautiful area. And to also remind yourself that it’s an easy walk from here on out. No more climbing!
- Let the easy walk begin!
- View of the sea from the paved section
Not only is the trail easy but also very scenic and tranquil.
Continue walking on Lantau Trail Section 11 alongside the catchwater. The trail twists and turns along the contours of the hill, sometimes revealing views of the South China Sea and the hills above.
- What a lush and fun walk
- Sunset Peak in the distance
Keep walking for about 450 metres to the next bridge.
This bridge is built over the Tsing Lung Stream, which flows from one of the reservoirs next to stone cabins on Sunset Peak.
On one side you can admire Sunset Peak and on the other, the sea.
To Tung Chung Road
The next section of the hike continues on the same paved path of Lantau Trail Section 11. Just after the Tsing Lung Stream, there’s another picturesque picnic and seating area.
- Continue walking on the picturesque Lantau Trail Section 11
- The hike is quite enjoyable
The trail continues to meander at the base of Sunset Peak. The peak isn’t always visible thanks to the canopy of trees covering the path.
- The trail runs alongside the catchwater
- The trail along the catchwater
The flat and easy trail was perfect for our group as it gave everyone a chance to walk and talk on this scenic path.
There aren’t too many views along this section of the hike other than a few glimpses of Sunset Peak.
And after another 1 km of walking, you’ll arrive at Tung Chung Road, which connects South Lantau with Tung Chung.
It is possible to climb up the steps to the bus stop on Tung Chung Road from the trail. But to continue towards Chueng Sha Beach, walk under Tung Chung Road.
To the end of Lantau Trail Section 11
The next 1.5 km of the hike is a repeat of what you’ve already covered.
The paved trail continues to meander at the base of Lantau Peak now after having crossed Tung Chung Gap.
At this point, you’re also directly above Cheung Sha Beach. Unfortunately, no path from here directly connects with the beach below.
However, as you continue walking on the trail, the vegetation thins. And from certain sections of the trail, you can see Cheung Sha Beach below.
- The trail begins to lose shade
- Without the tree cover, it can become a little toasty
But even with fewer trees, the trail remains scenic with flowers and grassy patches.
- Keep it at – this section of the hike feels a bit long
- Without the trees on the side, there are better views
After just over a kilometre of walking, the trail reaches the Cheung Sha Service Reservoir and Treatment Works. Continue walking straight and don’t take the path going downhill.
- I loved these beautiful, tall trees along the trail
- Keep going straight
Just beyond that is a large park, with benches, tables, and a pavilion. The views of the South China Sea and the hills from this park are stunning!
- Kids playing at the park after the Cheung Sha Service Reservoir and Treatment Works
- This park is quite pretty and has amazing views!
Take a moment to enjoy the area and appreciate the views from here.
- Take a short break to appreciate the views from this park
- Taking a break at the park
- Appreciating the views at the back
- Gorgeous views of the South China Sea from up here
After that, walk past the pavilion and cross the bridge over the Fung Tai South Stream.
Just after the bridge, Lantau Trail Section 11 ends and splits into two. The path going straight is the start of Lantau Trail Section 10. But to reach Cheung Sha Beach, take the road going downhill to the left.
To South Lantau Road
After a slightly challenging climb and easy walk on Lantau Trail Section 11, it’s time to return to South Lantau Road.
This unnamed road connects South Lantau Road to Lantau Trail Sections 10 and 11. The road itself is quite steep, so exercise caution while descending.
Along the downhill walk, you can also admire beautiful views of the South China Sea, Chi Ma Wan Peninsula, and Cheung Sha Beach below.
- Gorgeous views of South China Sea
- Views of Chi Ma Wan Peninsula and Cheung Sha Village
Closer to the bottom, the views of the sea are swapped for views of the villas of Botanica Bay and Butterfly Crest.
And just around the next bend, this unnamed road merges with South Lantau Road.
To Upper Cheung Sha Beach
To continue towards Cheung Sha Beach, turn left onto South Lantau Road.
- Turn left onto South Lantau Road
- Keep walking on South Lantau Road
Keep walking for about 250 metres, past Cheung Fu Street and all the beautiful villas till you reach the Butterfly Crest bus stop.
- Walk past Cheung Fu Street and its villas
- Go past the Butterfly Crest bus stop
After the bus stop, walk for another 80 metres till you see a downhill path on the opposite side of the road.
Cross the road carefully, as there is no pedestrian crossing, and walk down the narrow path.
At the end of the path is Welcome Beach, a caravan camping site on Cheung Sha Beach.
Walk around the Welcome Beach premises to arrive at Cheung Sha Beach!
- And we’re finally here at Cheung Sha Beach!
- The soft sand of Cheung Sha Beach
Finish the hike
Cheung Sha Beach is the longest beach in Hong Kong, and it is divided into two, unequal parts – Upper Cheung Sha Beach and Lower Cheung Sha Beach.
Currently, you’re on Upper Cheung Sha Beach, the longer and quieter side.
Lower Cheung Sha Beach is where all the restaurants, cafés, and activities are located.
To reach Lower Cheung Sha Beach, turn left towards the headland, that divides the two beaches.
- Turn left towards Lower Cheung Sha Beach
- There’s a path behind the headland to Lower Cheung Sha Beach
There is a path at the back of the headland that connects the Upper and Lower Cheung Sha Beaches.
Once on the other side, take your pick of the restaurants. If you’re not sure, we have a few suggestions for restaurants on Lower Cheung Sha Beach.
Pui O to Cheung Sha on Lantau Trail Section 11
We hope you found our guide to the Pui O to Cheung Sha Beach Hike resourceful. At the end, it turned out to be a perfect hike for our group of friends with an awesome beer and pizza lunch on the beach!
Of course, there are plenty of hikes to pick from on Lantau Island. The two most famous ones are the Lantau Peak Hike and the Sunset Peak Hike.
But if you like to finish your hike on a beach, I highly recommend the Mui Wo to Pui O Hike via Lantau Trail Section 12.
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2 Comments
An adorable little hike that I really needed after a ‘hiking hiatus’ due to crazy work commitments!
As always, your directions were spot on! 😊
Thank you very much! And I like the way you described it as an adorable little hike. So true 🙂