Honestly, the sight might disappoint you at first glance. Cheung Sha Lan may appear as just another beach. Yet it is the longest beach in Hong Kong.
Cheung Sha Lan is located on Lantau Island. This rural area lies on the south coast. It sits between Tong Fuk and San Shek Wan. Its most notable feature is Cheung Sha Beach.
Cheung Sha Beach actually comprises two beaches. They are separated by a rocky outcropping. These are Lower Cheung Sha Beach and Upper Cheung Sha Beach. Upper Cheung Sha Beach is still the longest beach in Hong Kong.
In the mid-20th century, the South Lantau Road was built. It passes through Cheung Sha. This road provided access to the new reservoir at Shek Pik. Cheung Sha is largely undeveloped and retains a rural feel.
There are two small villages in Cheung Sha. These are Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen and Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen. They translate to Cheung Sha Lower Village and Cheung Sha Upper Village. These villages are recognized under the New Territories Small House Policy.
The Hong Kong Government has holiday bungalows for its employees at Cheung Sha.
In January 2016, the Lantau Development Advisory Committee proposed changes. They suggested building spas, resort hotels, and a wedding center at Cheung Sha. This was part of a larger plan to develop Lantau Island. The plan aimed to increase its population significantly.
Advocacy groups criticized the proposals. They saw them as destructive urban sprawl. They believed it would rely on more unnecessary infrastructure projects.
Cheung Sha Lan faces a modern challenge. Marine pollution impacts its beauty. In 2018, Plastic Free Seas organized a cleanup event. Volunteers gathered to remove trash from Cheung Sha Lan Beach. The goal was to educate people about plastic marine pollution. Participants learned solutions to reduce their plastic footprint. The event included a ferry trip from Central Pier No. 3 to Discovery Bay. Participants wore sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. They also brought reusable water bottles. Ticket proceeds were donated to Plastic Free Seas. The funds supported beach cleanup costs. They also helped fund education programs in Hong Kong schools.
So, next time you visit Cheung Sha Lan. Remember its history and its ongoing battle against pollution. Take a moment to appreciate its natural beauty. Consider how you can help preserve it.