Beneath the shadow of the Ting Kau Bridge, Lido Beach stretches out before us. It’s a 200-meter strip of sand, nestled in the Ting Kau area of Hong Kong’s New Territories. Lido Beach isn’t just any beach. It’s a gazetted beach, meaning it’s overseen by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. They ensure the safety of swimmers during the summer months with lifeguard patrols. Imagine the scene in 1982. A brand new, two-story beach building opens its doors. Changing rooms, showers, and other facilities welcome beachgoers for the first time. This development coincided with a similar project at Kadoorie Beach. Lido Beach offers stunning views, not just of the nearby Tsing Ma Bridge, but also of its smaller neighbor, Casam Beach.
Lido Beach has a history etched in both triumph and near tragedy. In 1997, a landslide sent mud cascading down onto the beach, burying eight people, including two lifeguards. Miraculously, they all survived. The incident underscored the power of nature, but also the resilience of those who call this place home. Just a few years earlier, in 1995, shark attacks prompted the installation of protective nets at Lido Beach. This measure provided a sense of security, allowing visitors to enjoy the waters without fear. By 2003, two volleyball courts had been added. This transformed Lido Beach into a hub of activity, where sport and recreation meet the calming rhythm of the waves.
Lido Beach also faced an environmental challenge. In early 2003, the water quality took a downturn. This was an unexpected consequence of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 1. While HATS improved Victoria Harbour’s water quality overall, it inadvertently worsened conditions in the western area. Non-disinfected effluent from the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works was the culprit. Despite the closure, Lido Beach remained popular. Thousands still flocked to its shores between March and October of 2003. The Legislative Council’s Public Accounts Committee expressed serious concerns about the health risks posed by the water. They urged the government to take swift action to disinfect the effluent. Their voices were heard. Permanent disinfection facilities were built as part of HATS Stage 2. Water quality rebounded, leading to the official reopening of Lido Beach in 2011. Today, Lido Beach once again welcomes swimmers under the watchful eyes of lifeguards, a testament to its enduring appeal.