Hundreds flock to Sai Kung’s Ham Tin Beach during the Golden Week holiday


Hundreds of people descended on Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on Saturday, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China.

Ham Tin Beach on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The tranquil spot is one of several Hong Kong attractions that have gained popularity on mainland Chinese social media platforms in recent months, sparking concerns about overcrowding and environmental damage.

See also: Tourists flock to Hong Kong countryside as city records 600,000 arrivals in first 2 days of Golden Week

Ham Tin Beach on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

When HKFP visited Ham Tin Beach on Saturday afternoon, there were about 200 people, most of whom were mainland tourists. They were seen setting up tents, while some of them were cooking and eating food.

Tourists cook at Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Tourists cook at Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A man relaxes at Ham Tin Beach on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A man relaxes at Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Burning branches suggested that some had started fires on the beach. There were also cigarette butts and other debris.

Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Cigarette butts left on Ham Tin Beach on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Cigarette butts left on Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Officers from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (AFCD) patrolled the area and asked visitors to get behind themselves.

Tents are erected at Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Tents are erected at Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Environmental NGO Greenpeace, which has called on authorities to do more to protect against overcrowding and ecological damage in Hong Kong’s countryside, has criticized the government’s measures. as it lacks prevention.

Ham Tin Beach on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Tents erected at Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Tents erected at Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on May 2, 2026, the second day of the Labor Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Maintaining freedom of the press; keep HKFP free for all readers supporting our team

Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | CONTACT | Bulletin | Transparency and Annual Report | Applications

Make one one time donation.
Google Play hkfp
hkfp apple app
hkfp payment methods


Kyle Lam

Kyle Lam is a graduate of Hong Kong Baptist University who has worked as a photojournalist and reporter since 2013. His work has been published by HK01, European Pressphoto Agency, Bloomberg and Ming Pao. Lam is the recipient of several awards from the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association and the Human Rights Press Awards.

More from Kyle Lam



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *