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 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.
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.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.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.
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 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.
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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.