Kwun Yam Beach, Public bathing beach in Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
Kwun Yam Beach is a 100-metre gazetted bathing beach on the east coast of Cheung Chau, facing Kwun Yam Wan and managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Its water is rated Grade 1 by the Environmental Protection Department. Behind the sand are changing rooms, showers, toilets, a water sports centre and a light refreshment kiosk.
The beach opened to the public in 1971 as an officially recognized bathing location, establishing its status as a protected recreational area in Hong Kong. This development reflected the growing popularity of Cheung Chau as a destination for water activities.
The name Kwun Yam refers to the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism. The beach is also known as Afternoon Beach. It is one of the two gazetted beaches on Cheung Chau, alongside Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, and is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Kwun Yam Beach is reached on foot from Cheung Chau's ferry pier via the island's walking paths, and it sits just south of the larger Tung Wan Beach. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages the site and provides changing rooms, showers, toilets, a water sports centre and a light refreshment kiosk. Its water is rated Grade 1 by the Environmental Protection Department.
Kwun Yam Beach was the home base of windsurfer Lee Lai-shan, who won Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games. The beach's water sports centre still runs windsurfing courses, and the local windsurfing club traces its training tradition to her era.
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