Whether you’re an elite swimmer or simply looking for a place to relax in the sun, Hong Kong is brimming with incredible pools. The Chinese Special Administrative Region’s urban waters are just as stunning as its towering skyscrapers, making them perfect for an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing. From luxury hotel pools overlooking Victoria Harbour to public swimming complexes with a view of the city’s skyline, here are some of the best places to cool off in Hong Kong this summer.
The largest municipal pool in the world was built on a trapezoidal/triangular piece of land along the harbor in the heart of a densely packed city known as “the most vertical place in the world.” This unique design took eight years to come to fruition, but when it opened to the public in February this year, the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool (Jian Ni Di Cheng You Yong Chi) was more than worth the wait. The pool is a dazzling, swooping complex designed by Terry Farrell and Partners to take full advantage of its stunning location with views of the Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Bay, and the Hong Kong Island skyline. The building itself was crafted from zinc to minimize glare and maintain a consistent color, and is the first pool in Asia to use a translucent insulated tensile membrane (Tensotherm) roof.
Swimming is an integral part of life in Hong Kong and is often used for exercise, recreation, and competitions. However, the coronavirus restrictions have kept many swimmers out of the water. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has said that it is unlikely that all public beaches and pools will reopen before summer. It has tried to address the problem by offering higher salaries to seasonal lifeguards and recruiting them on two-year contracts, but the number of lifeguards remains low.
Thankfully, there are still some awesome public swimming pools around, from the scenic Hammer Hill to the mega water play area in Tseung Kwan O. With a main pool, a teaching pool, and one designed specifically for toddlers, this destination pool is ideal for families with kids of all ages.
If you’re a resident of a large residential development with several towers, chances are that the complex has its own pool. Smaller single-tower developments may only have a small outdoor pool that’s too short for swimming laps, but it’s great for children to splash around in and burn off some energy.
If you’re staying at the Four Seasons, this is a must-see on any Hong Kong bucket list. The pool offers a luxurious infinity view of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline, making it the perfect spot to soak up some sunshine and enjoy the scenery. Non-hotel guests can access the pool on weekdays for a few hours with a pass, which includes entry to the hotel’s other facilities. Be sure to check with each hotel for their policies before planning your visit.