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Deep Water Bay
Deep Water Bay
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Deep Water Bay
Traditional Chinese深水灣
Simplified Chinese深水湾
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinShēnshuǐwān
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationSām séui wāan
JyutpingSam1 seoi2 waan1
Deep Water Bay Beach.
View of Brick Hill and Ocean Park across Deep Water Bay.

Deep Water Bay is a bay and residential area on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. The bay is surrounded by Shouson Hill, Brick Hill, Violet Hill and Middle Island. As per Forbes (July 2015), with 19 of the city's richest billionaires, it is reputed to be the "wealthiest neighborhood on earth".[1] The neighborhood is bordered on the east by Repulse Bay Road heading to the Island Road roundabout, on the south by Island Road facing toward Middle Island and Deep Water Bay, on the west by Deep Water Bay Road, and on the north by Deep Water Bay Road as it connects back toward Repulse Bay Road.

Beneath Violet Hill is Deep Water Bay Beach, one of many beaches of Hong Kong. The bay is reachable by Island Road, a road connecting Repulse Bay and Wong Chuk Hang.

Deep Water Bay is the landing point for SEA-ME-WE 3, TGN-IA and TVH submarine telecommunications cables.

History

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Originally, the bay was called Heong Kong Bay, as shown in a British map from 1841. A village with the name Hong Kong lay to its north in what is now Shouson Hill, which can still be seen in a map from 1845, when the bay was already known under the name Deep Water Bay.[2]

At the time of the 1911 census, the population of Deep Water Bay was only 8.[3]

Deep Water Bay Beach

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Less known to tourists than the adjacent Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay Beach is nonetheless very popular among local people. Seaview Promenade, on the east side of Deep Water Bay, connects it with Repulse Bay via a path which allows joggers and walkers alike to exercise alongside the seashore while admiring the stunning sea view. On the west side, Mills & Chung Path connects Deep Water Bay with Wong Chuk Hang.

Changing rooms, shower facilities and barbecue pits are available under the management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Deep Water Bay residential area

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Deep Water Bay is among the most exclusive residential areas of Hong Kong as per Forbes and Forbes Life. Nineteen of the city's richest billionaires reside within the area, amongst them a net aggregate worth of $123 billion (as of August 2015). Its residents have included property, casino, shipping and oil tycoons including Li Ka Shing, Cheng Yu-tung, Joseph Lau, Robert Kuok and Lui Che Woo. All of the Kwok brothers live within Deep Water Bay, as well as the e-commerce tycoon, Joseph Tsai.[4]

Prominent addresses in Deep Water Bay are: Repulse Bay Road (section only before the Island Road roundabout facing Deep Water Bay numbers 1 through 67, and numbers 2 through 44); Island Road (numbers 2 through 52); and Deep Water Bay Road.

Education

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Deep Water Bay is in Primary One Admission (POA) School Net 18. Within the school net are multiple aided schools (operated independently but funded with government money) and Hong Kong Southern District Government Primary School.[5]

Conservation

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Deep Water Bay Valley was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2008.[6][7]

Transportation

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Buses No. 6A, 6X or 260 from Central's Exchange Square, 65 from North Point Ferry, 73 from Cyberport & Aberdeen, 973 from Tsim Sha Tsui and green minibuses 40 and 52 have stops at Deep Water Bay.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Deep Water Bay is a bay and upscale residential enclave situated on the southern shore of , , between Ocean Park and . Flanked by headlands, it encompasses a well-maintained public renowned for its golden sands, clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere, making it one of the city's most popular swimming spots. The Deep Water Bay Beach, managed by the , spans along Island Road and provides extensive facilities for visitors, including changing rooms, showers, toilets, a kiosk, 35 pits, a , and self-service storage cages. services operate year-round, with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and public holidays during June to August within the peak summer season (April to October), and the beach is equipped with shark prevention nets for . is generally graded as "Good" annually since 1999, usually achieving Grade 1 status during bathing seasons (occasionally Grade 2 or 3), and was Grade 1 as of November 2025, ensuring suitability for swimming. Historically, the area formed part of a network of fishing and farming villages on Hong Kong's South Side, with a small population recorded in nearby Tai Tam (20 people) during the 1841 British census following colonization. Development accelerated in the late with the establishment of the in 1898 within the lush valley behind the bay, serving as a social hub for the colonial elite, while improved road access in the spurred beach enhancements and residential growth. As of 2015, Deep Water Bay was reported as one of the world's wealthiest neighborhoods, with three streets housing 19 of Hong Kong's richest individuals—collectively worth $123 billion—including tycoons like (who continues to reside there as of 2025). It remains an upscale area known for affluent residents amid superior air quality and green surroundings.

Geography and Environment

Location and Physical Features

Deep Water Bay is situated on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island, forming a sheltered coastal inlet within the Southern District. The bay lies between Wong Chuk Hang to the northwest and Repulse Bay to the southeast, with the adjacent Deep Water Bay valley extending inland from the shoreline. This positioning places it along the exposed southern coastline, influenced by the open waters of the South China Sea. The bay is bordered by Shouson Hill (148 m) and Brick Hill (282 m) to the west, and by Violet Hill (436 m) to the east, which forms part of the higher ridgeline connecting to the Tai Tam Country Park. Offshore, Middle Island serves as a small promontory approximately 0.5 kilometers from the mainland, partially enclosing the bay and contributing to its protected nature. The surrounding topography features a narrow valley that drains southward into the bay, linking it continuously to Repulse Bay via a low-lying corridor along Island Road. Geologically, the area is underlain by rocks of the Repulse Bay Volcanic Group, comprising primarily rhyolitic tuffs, lavas, and pyroclastic deposits from Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous volcanic activity, which have shaped the rugged hills and coastal landforms. Hydrologically, Deep Water Bay experiences mixed semi-diurnal tides characteristic of Hong Kong's southern coastal waters, with a typical tidal range of 1.5 to 2.5 meters that drives strong mixing and circulation in the shallow nearshore environment. The water depth in the bay increases rapidly offshore, reaching sufficient depths to accommodate submarine cable landings without extensive dredging; notable systems include the SEA-ME-WE 3 (connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe), TGN-IA (Intra-Asia), and TVH (Thailand-Vietnam-Hong Kong) telecommunications cables, which terminate at the Deep Water Bay Cable Landing Station. Ecologically, the bay and its valley support a riparian ecosystem centered on the Deep Water Bay Stream, designated as an ecologically important stream that sustains diverse aquatic and terrestrial habitats, including forested areas with mature native trees and wetland features vital for local biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts

In 2008, the Deep Water Bay Valley was designated as a (SSSI) by the government to safeguard its ecological value, covering approximately 4.2 hectares of natural and features along an ecologically important . This designation prohibits development that could harm the site's , focusing on the preservation of mature native trees such as Ficus microcarpa and Machilus chekiangensis, as well as dense that supports overwintering like those in the Danaine family. The SSSI plays a vital role in Hong Kong's broader conservation framework by protecting freshwater habitats that harbor diverse local flora and fauna, including a variety of aquatic species in the stream such as the Chinese minnow (Zacco platypus) and (Oryzias sinensis), alongside woodland birds and that contribute to regional corridors on . These efforts align with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department's initiatives to maintain ecological balance amid urban pressures, ensuring the valley serves as a refuge for species reliant on subtropical and forest ecosystems. Submarine cables landing at Deep Water Bay, such as the VSNL Intra system, incorporate environmental safeguards during installation and maintenance to minimize impacts on the bay's marine ecology. These include mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) under the Environmental Protection Department, route planning to avoid sensitive benthic habitats, and burial of cables using ploughing or jetting techniques to depths of up to 1.5 meters in soft sediments, reducing disturbance to . Post-lay inspections with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) verify proper placement and monitor recovery, while armoring in shallow waters protects against gear without altering coastal habitats; maintenance repairs follow similar protocols to limit sediment resuspension and ensure compliance with Hong Kong's standards.

History and Development

Early Settlement

Deep Water Bay's early settlement was characterized by sparse human activity centered around the fishing village of Hong Kong Wai, situated to the north in the area now known as Shouson Hill. Upon the British occupation in 1841, a colonial recorded approximately 200 residents in Hong Kong Wai, describing it as a substantial community that contributed to the region's maritime livelihood. The village's name, meaning "Hong Kong Enclosure," is thought to have influenced the broader naming of the island, possibly linked to the local trade in fragrant wood used for incense. In the British colonial period, Deep Water Bay primarily functioned as a landing point for maritime endeavors. This strategic role underscored the bay's importance for early colonial logistics, though remained minimal. The 1911 census further illustrates this sparsity, emphasizing the area's limited development beyond fishing and navigational uses at the time. Development in the area began to accelerate in the late with of the in 1898 in the lush valley behind the bay, which served as a for the colonial elite.

Modern Residential Growth

Following , Deep Water Bay underwent significant transformation as Hong Kong's economy rapidly expanded, leading to the development of upscale residential properties along key roads such as Road, Island Road, and Deep Water Bay Road starting in the 1950s. Early examples include multi-story residences like 39 Island Road, with occupation commencing in December 1951, marking the shift from rural fishing villages to an exclusive enclave for affluent residents. This post-war growth was driven by Hong Kong's industrial boom and increasing demand for luxury waterfront living, solidifying the area's status as a prestigious neighborhood. By the 2010s, Deep Water Bay had earned international acclaim for its extraordinary wealth concentration, with recognizing it in 2015 as the "wealthiest neighborhood on earth." The publication highlighted three primary streets—Deep Water Bay Road, Island Road, and Pollock’s Path—as home to 19 of Hong Kong's richest individuals, boasting a combined of $123 billion. This recognition underscored the area's evolution into a global symbol of elite residency, attracting tycoons from sectors like and . Recent years have seen continued expansion of high-end housing, exemplified by the launch of Deep Water Pavilia in May 2025 by as part of The Southside project in nearby . The development, featuring luxury sea-view apartments overlooking Deep Water Bay, achieved immediate success with the sale of 17 units via tender on its debut day, generating over HK$1 billion in revenue. This project reflects ongoing demand for premium properties in the vicinity, further enhancing the enclave's appeal amid Hong Kong's competitive real estate market.

Residential Area

Housing and Real Estate

Deep Water Bay's housing landscape is dominated by standalone mansions and low-rise villas, which cater to affluent buyers seeking privacy and expansive living spaces. These properties typically feature multiple bedrooms, private gardens, and amenities such as swimming pools, with many designed for large families. For instance, developments like 39 Deep Water Bay Road offer hillside villas with five bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, and roof terraces, emphasizing spacious interiors up to several thousand square feet. Waterfront lots along Island Road represent some of the area's most coveted , characterized by gated communities of or standalone homes with direct bay access. Properties here, such as those in 37 Island Road—a 2009-completed enclave of four four-storey townhouses—include podium-level landscaped gardens and private pools, often spanning over 5,000 square feet per unit. In contrast, hillside properties on Deep Water Bay Road provide elevated views and larger plots, appealing to buyers prioritizing seclusion over direct water proximity. Recent developments have introduced high-end apartments to diversify the market, exemplified by Deep Water Pavilia, a luxury project in the nearby Southern District offering 447 units in three- and four-bedroom configurations. Launched in 2025 as Phase 5A of The Southside, it features modern amenities like a grand clubhouse and panoramic views, targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals with starting prices reflecting the area's prestige. The real estate market in 2025 has shown signs of cooling amid broader trends, with luxury sales indicating downward pressure on prices. A notable transaction involved the sale of a at 37 Island Road for HK$538 million (approximately US$69 million) in June 2025, marking a loss for the developer and underscoring reduced buyer premiums in the segment. Despite this, select projects like Deep Water Pavilia achieved strong initial sales, generating over HK$1 billion from 17 units shortly after launch, highlighting resilience in new ultra-luxury offerings. Overall, average prices per square foot in Deep Water Bay remain elevated, often exceeding HK$20,000, but transaction volumes reflect cautious market sentiment.

Notable Residents and Wealth

Deep Water Bay has long been synonymous with Hong Kong's elite, serving as the residence for several prominent billionaires whose fortunes stem primarily from sectors such as , technology, and diversified conglomerates. , Hong Kong's wealthiest individual with a net worth exceeding $35 billion as of 2025, has resided at 79 Deep Water Bay Road since 1963, a three-story mansion originally purchased by his late wife for HK$650,000 that remains the family's primary home despite recent unfounded rumors of its sale. Similarly, Alibaba co-founder , whose wealth from e-commerce and investments totals around $15 billion, maintains a residence in the area, including a lease on properties in Deep Water Bay signed in 2021 for approximately HK$8.31 million annually. Other notable figures include Malaysian billionaire , with a fortune of over $12 billion derived from hotels, commodities, and shipping, who resides in Deep Water Bay on . The area's exclusivity is underscored by its concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, particularly in finance, tech, and real estate, where residents' collective influence shapes Hong Kong's economic landscape. In 2015, three streets in Deep Water Bay housed 19 of the city's richest people, boasting an aggregate net worth of $123 billion, a figure that highlighted its status as one of the world's wealthiest neighborhoods. This profile persists, with tycoons like Chinese businessman Pan Sutong—who purchased a 13,854-square-foot mansion there in 2017 for HK$2.1 billion ($322 million), one of the decade's priciest residential deals globally, though his wealth has since declined amid real estate challenges—contributing to the enclave's prestige. Such concentrations contribute to the enclave's prestige, attracting global elites who value its privacy, waterfront views, and proximity to central business districts. Since 2015, resident wealth in Deep Water Bay has shown resilience amid Hong Kong's volatile markets, including property slumps tied to trade tensions, protests, and geopolitical shifts, yet the area's appeal to billionaires has endured with steady high-value transactions. For instance, a six-bedroom home at House 7 sold for HK$860 million ($111 million) in , reflecting sustained demand despite broader economic pressures that led to deal cancellations like a HK$251 million withdrawal in 2019. By 2025, the collective of Hong Kong's top 50 tycoons, many of whom reside in or near Deep Water Bay, reached $301 billion, a modest increase from $296 billion the prior year, signaling stabilization in elite wealth even as global tech and finance sectors fluctuated. This evolution reinforces the neighborhood's role as a bastion for Asia's economic powerhouses, with no major exodus of prominent residents reported.

Beach and Recreation

Beach Facilities

Deep Water Bay Beach features a 400-meter-long sandy stretch on the southern shore of , managed by the (LCSD). The beach maintains a "Good" annual ranking since 1999, with seasonal gradings typically achieving Grade 1 during bathing periods from 2022 to 2024, based on low E. coli levels that support safe recreational use. Key amenities include changing rooms, outdoor showers, toilets, a kiosk, and 35 barbecue pits, catering to visitors seeking convenience during their stay. Safety features such as a beach raft, , services during peak seasons, and a lookout tower enhance the operational management of the site. These facilities are regularly maintained and fully operational. Access to the beach is facilitated by the Seaview Promenade on the eastern end, providing a paved waterfront path to nearby , and the Mills & Chung Path on the western side, offering a scenic trail connection from Ocean Park. The beach enjoys popularity among local residents for activities like swimming in its calm waters, sunbathing on the fine sands, and family-oriented picnics at the barbecue areas, distinguishing it as a quieter, community-focused alternative to the more tourist-oriented .

Environmental Challenges

In September 2025, Deep Water Bay faced ecological disruptions from acute incidents, including a sewage pipe rupture triggered by Super Typhoon Ragasa on September 26, which led to the temporary closure of the beach to prevent health risks from untreated wastewater entering the bay. The Drainage Services Department (DSD) suspended operations of a damaged section of the 450 mm diameter pressurized sewage rising main near Mills and Chung Path, diverting flows to emergency treatment facilities at Repulse Bay to mitigate further pollution. Emergency repairs were completed swiftly, and water quality tests allowed the beach to reopen on September 28, 2025, after confirming safe levels, though advisories urged caution due to potential residual contamination. These events exemplify broader impacts of on the area, particularly "climate whiplash"—rapid shifts between patterns that exacerbate coastal vulnerabilities. Super Typhoon Ragasa, with winds reaching 260 km/h and record storm surges, not only caused the sewage incident but also intensified along Hong Kong's southern shores, stripping protective sand layers and exposing underlying structures to future wave action. Such extremes have degraded through increased runoff of sediments and pollutants, leading to algal blooms and reduced marine biodiversity in enclosed bays like Deep Water Bay, where circulation is limited. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) conducts ongoing monitoring of beach water quality, releasing annual grading reports based on E. coli levels and other indicators to assess public safety. In the November 2025 grading, Deep Water Bay Beach was downgraded from Grade 1 (Good) to Grade 2 (Fair), reflecting post-typhoon fluctuations but remaining suitable for under normal conditions, with warnings to avoid the area for 72 hours after heavy rain. This monitoring framework supports mitigation efforts, such as enhanced infrastructure resilience, to address recurring threats from intensified typhoon activity.

Education and Community

School System

Deep Water Bay falls under Primary One Admission (POA) School Net 18, administered by the , which encompasses the entire Southern District of , including areas such as , , , and Stanley. This net facilitates the allocation of places through a centralized system, where residents are prioritized for admission to designated schools within the via discretionary places (typically 50% of intake) and central allocation for the remainder. Local primary education in the net is served by a mix of government and aided schools, with the Southern District Government Primary School (school code 536989) located in as a key public option, offering co-educational instruction in a government-funded setting. Other aided institutions, such as SKH Chi Fu Chi Nam Primary School in and Pui Tak Canossian Primary School in , provide additional choices emphasizing small-class teaching and religious affiliations where applicable. For residents seeking international curricula, several elite institutions are situated nearby, including South Island School in (part of the , offering IB programs) and Hong Kong International School's Tai Tam campus, which provide tailored to and affluent local families. Educational policies under the POA system ensure zoning access for Deep Water Bay residents to net schools, while international options operate independently with open admissions, often favored by the area's elite due to its affluent demographic.

Demographic Overview

Deep Water Bay, a compact residential enclave on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island, recorded a population of 1,529 in the 2021 Population Census conducted by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department. This figure reflects its status as a low-density area, characterized by expansive private estates and villas that accommodate fewer residents compared to more urbanized districts. The census area encompasses approximately 309 private residential units, underscoring the exclusivity and spacious layout of the neighborhood. The socioeconomic profile of Deep Water Bay is markedly affluent, with residents benefiting from elevated income levels typical of the broader Southern District. The median monthly domestic household income in Southern District stood at HK$36,000 in 2024, surpassing the Hong Kong-wide median of HK$30,000. This wealth is evident in the area's appeal to high-net-worth individuals, including a concentration of billionaires; as of , three streets in Deep Water Bay housed 19 of Hong Kong's richest residents, with a combined exceeding $123 billion. The community features a blend of local Chinese families and expatriates, drawn to the serene, beachfront lifestyle and proximity to and amenities. No comprehensive has been conducted since , leaving a data gap for more recent demographic shifts up to 2025; the next full is scheduled for 2026. Inferences from trends suggest population stability or modest growth among affluent segments, as the luxury housing market has rebounded strongly, with premium projects like Deep Water Pavilia attracting high-income buyers amid rising demand for exclusive properties. Overall, the area's demographics emphasize quality over quantity, fostering a tight-knit of professionals and families in a setting of significant economic disparity from Hong Kong's denser urban cores.

Transportation and Access

Public Transit Options

Public transit in Deep Water Bay primarily relies on franchised bus services operated by Citybus, providing connections to central districts and , along with green minibus routes for local feeder services. These options integrate well with the network, allowing transfers at key stations such as Admiralty on the Island Line. Citybus routes 6A and 6X run from Central (Exchange Square) via Admiralty to Stanley, stopping at Deep Water Bay along Island Road. Route 6A operates daily with frequencies of 10-15 minutes during peak hours (6:50 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), while 6X provides express service every 10-22 minutes on weekdays and 12-19 minutes on weekends, bypassing some intermediate stops for faster travel. Fares to Deep Water Bay are approximately HK$7.90 via , with journey times of 15-20 minutes from Admiralty. For cross-harbour access, Citybus route 973 connects (Mody Road) to Stanley Market, passing through Deep Water Bay after crossing the Western Harbour Tunnel. This route runs every 15-30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 10:05 p.m. on weekdays, with section fares to Deep Water Bay at HK$6.40 and full journey times around 60-75 minutes. Additionally, route 260 offers an express alternative from Central to Stanley via the Aberdeen Tunnel, stopping at Deep Water Bay with frequencies of 10-15 minutes during peak periods and fares of HK$9.40 to the area. Green minibus routes 40 and 52 serve as local feeders, linking Deep Water Bay to nearby areas like and Stanley. Route 40 travels from through Deep Water Bay to Stanley Village, operating daily with variable frequencies of 3-15 minutes based on demand, and section fares from Deep Water Bay to at HK$12.40. Route 52 runs from Shek Pai Wan () via Deep Water Bay to , with full fares of HK$10.10 and sections from Deep Water Bay to Stanley at HK$6.50, typically every 10-20 minutes. These services use fixed routes and accept payments, enhancing connectivity for residents to MTR stations like Ocean Park on the .

Road Infrastructure

Deep Water Bay is primarily accessed via Deep Water Bay Road, which extends from in the north, providing a direct route through the residential enclave and connecting to key intersections with Wong Nai Chung Gap Road and Nam Fung Road. This road serves as the main arterial link for vehicles entering the area from Island, facilitating access to luxury waterfront properties and amenities along its length. Further connectivity is provided by , which links Deep Water Bay eastward toward Stanley and offers an alternative entry point from the vicinity, allowing seamless travel along the southern coastline. Complementing these, Island Road runs parallel to the waterfront, directly serving properties overlooking Deep Water Bay and bridging with for efficient local circulation. Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure includes the Seaview Promenade, a scenic coastal pathway that connects Deep Water Bay Beach to Repulse Bay Beach over approximately 1.5 kilometers, promoting recreational walking and biking with unobstructed sea views. This promenade integrates with broader trail networks, such as the Tai Tam Country Trail, via adjacent paths like those near Shouson Hill, enabling extended hikes from urban trails into the bay's shoreline environment. In 2025, infrastructure resilience was tested by Super Typhoon Ragasa in September, which damaged a pressurized rising main near Mills and Chung Path, temporarily restricting beach access and necessitating emergency repairs that involved localized road disruptions along Island Road adjacent to the Deep Water Bay . The Drainage Services Department completed these repairs by late September, restoring full access while highlighting ongoing enhancements to coastal infrastructure for typhoon-prone areas.

References

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