Yearning for a quick weekend getaway with the family? You can never go wrong with a visit to Discovery Bay. Everything here, from the streets to architecture to the lifestyle, has a Southern European vibe to it. Yet, it also packs Hong Kong’s efficiency and modernity, creating a culturally unique community. Whether you’re here for a picnic or a beach day, you and your kids can fully relax and enjoy a “local Europe tour”.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Suggested Route: 1. Central Park > 2. White Chapel > 3. DB North Plaza > 4. Tak Pak Beach
Highlights: Discovery Bay is a culturally diverse community. Together with your kids, explore the charm of its Southern European-style architecture, immerse in the East-meets-West community and experience the beauty of its multicultural lifestyle. Get ready for an amazing family day ahead!
Picnic in Central Park for a European-like Lifestyle
Located on the northeastern tip of Lantau Island in Hong Kong, Discovery Bay is easily accessible by ferry from Central, or by bus from the airport, Tung Chung or Sunny Bay. If you’re visiting by bus, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful mix of modern apartments and low-rise European-style houses upon arrival. This curious blend of Chinese and Western architecture styles reflects the unique identity of this close-knit island community.
Take a leisurely stroll by the man-made lakefront in Central Park.
Alight at the residential building Greenland Court and go through Siena Avenue, then you’re just five minutes away from the Central Park. The first thing you’ll notice here is a vast expanse of greenery and its beautiful landscape design. There are also a man-made lake, fountains and waterfalls, as well as a number of outdoor recreational facilities. Take a walk along the verdant path and pick a comfortable spot on the lawn for a family picnic. Not a bad way to enjoy some family bonding time, especially in Discovery Bay’s unique East-meets-West environment.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a family picnic in the tranquil Central Park.
Wondering how you can get your kids excited about the picnic? We recommend getting them involved in the preparation work. From choosing the right picnic blanket and the food, to preparing the light meals and setting the plates, simply encourage them to help out. Having contributed to the preparation, they will enjoy a sense of ownership and even feel proud and excited about this experience.
Getting your children involved in the preparation will not only give them an unforgettable experience, but also develop their life skills and a sense of responsibility.
Tips: For those visiting Discovery Bay by ferry, once you’ve arrived at the pier, head to the DB Plaza Bus Terminus and take bus DB01R, DB03R or DB03P. Alight at the residential block Greenland Court then walk towards the Central Park.
(You may also educate your children on the concept of “traceless picnic”: take everything including the garbage with you when you leave, so that everything is just as they were before you arrived. While you’re at it, educate your children on the concept of green living by bringing your own reusable containers, cutlery and cups.)
Enter Hong Kong’s only Continental-style Waterfront Pavilion
From the Central Park, walk along Club Siena and you’ll spot a unique building in a distance. This peculiar building – quite a stunning architecture to behold – is Hong Kong's first triangular-shaped waterfront pavilion. The design of this building is a skilful blend of different modern aesthetics. Its pure white triangular design stands out in the European-style community, while its floor-to-ceiling windows brilliantly add to its charm and elegance.
The Pavilion can seat 100 people. Its façade features elegant patterns and is designed with clean lines.
The water feature by the Pavilion shows the beautiful reflection of the building, adding a stately elegance to the architecture. The unique waterfront Pavilion is definitely worth a visit with the family. Its design and architecture are something everyone will remember for years.
Snap a family photo by the Pavilion. This is truly one-of-a-kind backdrop in Hong Kong.
From the Pavilion, go through the Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong and you’re just a few minutes away from the DB North Plaza. Almost everywhere you go in Discovery Bay you’ll come across some interesting western architectural styles. From the distinctive Pavilion and Mediterranean-style hotel to the DB North Plaza that mimics a European town, this is a harmonious community that seamlessly blends the beautiful architecture with its surrounding nature.
Shop in the “European Town” – DB North Plaza
Located in the waterfront area of Yi Pak Wan, DB North Plaza is instantly recognisable by its Italian-style clock tower and water fountain. Lining both sides are various shops and eateries catering to different needs. If you want to simply enjoy your time there, the piazza also offers plenty of tables and seats with sun umbrellas.
The DB North Plaza is the epicentre of activities in Discovery Bay, offering plenty of shopping and dining options.
The bustling DB North Plaza is busy all year round, whether it’s the weekend or a weekday. Needless to say, it gets even busier during holidays and festivals when events often take place. But this onlyadds to the charm of this thriving neighbourhood, which is loved by Discovery Bay residents. It’s where they interact, mingle, and become part of the DB community.
D’Deck – Where Chinese and Western Cultures Come Together
Hop on a bus from the DB North Plaza, and you’ll be taken to the airy D’Deck in no time. Like the DB North Plaza, D’Deck is a vital hub for local residents. Discovery Bay is home to people from over 30 countries, making it a vibrant, multicultural community. The harmony among its diverse residents is what makes this small community truly remarkable. Whether they’re taking a stroll, walking their dogs, or simply chatting in the breezy piazza, residents here enjoy a slower pace of living that’s unlike anywhere else in Hong Kong.
D’Deck offers a great selection of shops, restaurants, and amenities that cater to the needs of all Discovery Bay residents. Many of the shops are independently run by residents who are always keen to chat about their love for the community. This human touch is perhaps what makes this multicultural community so lovable and liveable.
Shirley, the shop owner of Bloom Florist & Juice Bar, says, “Parents love to bring their kids to D’Deck to play. My kids are here all the time riding their bikes. This is the perfect setting for them to explore safely and freely.”
Long-term Discovery Bay resident Shirley, who has been living here for 18 years, runs a small shop in the neighbourhood. She says most of the people who visit her flower shop are expats, who she believes care more about festivities than the locals and are more inclined to buy flowers as gifts.
From D’Deck, take a short walk towards the waterfront, and you’ll arrive at another iconic destination: Tai Pak Beach.
Tai Pak Beach – Discovery Bay’s Harbourfront Haven
Take a stroll along Tai Pak Beach’s 400-metre-long stretch of soft white sand, which was all imported from Hainan in Mainland China. Not only is this Hong Kong’s first man-made beach, but it also comes with Hong Kong’s largest outdoor playground with tons of recreational amenities for families.
There are always events and different festivities on Tai Pak Beach during holidays. The most famous of them all? The Dragon Boat Festival and the family Easter egg hunt.
This scenic beach has become a leisure hotspot loved by tourists and residents alike. Some choose to sunbathe and bask in the warmth of the sun, while others are here for beach volleyball or simply to sweat it out. Some prefer swimming or soaking in the sea, while others enjoy quietly reading under the sun. Many parents also love to bring their children here to be close to nature and immerse themselves in their favourite beach activities.
We all know how kids love to build sand castles. Parents can pack a set of sand castle kit and create different sorts of sand sculptures with them.
At the end of Tai Pak Beach is a fully-equipped playground for children, featuring climbing frames, slides, a rope bridge, a zipline, and more. Kids can run wild while working on their body coordination and balance. Pack a tent and a couple of bubble guns for an afternoon of quality parent-child time.
Discovery Bay’s picturesque backdrop and Southern Europe-inspired architecture will transport you to a charming little European town. Whether it’s picnicking on the lawn, strolling through its community and various landmarks, or playing on Tai Pak Beach, Discovery Bay promises a relaxing time and a memorable family trip for everyone.
How to Get to Discovery Bay:
1. Take a ferry ride from Central Pier 3 to arrive directly at D’Deck, or
2. From MTR Tung Chung Station, take bus DB01R to arrive at D’Deck, or
3. From MTR Sunny Bay Station, take bus DB03R to arrive at D’Deck, or DB03P to DB North Plaza