Repulse Bay

The origin of the bay's English name is uncertain. A popular story connects it with the Royal Navy repulsing pirates in the 1840s, and another with a ship called HMS Repulse, but historians have found no record to support either; the name appears on a British map in 1845. In the early 20th century the area became a fashionable resort: the Hong Kong Golf Club opened nearby in 1898, and the Kadoorie family built the Repulse Bay Hotel in 1920. The hotel was used as a military hospital by Japanese forces during the Second World War and was later demolished in stages in the 1970s and 1980s.

The shoreline temple to Tin Hau and Kwun Yam reflects the long connection of Hong Kong's coastal communities with the sea goddess, whom fishermen traditionally asked for protection.

On summer weekends Repulse Bay fills with families, groups of friends and domestic helpers enjoying their day off, while early mornings belong to regular swimmers and walkers. The temple at the end of the beach is visited by worshippers who leave offerings and make wishes, and the hillside above is one of the city's most sought-after residential areas.