Cheung Chau Island - The 14 Best Things To Do - Savvy in HK (2023)

Posted by Heather Ng | Dec 7, 2021 | Life

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, look no further than Cheung Chau Island. With its charming villages, pristine beaches, and abundance of activities, there’s something for everyone on this little slice of paradise. So, pack your sunscreen and water shoes, and check out this 14 must-dos on Cheung Chau Island!

Board the ferry at Central Pier 5 and get ready to explore this quaint fishing village.

The best things to do in Cheung Chau

1. Tung Wan Beach

What to do there?

• Relax at this beautiful beach
• Plus, there are plenty of options of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite.
• The best part? You don’t have to lug around giant umbrellas and collapsible chairs; there are rental places for that.
• Entertain your kids by pitching a tent or by building sandcastles out of the coarse golden sand. The only downside to Tung Wan Beach is that it can get a little crowded on the weekend.

How to get there?

• From the ferry pier, walk past the Chinese Banyan tree, love lock bridge, down the street littered with cafes and stores, and head to Tung Wan beach.
• Along the way, stop by Wellcome or 7-Eleven to stock up on drinks and snacks.

2. Kwun Yam Wan Beach on Cheung Chau Island

Prefer a quieter beach?

• If seclusion and quiet are more of your jam, we got you covered. Take a 5-minute walk down Tung Wan Beach, and you’ll find yourself on the tinier, peaceful shore of Kwun Yam Wan Beach.

• Find your perfect spot, kick your heels back and soak up the sun rays.

• There is an outdoor cafe at the beginning of Kwun Yam Wan Beach. The restaurant also runs a rental next door to rent water sports equipment such as kayaks and surfboards.

3. North Lookout Pavilion one of the best Cheung Chau attractions

What to do there?

• North Lookout Pavilion is the highest point of Cheung Chau. This spot allows tourists to marvel at the bird’s eye view of Cheung Chau and beyond.
• We recommend taking a scenic walk to the pavilion in the evening to catch the sunset.
• The glimmering golden rays reflecting against the waves in Tung Wah Beach are truly a spectacle to behold.

How to get there?

• Turn left from the ferry pier and walk along San Hing Praya Street.
• Turn left at the end of the road. Follow the signs to the North Lookout Pavilion. It is a 40-minute easy walk.

4. Cheung Chau rock carvings

What to do there?

• History nerds gather around! The Cheung Chau rock carvings are believed to date back to the Bronze Age.
• A closer look reveals geometric patterns that are similar to the rock carvings at Big Wave Bay.
• The ancient rock is protected from elements by a transparent glass enclosure.

How to get there?

• Located right below the Warwick Hotel on East Bay.

5. Cheung Po Tsai Cave

What to do there?

• This cave is named after the notorious 19th-century pirate Cheung Po Tsai, who commanded over 2000 men and 600 junks.
• Grab your kids for a treasure hunt! Legend has it that Cheung Po Tsai hid his loot right here in this cave!
• It gets dark inside, so remember to bring a small handheld torch or make sure your phone flashlight is all charged up.
• Also, a good pair of shoes is crucial to navigating the winding passages as the cave can get quite slippery!

How to get there?

• Turn right after alighting the ferry and enjoy the 20-minute scenic walk towards Sai Wan Tin Hau Temple.
• From the temple, walk up the hill, and after 10 minutes, you will find reach the cave.

6. Tin Hau & Pak Tai temple on Cheung Chau Island

What’s the scoop?

• Tin Hau and Pak Tai temples are revered among the locals.
• Marvel at the Chinese traditional designs, ceramic tiles, and stone sculptures of Chinese deities and dragons as you are transported into the past.

Pak Tai Temple:

• Pak She Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
• The Pak Tai temple is dedicated to Pak Tai, the God of the Sea and saint to the local fishing community and is the central location of the annual Bun Festival.

Tin Hau Temple:

• There are several Tin Hau temples on Cheung Chau, which aim to honor the Goddess of the Sea and serve as a patron saint to the local fishermen.
• One temple is located near Pak Tai Temple, another located north of Morning Beach, and the last one on the southwest of Cheung Chau.
• Fishermen often go to the temples to pray for protection and good fortune during their time out on the sea.

7. Cheung Chau windsurfing centre

What’s the scoop?

• Love taking on a challenge? Spend your day riding the waves in Kwun Yam Wan beach.
• There are many water sports to try out, and you can hire SUP boards, windsurfers, kayaks, and all the necessary equipment from Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre.
• Known locally as the island’s most famous resident, Lee Lai Gun, uncle to Olympic gold medalist Lee Lai Shan used to train with her on this very beach.
• Whether you are a seasoned veteran looking for lessons or a membership or a newbie trying out a new sport, Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre has something for you.
• If you feel hungry from all the exercise, there is a little waterfront cafe for you to take a breather.

Location?

• 1 Hak Pai Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong

8. Cheung Chau Island hike

What’s the scoop?

• There are plenty of hiking trails to do throughout Cheung Chau. Don’t fret! Each hiking trail is guaranteed to lead you to Cheung Chau’s well-known landmarks.
• Exploring the entire island will take approximately 4 hours.
• Those who aren’t so good at directions are rest assured that no matter which hiking trail you do, you won’t stray too far from the ferry pier.
• Furthermore, signs can be found in both English and Chinese in case you get lost.

9. Lovelock garden in Cheung Chau

What’s the scoop?

• You don’t have to fly all the way to Paris for a romantic getaway. Cheung Chau has its own Love Lock garden for lovers!
• Head down to the BnB Creative Workshop, cross the road for locks and inscribe a personal message with your SO. Secure your lock on the colorful wall as a memorandum of your love.
• Come back a few years later and see if you can locate it!

Location?

• Love Lock Garden, 80 Tung Wan Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong

10. Other beaches on Cheung Chau Island

What’s the scoop?

• Tung Wan Beach is popular as it is the closest beach to the ferry.
• However, if you’re willing to trek a little bit more, there are several other beaches, including Kwan-yin Wan Beach, Tai Kwai Wan, and Tung Wan Tsai beaches on the northern end of the island.
• Further away from tourists, these beaches are quieter and more secluded compared to their rowdy neighbors.

11. What do do in Cheung Chau? See the Cheung Chau bun festival

What’s the scoop?

• Legend has it that this festival dates back to the 18th century when the island was wrecked with plague and pirates.
• The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is celebrated in honor of the deity Pak Tai responsible for driving away evil spirits from this island.
• The annual festival takes place during the fourth lunar month and lasts for up to a week.
• The whole island turns vegetarian for two days. Thousands of visitors will flood to the island during the period to watch Taoist ceremonies, lion dances, and games.
• The highlight of the festival is a game involving its signature tower of buns.
• 12 participants selected from preliminary competitions will compete with each other to grab the bun on the top of the tower.

Editors note:

• The Cheung Chau Bun Festival has been discontinued to discourage gathering and reduce social contact due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Although the Bun festival is canceled, you can still visit bun tower exhibits, witness deities’ procession, lion dances, and eat the buns.

Location?

• Pak Tai Temple, Pak She Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong

12. Cheung Chau Staycation at Saiyuen Camping Adventure Park

What’s the scoop?

• If you have younger children, they will love spending the night at this adventure park
• There is so much to do from the beach right next door to the little goats running around, cooking classes, craft classes, and outdoor activities
• Adults will love it too; the accommodation is comfortable and you can enjoy a BBQ at night

Pro tip:

• Don’t book too many activities for the kids, they will have a lot of fun enjoying the open space

How to get there?

• If you’ve got kids and lots of stuff, take the Sanpan which you’ll find right next to the Ferry terminal (on your right as you leave the terminal).
• When you get off the Sanpan, it can be slightly confusing. Don’t turn right otherwise, you’ll be starting a short hike.
• Instead, veer towards the left and onto the main road. Once you’re on the main road, you’ll see a hill on your right. Walk up this hill towards the red gate of Saiyuen.

13. Eat street foood in Chueng Chau

Cheung Chau is not short of restaurants or cafes. However, there’s a certain charm for its street food sold across the ferry pier as well as on Tai San Praya Road. Enjoy famous street food around the world on this little island.

Here is our list of delicacies you absolutely HAVE to try out:

• Frozen watermelon slices
• Mango mochi
• Giant fishballs
• Red bean pastries
• Japanese style Taiyaki waffles

If you prefer local cuisine, walk along the main promenade to see the selection of seafood fresh from the boats. You will find:

• Stir-frying
• Roasting
• Deep-frying
• Braising

14. Try one of the hip cafes in Cheung Chau

There has been a trend of hip cafes popping up in Cheung Chau island. Whether you want to chill for some cold drip coffee or enjoy an exotic Scandinavian breakfast, Cheung Chau has almost every cuisine under the sun. Some of the more popular hip cafes are below.

Rainbow Cafe:

• Bear themed, get ready to find stuffed teddies all over the place!
• All-day breakfasts
• Sandwiches

Rainbow Café, G/F, 63 San Hing Praya Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/myrainbowcafe

Fresh Basil Pizza:

• Small pizza starting from $55 and large pizzas from $100

Fresh Basil Pizza, G/F, 19 Tai Hing Tai Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, www.fresh-basil-pizza.com

Heima Heima:

• Scandinavian inspired cafe
• Pastel decor
• Specialty: Scandinavian desserts
• Only open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays

Heima Heima, 25 Tsan Tuen Road, Cheung Chau, 6078 3417, facebook.com/heimaheimahk

Morocco’s Bar:

• Mostly Indian and Thai dishes

Morocco’s Bar, G/F, 71 Sun Hing Praya Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 2986 9767

The Outdoor Café:

• Next to Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre overlooking the beach
• Extensive wine and iced drinks menu, perfect for admiring the sunset
• Closed on Wednesdays

Valor:

• Specialty: ice drip coffee
• Hosts rotating art exhibitions

Valor, 4 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau, +852 6699 5892; facebook.com/valorcheungchau

FAQs about Cheung Chau things to do

Finally

Cheung Chau may seem like a sleepy town; however, a closer look reveals it to be a vibrant town full of life.

This island is perfect for a romantic getaway or a friends and family day out. It is up to you to set the pace.

Spend time lazing by the beach or plan a full day of cafe hopping and eating street food. Cheung Chau is truly a haven for foodies. Adrenaline-fueled adventure lovers can opt to partake in water sports, exploring caves, scenic trails, and temples rich in Chinese history and culture.

Take the weekend to explore this gem when you get the chance!

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