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.
Table of Contents
1 The best things to do in Cheung Chau
2 1. Tung Wan Beach
3 2. Kwun Yam Wan Beach on Cheung Chau Island
4 3. North Lookout Pavilion one of the best Cheung Chau attractions
5 4. Cheung Chau rock carvings
6 5. Cheung Po Tsai Cave
8 7. Cheung Chau windsurfing centre
9 8. Cheung Chau Island hike
10 9. Lovelock garden in Cheung Chau
11 10. Other beaches on Cheung Chau Island
12 11. What do do in Cheung Chau? See the Cheung Chau bun festival
13 12. Cheung Chau Staycation at Saiyuen Camping Adventure Park
14 13. Eat street foood in Chueng Chau
15 14. Try one of the hip cafes in Cheung Chau
16 FAQs about Cheung Chau things to do
17 How long is the ferry to Cheung Chau Island?
18 How many islands are there in Hong Kong?
19 How do you get to Cheung Chau?
20 How do you get around Cheung Chau?
21 Accommodation on Cheung Chau?
22 Finally
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.
(Video) LONDON to HONGKONG Flight / Makan Tidur selama 12 jamFind 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
How long is the ferry to Cheung Chau Island?
There is an option of a 35-minute ferry or a 55-minute ferry. Our tip is to board the 35-minute ferry to get there speedily, but if you’re prone to seasickness, opt for the normal 55-minute ferry for a smoother ride. Grab window seats in the express ferry to enjoy the view or lounge in the open deck for a longer ride.
How many islands are there in Hong Kong?
There are more than 260 islands in Hong Kong. However, due to the fame of the annual Bun Festival, Cheung Chau has become the most popular of all the islands.
How do you get to Cheung Chau?
Cheung Chau is easily accessible by ferry from Central. Board the ferry to this quaint fishing village from Central Pier 5.
How do you get around Cheung Chau?
Walk! Or rent a bike for as little as $50 a day if you want to zip around quicker. Bikes come with baskets and locks for you to keep your possessions safe. Whether you want to head to the beach or visit the caves, it is all a bike ride away!
Accommodation on Cheung Chau?
Want to spend more time on this island? We got you covered.
1. Warwick Hotel: Check out Warwick Hotel for a 3-star night stay away from the city. This pet-friendly hotel also caters to pooch-friendly amenities. Score!
Cheung Chau Warwick Hotel, East Bay, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, www.warwickhotel.com.hk
2. B&B Cheung Chau: Located right next to Tung Wan Beach, this B&B is just a short walk away. Perfect for those who want to spend time loads of time on the beach.
3. Lychee Sunset Hotel: Located just 5 minutes away from the pier, Lychee Sunset Hotel is super convenient. Get a drink and watch the sunset from the terrace.
Lychee Sunset Hotel, 94-95 Lai Chi Yuen, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 2986 9992, WhatsApp: 9727 1792, info@lycheehotel.hk, lycheehotel.hk
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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FAQs
What is special about Cheung Chau? ›
Cheung Chau Hong Kong is a typical historic fishing village. It is famous for its seafood fare. A lot of people come here, especially for its food. The food is a mixture of traditional dishes like fish balls, Cantonese Dim Sum and modern dishes alike.
How long does it take to go to Cheung Chau? ›There are two types of boats that run between Hong Kong and Cheung Chau: the fast ferry and the slow (or ordinary) ferry. The fast ferry takes 35 to 40 minutes while the slow's trip is about an hour.
Are there cars on Cheung Chau? ›There are no cars, buses, or taxis in Cheung Chau. To enjoy it, in addition to relying on two legs, you can also try to ride a bicycle and ride easily on this small island. It is recommended to go to the West Causeway. From the pier, it takes about ten minutes to ride a bicycle in the direction of West Bay.
How long is the slow ferry to Cheung Chau? ›Two kinds of boats are operated, a larger three level boat known as the "slow" or "ordinary" ferry which makes the trip in 55 minutes. While a smaller faster boat, known as the "fast ferry" takes only 35 minutes. Both types can be taken from the same ferry pier in Central and arrive at the same pier on Cheung Chau.
What is Cheung Chau in English? ›Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Cheung Chau (lit. "Long Island") is an island 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) southwest of Hong Kong Island. It is nicknamed the 'dumbbell island (啞鈴島)' due to its shape.
How much is the ferry fare to Cheung Chau? ›Ferry Ticket Fare: HKD 13.4 for adults; HKD 6.7 for elders (aged over 65), children (aged between 3 and 12) and the disabled. Tips: Allowed to carry goods and pets. !
Where do you take the ferry to Cheung Chau? ›Cheung Chau can be reached by ferry from either Central or with the inter-island ferry from Peng Chau, Mui Wo or Chi Ma Wan. The one from Central departs from Pier 5 every half an hour or so. The timetable can be found on the NWFF website. The fast ferry takes 35 minutes while the slow one can take up to an hour.
How long is Cheung Chau hike? ›Discover this 7.3-mile loop trail near Cheung Chau, Islands. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 13 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
What is the highest point in Cheung Chau? ›One of the interesting places to find along the Cheung Chau Family Walk trail is the North Lookout Pavilion in the northern sector of the island. This is the highest point on Cheung Chau.
How big is Cheung Chau? ›Which island in Hong Kong has no cars? ›
There are no cars on Lamma Island. Two ferries collided off Yung Shue Wan on 1 October 2012 at 8:20 pm local time. With 39 killed and 92 injured, the incident was the deadliest maritime disaster in Hong Kong since 1971.
Where is Maggie Cheung now? ›Since her departure from the silver screen, Maggie has moved on to other ventures, such as devoting more time and effort into her production company, learning how to edit films, attending the occasional fashion event, and, of course, chasing her dream of becoming a singer.
How long is the Star Ferry ride? ›Passengers can enjoy views of Tsing Ma Bridge during the 45-minute journey on the luxury ferry World Star.
What is the shortest ferry ride to Block Island? ›Based in Point Judith, (Narragansett), Rhode Island, the Block island Ferry offers Traditional ferry service, (55 minute voyage) as well as the fastest ferry trip from the mainland on the High speed ferry service, (30 minute cruise)from Pt. Judith,.
What pier is Cheung Chau? ›...
Cheung Chau Public Pier.
| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| ID number | IP026 |
| Construction | 2005 |
| History | |
| Opening date | 1950s |
[Chao / Chau] Meaning: nest.
Is Chau Vietnamese or Chinese? ›Châu, a Vietnamese surname, including a list of people with the name.
Is Cheung Cantonese? ›Cheung is a Cantonese romanization of several Chinese surnames, including the one written as 張 in Traditional characters and 张 in Simplified characters (Jyutping: Zoeng1; Pinyin: Zhāng; Wade–Giles: Chang, Vietnamese: Trương), and the one written in both Traditional characters and Simplified characters as 章 (zoeng1).
How much is the Wall Street ferry? ›How much does a ferry ride cost? It's the same as riding the subway: $2.75 for a one-way fare, and $121 for a 30-day pass.
How much does it cost to ride the ferry at Honeymoon island? ›Ferry Service
Entrance fees at Honeymoon Island State Park are: $8 per vehicle (two to eight people). $4 single-occupant vehicle. $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
How much is the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau? ›
| HK (Sheung Wan) <-> Macau | ||
|---|---|---|
| Super Class | Economy Class | |
| Day Sailing (Weekdays) | $ 335 | $ 160 |
| Day Sailing (Weekends & Holidays) | $ 360 | $ 175 |
| Night Sailing (Weekdays,Weekends & Holidays) | $ 380 | $ 200 |
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival began as a fun and exciting ritual for fishing communities to pray for safety from pirates. Today this religious origin has largely been forgotten, and the festival has mainly become a showcase of traditional Chinese culture.
Why is Cecilia Cheung famous? ›Cecilia Cheung Pak-chi (in Chinese 張栢芝, born 24 May 1980) is a Hong Kong actress and cantopop singer. Cheung is considered a "Sing girl"—an actress who first received media attention through starring alongside Stephen Chow, and later went on to her own successful career.
What is Maggie Cheung famous for? ›In 2004, she became the first Asian actress to be nominated for the French César Award for Best Actress. Her most acclaimed performances include As Tears Go By, Center Stage, Green Snake, Irma Vep, Comrades: Almost a Love Story, The Soong Sisters, Hero and Clean.
Why is Leslie Cheung so famous? ›Throughout a 26-year career from 1977 until his death, Cheung released over 40 music albums and acted in 56 films. He was one of the most prominent pioneers that shaped the identity of Cantopop during the 1980s and became known for his flamboyant, often outrageous stage appearance.
What are the activities of Cheung Chau Jiao festival? ›The two major must-see events of the “Cheung Chau Jiao Festival” are the Bun Scrambling Competition and the Piu Sik Parade. Come to Cheung Chau this May with your family and friends and join in this richly festive and culturally unique traditional festival.
What do we do on Chung Yeung Festival? ›What is Chung Yeung Festival? Chung Yeung Festival or Double Ninth Festival (重陽節, pronounced chung yeung jit in Cantonese or chóngyáng jié in Mandarin) is a day when Hong Kong people climb up high mountains, clean their ancestors' graves, and eat cleansing foods to flush away stagnant energy.
What is the most important celebration out of all the Chinese holidays? ›The most important Chinese holiday is the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), which is also celebrated in overseas ethnic Chinese communities (for example in Malaysia, Thailand or the USA).
What ethnicity is Cheung? ›Cheung is a common last name found among Overseas Chinese communities around the world. In fact, "Cheung" is the transliteration of several different Chinese surnames.
Who is Emily Cheung? ›Emily Cheung is a consulting engineering with over 30 years experience in the fields of Civil and Environmental Engineering specializing in Construction Engineering and Hydrotechnical Engineering. Based in Prince George, her career has brought her to Mexico, South America, Europe and Africa.
Is Cecilia Cheung still in Singapore? ›
Cecilia has since moved back to Hong Kong, but still frequently brings her sons back to Singapore for a vacation, and shares her holiday snaps of them visiting hawker centres, Universal Studios Singapore and Marina Bay Sands, to name a few, on Instagram.
Where is the last name Cheung from? ›Cheung is a Cantonese romanization of several Chinese surnames, including the one written as 張 in Traditional characters and 张 in Simplified characters (Jyutping: Zoeng1; Pinyin: Zhāng; Wade–Giles: Chang, Vietnamese: Trương), and the one written in both Traditional characters and Simplified characters as 章 (zoeng1).
What is Irma VEP based on? ›Irma Vep is a comedy drama television miniseries created, written and directed by Olivier Assayas for HBO. Based on Assayas's 1996 film of the same name, the series premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival on May 22. It debuted on June 6, 2022 and concluded on July 25, consisting of eight episodes.
How far did Sophia Cheung fall? ›Cheung was with her friends at the park on Saturday, July 10 when she decided to take a picture next to the falls. She lost her footing, say witnesses, and fell approximately five metres (16 feet) into the falls' pool below.
Who was the first Chinese actor in America? ›Anna May Wong was the first Asian American to have become an international acting star. She became a fashion icon during the silent film era, beginning with her success in the film The Toll of the Sea (1922), the first color feature to be made in Hollywood.
How did Wong Ka Kui died? ›An accident occurred 15 minutes after the show commenced. The stage floor was very narrow and slippery, and Wong fell off the platform with one of the hosts Teruyoshi Uchimura live on the air.