Buzz
Amidst the busy city life and noise, many have sought nature for relaxation. Cheung Chau Island, a 'wind shelter' in Hong Kong, has successfully drawn travelers with its pristine beauty and fresh air. Explore more about the island's natural beauty, recreational spots, and dining options through the article below!
Where is Cheung Chau Island Located?
Cheung Chau Island (Trường Châu Island) spans nearly 3 square kilometers and is situated to the south of Hong Kong. This uniquely shaped island resembling a dumbbell is affectionately called the 'dumbbell island.' Just 17 kilometers away from the city, Cheung Chau is a convenient getaway, allowing people to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. So why wait any longer to relax and explore the endless beauty of nature here, right?
Cheung Chau Island (Trường Châu) is incredibly picturesque and tranquil | Photo: Au Yuen-am
How to Get to Cheung Chau Island
To reach this island, you can take the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) from Hong Kong MTR Station to Central Pier No. 5. Here, you will continue your journey to Cheung Chau Island by ferry. The total travel time will be around 35 minutes to 1 hour depending on your departure time and the MTR and ferry schedule.
Note:
- Monday to Saturday: Last ferry back to the center departs at 11:45 PM.
- Sunday and public holidays: Last ferry back to the center departs at 11:30 PM.
Map of the Hong Kong MTR station area | Photo: MTR Hong Kong
When is the Best Time to Visit Cheung Chau Island?
Hong Kong's weather is divided into 4 distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 29°C from winter to summer. The best time to visit Hong Kong and explore Cheung Chau Island is from April to October. During this time, the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. For travelers wanting to fully immerse in the atmosphere of the Bun Festival, May is the perfect choice.
The Bun Festival is held on a large scale on the island every 8th of the 4th lunar month (equivalent to May 26th in the Gregorian calendar), featuring various exciting activities such as parades, bun scrambling competitions, lion dances, and more. The Bun Festival usually lasts for 3 days with vibrant colors enveloping the entire island. This is undoubtedly a rare opportunity for travelers to experience the island's traditional beauty and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
The lively Bun Festival on Cheung Chau Island on every 8th of the 4th lunar month | Photo: GovHK
What to Do on Cheung Chau Island?
Mini Great Wall
Mini Great Wall is a renowned spot located just behind Kwun Yam Wan Beach. It's a stone-paved trail with a total length of 850 meters, running alongside the coastline. At Mini Great Wall, visitors can admire the breathtaking natural scenery, unique rock formations, and especially the sight of birds nesting here.
The serene pathway of Mini Great Wall | Photo: Condé Nast Traveler
North Observation Tower
North Observation Tower on Cheung Chau Island is situated at the highest point on the island, residing directly above Mini Great Wall. When here, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Cheung Chau Island and the unique tombolo landscape of the island. On clear days, visitors can also catch a glimpse of Lamma Island and Thanh Ma Bridge. Moreover, if you stay until late afternoon, you can experience the romantic beauty as the sunset descends over the island.
North Observation Tower on Cheung Chau Island | Photo: Expedia
Tan Hung Street and North Sha
In recent years, Tan Hung Street and North Sha on the island have undergone revitalization, becoming rejuvenated thanks to the influx of young generations moving here to live. Walking along these two streets, visitors can further understand the traditional handicraft culture by visiting handicraft stores. Additionally, they can indulge in quality breakfast items including pastries, tea, and especially 'lucky buns'. It is known that these buns come in various flavors and are iconic in the annual Bun Festival.
The vibrant charm of Tan Hung Street through the lens of the camera | Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Yuk Hui Temple
Yuk Hui Temple (Pak Tai Temple) is a Taoist temple built in 1783. This place holds traces of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) and the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279). Architecturally, the temple follows the model of Qing Dynasty temples with an outdoor corridor dividing the main hall and a spacious courtyard in the middle.
The exterior features traditional gray bricks with intricately carved wooden decorations on the wall murals. Inside, there are shrines to various gods, hanging incense coils, ancient bells and drums, a courtyard with mosaic tiger and dragon motifs. Everything is well preserved and maintained.
Important Note:
- Admission is completely free.
- The temple is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily and on Saturdays, Sundays.
Yuk Hui Temple (Pak Tai) is famous on Cheung Chau Island | Photo: Hong Kong Fun in 18 Districts
Tung Wan Beach
Tung Wan and Kwun Yam Wan beaches are located close to each other, just a 5-minute walk apart. However, Tung Wan Beach is much larger. Upon arrival at this beach, visitors can fully enjoy the lively atmosphere and food and drinks from numerous restaurants or cafes along the beach.
Important Note:
- The beach provides usual facilities such as toilets, bathing areas, and lifeguards.
- Visitors can rent sunshades at nearby shops.
Tung Wan Beach on Cheung Chau Island | Photo: Drone & DSL
Kwun Yam Wan Beach
Although Kwun Yam Wan Beach is smaller than Tung Wan Beach, it is an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts. At Kwun Yam Wan Beach, visitors can kayak, paddleboard, and windsurf on the water. Additionally, cafes and bars near the beach allow visitors to enjoy delicious drinks in a relaxing atmosphere.
Important Note:
- The beach offers kayak and waterboard rental services.
Kwun Yam Wan Beach with crystal-clear water | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Saiyuen Camping and Adventure Park
Saiyeun Park is one of the favorite spots on Cheung Chau Island with unique 'glamping' activities. This type of camping combines traditional camping with hotel-like amenities. Visitors can choose from various camping themes and participate in entertaining activities such as archery, ziplining, soccer, and nature walks among the trees.
Saiyuen Park with exciting outdoor games | Photo: Playtimes HK
What to Eat on Cheung Chau Island?
Seafood
When you visit Cheung Chau Island, you simply can't miss out on the delicious fresh seafood, can you? Why not try visiting New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant with over 20 years of operation? This restaurant is famous for its Cantonese-style dishes and is loved by many.
Additionally, you can also stop by Cheung Chau Delicious Seafood Restaurant and So Bor Kee Seafood Restaurant. Cheung Chau Delicious allows customers to choose fresh seafood right at the restaurant for cooking, while So Bor Kee is renowned for its traditional Cantonese fried rice and noodles.
Seafood dishes at New Baccarat Restaurant | Photo: Yanomi
Address:
- New Baccarat Restaurant: 9A Pak She Praya Road, Cheung Chau.
- Cheung Chau Delicious Restaurant: G/F, Block C, Haipong Street, Cheung Chau.
- So Bor Kee Restaurant: G/F, 11C Pak She Praya Road, Cheung Chau.
Mango mochi
Mango mochi is hailed as one of the must-try delicacies when visiting Cheung Chau Island. Unlike regular mochi, the mango mochi on the island is almost the size of a person's fist. Concealed beneath its outer layer of dough is a fragrant, smooth, and refreshing mango filling. You can indulge in this delicacy at two local favorites: Wan Shing and Ping Kee.
Giant mango mochi on Cheung Chau Island | Photo: Hongkong Free Tour
Addresses:
- Wan Shing Shop: 3 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau (Opening hours: 12 PM - 10 PM).
- Ping Kee Shop: G/F, 19A Pak San Praya Street, Cheung Chau (Opening hours: 10 AM - 9 PM).
Fish cake
On Cheung Chau Island, apart from seafood and mango mochi, visitors should also try the fish cakes from Kam Wing Tai shop. This shop has been in business for over 40 years and always attracts a long line of customers. Besides fish cakes, visitors can also try other skewered dishes like minced fish skewers, squid skewers, meat skewers, or tofu skewers.
- Address: 80 Tung Wan Road, Cheung Chau.
Delicious fish cakes displayed at Kam Wing Tai | Photo: Timeouts
Top 3 hotels in Cheung Chau Island
Warwick Hotel
Warwick Hotel
Room Rates
- Starting from 2,600,000 VND per night
- Room rates may vary depending on the booking location and room category
Address:
- Located at East Bay, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
Warwick Hotel renowned on Cheung Chau Island | Photo: Mytour
Lychee Sunset Hotel
Lychee Sunset Hotel
Room Rates:
- Starting from 2,150,000 VND per night
- Room rates may vary depending on the booking location and room type
Address:
- 94-95, Lai Chi Yuen, Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong, New Territories
The hotel rooms at Lychee Sunset are exceptionally clean and cozy | Photo: Mytour
B&B Hotel
B&B Hotel
Room Rates
- Starting from 1,790,000 VND per night
- Room rates are subject to change based on booking location and room category
Address:
- 2/10 Pak She Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
Exterior view of the B&B hotel | Photo: Mytour
Closing Remarks
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