Cheung Chau

The history of Cheung Chau can be traced back to as early as the Ming Dynasty when it was a fishing village. Most of the earlier settlers made their livelihood by fishing and farming and Cheung Chau gradually evolved into a seafood market with a rapidly growing population. The historical monuments on the island exemplify the unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, with plentiful hereditary relics and cultural manifestations.

Today, Cheung Chau is a packed community but it still preserves the typical portrait of a traditional Chinese fishing village. The island has numerous exotic seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. While the temples offer varied choices for those who want to explore traditional Chinese legends, others may prefer a refreshing walk along the beaches with spectacular sea views.

Paying a visit to Cheung Chau only takes 60 minutes with First Ferry’s ordinary ferry or 40 minutes by fast ferry.

Pier Location

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Hotspots

Pak Tai Temple

All it takes is just a 10-minute walk from the pier to Pak Tai Temple. Pak Tai Temple was built in 1783 and is the oldest temple on the island. Some historical relics are still preserved in the temple, upholding its status as the religious centre of Cheung Chau and where the famous "Bun Festival" is held there annually.

Tung Wan Beach

With a 10-minute walk from the pier, the beautiful Tung Wan Beach is not to be missed. The crystal clear water at Tung Wan Beach makes it a popular place for leisure and water recreation activities for both Cheung Chau residents and visitors.

Kwun Yum Wan Beach

Kwun Yum Wan Beach is situated beside Tung Wan Beach and is famous for its well-equipped water-sports facilities including canoeing and windsurfing. This is also the training ground for San-san, Hong Kong's first Olympic Gold Medal winner.

Ancient Rock-carving

Erected next to the Warick Hotel Cheung Chau, the 3,000 year-old rock-carving was declared a monument in 1983. It stands upright facing the sea and was believed to possess the sacred power of protecting fishermen out at sea.

Chi Ma Hang Family Path

Located at Cheung Chau’s eastern coast, Chi Ma Hang Family Path was built in December 1998. Likened to a miniature form of China’s Great Wall, it was thus named the Little Great Wall. Travelers can enjoy the majestic coastal scenery and the unusual-looking rocks along the way within the one to two hour trip.

Kwan Kung Pavilion

Kwan Kung Pavilion was built in 1973 and specially dedicated to Kwan Kung, the God of Righteousness, who has been worshipped for his bravery, loyalty and righteousness through generations in all Chinese communities.

Cheung Po Tsai Cave

The Cheung Po Tsai Cave was the hiding place of a pirate in the 19th century, and also served as a place where the stolen treasures were kept. It will surely be an exciting adventure to pay a visit there.

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Traditional Festival

Pak Tai Festival

As most of Cheung Chau’s islanders were fishermen, they believed in God of Water and built many temples for worshipping. Among them, Pak Tai Temple is the biggest temple in Cheung Chau which is located at Pak She Street. During the Pak Tai Festival, which is the third day of March according to the Lunar Calendar, many worshipers will visit the Pak Tai Temple and people will come to watch performances of Chinese operas a few days before the Pak Tai Festival to mark as a celebration.
The Bun Festival

On the Buddha's Day, which is the eighth day of April according to the Lunar Calendar, a most spectacular Bun Festival Procession will be staged. According to the legend, Cheung Chau was once plagued by a strange pandemic disease which killed numerous people. But through faithful prayers and offerings, the disease was contained. Hence, the residents of Cheung Chau have carried on with this annual tradition to pray for peace and prosperity for the people living on the island. Among the many interesting festive activities is a parade of floats which is widely welcomed by foreign visitors who have come all the way to decipher the secrets behind the floats.

The celebration reaches its climax at midnight on the eighth day of April of the Lunar Calendar, when the Buns-Grabbing Competition begins. Thousands of buns will be stacked up like a tower and put up for grabs. This competition was put to a halt after 26 years when it made a comeback in 2005. With orderly arrangements and extra safety measures, the Buns-Grabbing Competition has taken on a completely new face as an interesting sports activity.