Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong

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We took the fast ferry from Central Pier for the half hour trip to Cheung Chau (from Cantonese translates to Long Island) - the island free of cars, or so we were told and arrived at the small but functional terminal. What struck us was the garish McDonalds restaurant in the prime position directly opposite the terminal.

We did see motorised vehicles - very small trucks and a few people movers for the elderly.

The town is situated on a narrow strip of land that joins the 2 small peaks that make up the island of about 3 square kilometres. We walked to the Pak Tai temple - and well-worth the trip. We explored the tiny streets and admired a traditional Chinese herbalist's shop and pottered around in the town before heading off for a walk along the deserted beach. We had planned to walk to the end of the island and catch one of the small ferries that operate in and out of the main terminal on the island, instead we got lost. We walked through the "outer" areas of the town and saw some of the packing container housing where Vietnamese boat people have been allowed to set up home. Returned to the main town for dinner in one of the many small restaurants that line the water front.

The trip ended with a slow ferry to Hong Kong Island that took almost an hour and in itself was a pleasant view.

All up a unique look at another side of Hong Kong and far away from the fast pace that is Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

Tea House in the Hong Kong park is not worth it. It is very touristy. If you want to get a better tea house experience, there is a store in the Chau Cheng Island, the owner sells the tea but he offers you to try out the tea before you buy it. He has a whole set and small wooden chairs for 4 people so you can all try different kinds of teas. He gives you a listing of teas to choose from, but if you know or pick something that is not in the list he will give it to you try as well.

This 3,000-year-old rock carving, reported by a geologist in 1970, is located at the southeastern end of the island, immediately below the Warwick Hotel. It consists of two groups of similar designs, serveral carved lines surrounding small depressions.

Take a ferry to Cheung Chau Island and then follow directions on the mapboard at the pier and walk to the Warwick Hotel. The rock lies just below the hotel.

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Located about one hour's ferry ride from Hong Kong's Central district is the idyllic Cheung Chau island. Here, life is unhurried and traditional. There are holiday chalets for rent for those who want to escape the bustling city life. You can sit down in a traditional tea house to have tea and dim sum.
Cheung Chau island is small enough to walk its entire length. It is the venue for the annual bun festival in May where young men hoist up a bun tower amidst a cacaphony of drums and cymbals.

Take ferry from pier 6 in Central to get here. About an hour ride. Tiny island, with no cars. Very rural. People fish for a living.

Pak Tai Temple is to the left when you exit the ferry. Head right from the ferry and go to Sai Wan andthe Cheung Po Tsai Cave. Bring a flashlight if you want to do the cave.

There's also a Windsurfing Centre on the island, which has an outdoor cafe and windsurfing rental. Phone # 852.2981.8316

Cheng Chau Island was one of my favourite islands. Restaurants and outdoor cafes line the shore which overlook junks and sampans anchored in the sheltered bays.

Ferries leave from the Outlying Islands Pier in Central, usually about every hour.

More in 'The Islands' travelogue

It is only a short walk across the island to one of the beaches. The island was the home of the Chinese pirate Cheung Po Tsai and is one of Hong Kong's oldest settlements. Cheung is said to have hidden his weapons and treasure in a cave on the southwest of the island. There are signs to the cave, but no treasure.

Just north of Cheung Chau town center, you will find a temple dedicated to the deity "Pak Tai", sometimes referred to as the "Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven"... This personage is the protector deity of the island... Here is a view of the temple, as seen from the large basketball court that was built immediately in front of it...! The urban planner seems to be asking: which religion is the more important...?? Basketball or Taoism? In today's world, it is a relevant question... But of course, this brand of Taoism is not entirely unlike a basketball game...