Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong

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Cheung Chau is a small island about 20 km SW of Hong Kong harbour. Basically it comprises two hills with a low flat isthmus in between, which is where most activities take place.

Cars are not generally allowed on the island, although the Police have one, and fire engines are one-man quad bike affairs, without any ladder. Luckily theren't many high-rise buildings here.

There are a couple of beaches, although not particularly good quality.

Best reason to come here are the fish restaurants - they are all along the water frontage, and offer superbly good freshly caught, freshly cooked fish and shellfish.

To get out of bustling Kowloon or Central district, you can hop on a boat to Cheng Chau island especially on a weekday for a relaxing ferry ride to this tiny island from the Macau Ferry Terminal at Central, Hong Kong Island. Take the faster boat than the slow ferry to reach well within the hour.

The island is shaped like a dumb-bell, two granite hills connected by a sandy beach. It is incredible to be able to walk from one sandy bay to the other in a matter of minutes. You can sunbathe or take a quick dip or just explore the island on foot.

There are the usual seafood restauarants, seafood products and souvenir shops, accommodation, local temple and narrow streets of this fishing town this small island.

Be sure you do not miss the last ferry boat if you want to stay late until dark nut not overnight on the island.

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A trip to Cheung Chau island is great to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kowloon and Hong Kong island.
Cheung Chau island is 10km west from Hong Kong island and to get there you catch the ferry from the Outlying islands pier in Central, reached by turning right after coming off the Star ferry and walking alongside the waterfront. It takes about 35-55 minutes to get there, depending on whether you take the slow or fast ferry.
Cheung Chau is a lovely island with nice walks either along beaches or through paths of vegetation and there are no vehicles except bicycles on the island. It has an old-fashioned traditional feel to it, with it's picturesque harbour and small side streets. Don't miss the Pak Tai temple. There are also many other things to see including a couple of pavillions/temples, and rock formations.

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To find this temple, you turn left from coming off the ferry, walk along the waterfront and it is on the right.
The temple is dedicated to Pak Tai, the protector of fishermen. Every year the Bun festival is held in the temple, where buns are offered to the ghosts. The link below tells you the story of this festival. The temple was built in 1783. You can see lovely ceramic figurines on the roof ridges.

Cheung Chau Island is the perfect place to get away from the crowds and madness of the City. No cars allowed on the Island just bikes and small vehicals that look like somthing from toyland, look out for the local ambulance, well funny!. The 'main road' near the ferry terminal is just full of the nicest seafood places to eat, look for 'Fat Larry's' there we had the freshest tastiest lobster ever and it's cheap to. Betty archers pub and cafe is a cracking place if you miss the taste of england. Betty i adopted as my chinese mum as she cooks a pukka meat pie and chips and serves a good beer. Hope she is still there as it's been a longtime since i was there and things change. There's an old temple there worth looking at and a good walk to the top of a hill over looking the whole Island. Try to go when the 'bun festival is on.

Cheung Chau was the highlight of our Hong Kong trip. This small island is packed with beauty and charm. We loved wandering the narrow, meandering streets dotted with shops and houses. The foreshore had some delicious looking restaurants with stunning views. It had a village feel about it which was enhanced because there no cars on the island. The local school had an incredible position with a beach front. As a librarian I was also impressed with this little island's public library.
This place is a definite visit whilst in Hong Kong. Wished we'd gone there at night too. I'm sure it's magical.

WHAT AN AMAZING DAY - YOU MUST VISIT THE SMALL ISLAND OF CHEUNG CHAU BY CATCHING A FERRY FROM PIER NO5 ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND TAKING THE 30 MIN RIDE. WE ARRIVED ON THE ISLAND AND THE CHILDREN WERE BEING MADE UP, THE GIGANTIC BUN TOWERS WERE ERECTED AND WE EVEN SAMPLED SOME BUNS FROM THE PARADE. CHINESE DRAGONS, PROCESSIONS, MUSIC. YOU MUST LEAVE HONG KONG ISLAND BEFORE 103OAM AS THE QUEUES FOR THE FERRY ARE VERY LONG. FESTIVAL LASTS UNTIL ABOUT 8PM. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! MY BEST EXPERIENCE OF HONG KONG!!! THE TOURIST BOARD HAVE DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL DATES.

Cheung Chau is one of Hk's most charismatic islands. Shaped abit like a number eight, it is largely trees and private housing on each end, with most of the islands shops and eating places running along the skinny middle part. You can walk across this section in about a minute!

Anyway the beaches are sandy, and the whole atmosphere seems to be very calm and tranquil, and you really feel as if you have stepped into a completely different country to HK.

The seafood dishes are deee-lish, and a walk around the island offers stunning views over its neighbouring islands.