Cheung Chau

Cheung Chau is a fishing island in Hong Kong's Islands District, shaped like a dumbbell with two granite hills joined by a narrow sandy strip. Along the waterfront, seafood restaurants and small shops line the promenade, while the interior holds temples and residential neighborhoods.

During the Qing Dynasty the island served as a harbor base for fishing communities and traders moving between the mainland and Hong Kong. In the 18th century residents built the Pak Tai Temple, which remains the center of religious celebrations today.

Every spring the Bun Festival brings thousands of visitors who watch tower climbers collect buns and see children parade in period dress. On the island itself, bicycles serve as the main form of transport since motor vehicles are not permitted on the narrow lanes.

Ferries run regularly from Central Pier in Hong Kong to the island, with connections throughout the day and evening. The island is best explored on foot or by bicycle since paths are manageable and most sites are close together.

In several spots around the island, rock formations jutting out of the water resemble turtles and other animals, giving rise to local legends. During the 1970s the island served as a filming location for several Hong Kong movies that captured village life and coastal scenery.