Wondering what to do in Cheung Chau? Whether you want to go film-crazy at cultural spots or indulge in seafood and local street food, this cool little island is the place to go.
Sitting at home or in the office 24/7 isn’t always the greatest option for your physical and mental health. If you’re planning your next Hong Kong day trips – think these gorgeous islands around Hong Kong such as Peng Chau and Tap Mun – then Cheung Chau should be on your list too. Find out what to do in Cheung Chau with our guide, and don’t forget to make a visit to Sugarman to learn about the art of Chinese candy making.
How to get to Cheung Chau
[aiovg_video id=166279]
Head over to Central Pier, and find Pier 5, which will take you directly to Cheung Chau. There are two ferry options. One is the ordinary ferry which will take you around 55 minutes. Alternatively, the fast ferry will take at least half an hour. Best of all, the ferries are really cheap, costing less than $30 one-way.
What to do in Cheung Chau: Our ultimate hit list
1. Grab a bike
Cheung Chau is an island of no cars, except for the odd small gas delivery truck and small hospital vehicle. Once you arrive on the island, turn right into town. Walk for a few minutes and you will find a bike rental shop. You will be able to rent a bike for the whole day for less than $100. What’s more, the entire island is bike-friendly. Just make sure you watch out for pedestrians, as there are no designated bike paths!
Fan of cycling? Check out these scenic biking trails in Hong Kong.
2. Visit Yuk Hui Temple and catch the Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Make a beeline for the 18th-century Yuk Hui Temple, also known as Pak Tai Temple, for a bit of island culture and history. This temple was made to honour Pak Tai, the god of the sea in Taoism and the patron deity for indigenous fishing communities on the island. Yuk Hui Temple is easy to find – it’s located directly in front of the large basketball court that hosts the famous Cheung Chau Bun Festival every year.
During this festival, Pak Tai once again poses as the primary patron deity, and local inhabitants escort the likeness of the god from the temple to the festival grounds through elaborate rituals. Despite its out-of-the-way location in Cheung Chau, thousands attend the Bun Festival every year – not just to pay their respects, but also to to watch the celebrated Bun Scrambling Contest, during which competitive climbers scramble up the “peace bun”-decorated towers and race their way to the top. It’s an exhilarating event, to say the least!
3. Head to Tung Wan Beach for a swim
Walk to the other side of the island from the ferry terminal to find Tung Wan Beach. The beach is a great spot to sit and read, get some sun, and go for a swim. Tung Wan Beach is usually less crowded than most other beaches in the city, so if your goal is to find a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the view, this is the place for you.
4. Walk around the backstreets
Take a walk around the back streets of this outlying island for a taste of local life. Discover the quaint houses and small humble local shops that line these winding streets, from essentials such as stationary shops to mom-and-pop stores that sell everything from cooking oils and rice to crisps and ice lollies. What’s more, you can admire the historic architecture around you as you stroll. We recommend you put this on your list of things to do when visiting Cheung Chau, as these streets tend to have less tourists, their serenity making the experience all the more enjoyable.
5. Hike the Cheung Chau Family Trail
Whether you’re with your family, friends, or going solo, a hike on the Cheung Chau Family Trail is a must-do. See if you can spot the “Mini Great Wall” while you take in the views of the island. The whole hike should only take about two hours – the perfect duration for when you’re travelling with little ones or older folks. While on the hike, try to find some famous rock formations with funny names, such as Loaf Rock and Human Head Rock.
6. Experience the outdoor adventure playground at Saiyuen
If you’re travelling with little ones to the island, then visiting this adventure playground should sit high on your list of things to do in Cheung Chau. Saiyuen is a popular outdoor adventure playground located along the southwestern coast of Cheung Chau. Spanning over 11 acres of land are camping facilities, a bubble football pitch, abseiling, and much more! Surrounded by lush greenery, spending part of your trip to Cheung Chau in Saiyuen will make for the perfect opportunity for your family to reconnect with nature and create precious memories together.
Love sleeping under the stars? Get inspired by our guides to camping and glamping in Hong Kong.
Saiyuen, DD CC Lot 12, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 2981 1010
7. Cheung Chau Cinema Multicultural Park
Recently revitalised in 2023, the Cheung Chau Cinema Multicultural Park preserves the lengthy legacy of the historic cinema in a dynamic public space. Despite being the centre of hustle and bustle on the island since its opening in the 1930s, the old Cheung Chau Cinema was left in ruins after closing in 1997. Now reopened to the public with a new and improved facade, you can expect a range of things to do and exhibitions to visit at the park.
In addition to film screenings, you can partake in workshops such as the handmade “peace bun” workshop, where you get to create the iconic bao from scratch! Also of note is the wattang rubbing workshop, where you’ll learn how to make a stamp out of a clay tile through techniques of rubbing and carving. Once you’ve tired yourself out exploring the park, go over to the outdoor cinema area Silverscreen for some island snacks and drinks before heading up the lookout shaped like the bow of a ship for sweeping views of the island. Fun fact: this lookout is named after Cheung Po Tsai, one of the most notorious pirates to ever roam the South China Sea!
Cheung Chau Cinema Multicultural Park, 120 Sun Hing Back Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 2386 6226
8. Cheung Po Tsai Cave
Did you know that Hong Kong used to be a haven for pirates? In the 19th century, many took shelter from the sea (and the law) along our coastline. At the time, Cheung Po Tsai was one of the most notorious pirates sailing on the South China Sea. Not only was he rumoured to have hidden away in Stanley, but legend has it that Cheung Po Tsai has stashed his bounty in a cave in Cheung Chau. While no treasure was ever discovered in this cave, and the entrance has since been closed due to rock falls, the historical and cultural significance of Cheung Po Tsai Cave has attracted many tourists and locals nonetheless.
Cheung Po Tsai Cave, Cheung Po Tsai Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
Street food galore in Cheung Chau
1. Fish balls
You can’t miss these bad boys! Fish balls are an iconic staple street food in Hong Kong, and in Cheung Chau, there are fish balls almost three times the average size. Unlike some street food vendors that offer faux fish balls made from flour, Cheung Chau is recognised for its tasty authentic boiled fish balls. Ask for some curry sauce for an extra kick or eat it as is – they’re delicious either way!
Kam Wing Tai Fish Balls, G/F, 106 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
2. Chicken thighs
Are you looking for a filling and delicious snack? The large chicken thighs at this local store are boiled and marinated in sweet soy sauce. Enjoy the sweet and savoury chicken whilst holding it by the leg and walking around the island, or kick back and take a seat outside the street vendor to indulge in your snack.
新照記茶餐小食店, G/F, 18 Tung Wan Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 2981 3050
3. Red bean cake and ice cream
Head over to Hometown Members Club, a snack shop renowned for its red bean ice cream and red bean cakes. We definitely recommend you look out for this humble snack and dessert spot on the island, as these light tasty treats are generously filled with red beans. They’re also incredibly Instagram-worthy!
Hometown Members Club, G/F, 17 Cheung Chau Church Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 2981 5038
Cafes and restaurants in Cheung Chau
1. The Pink Pig Music Bar & Restaurant
This bar and restaurant is a great place to take in the views of the sea and the small fishing boats docked at Cheung Chau. The Pink Pig Music Bar & Restaurant offers great deep-fried seafood and chips, as well as cold beers and amazing coffee. We definitely suggest you try the truffle fries – these salty chips dipped in mayonnaise and truffle are to die for.
The Pink Pig Music Bar & Restaurant, G/F, 11 Kin San Lane, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 5180 0692
2. Cheung Chau Bing Sutt
Cheung Chau Bing Sutt is a Hong Kong-style dessert and tea house that serves a wide range of Instagram-worthy desserts. Find taro balls in rock-sugar soup, almond milk sweet soup, and taro balls served with ice cream, grounded peanuts, red beans, and much more. The only thing is that the menu is completely in Chinese, but the staff there are incredibly friendly and will be more than happy to help you order what you want.
Cheung Chau Bing Sutt, G/F, 19C Pak She Praya Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 2346 9831
3. New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant
Going to this outlying island means feasting on seafood and enjoying a cold beer. Cheung Chau is renowned for its seafood street (right next to the ferry terminal), where there are dozens of seafood restaurants to choose from. New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant is an affordable seafood restaurant that serves Cantonese dishes, including steamed scallops with soy sauce and garlic garnish, stir-fried pipis, deep-fried squid, steamed fish, typhoon shelter crab, and more.
New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant, G/F, 9A Pak She Praya Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 2981 0606
4. Tung Kee Noodle Restaurant
This local eatery is one of the most popular places to dine in Cheung Chau. Offering a diverse menu of classics, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes at Tung Kee! That said, the restaurant’s specialty has got to be its satay beef noodles, a staple in Hong Kong that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Other unmissable dishes include the Hong Kong-style French toast, as well as the salted beef and egg sandwich. Psst – we hear this last item tastes even better when dipped in the rich broth of Tung Kee’s satay beef noodles, so be sure to order them both and give this combo a try!
Tung Kee Noodle Restaurant, Shop 13, Cooked Food Market, G/F, Cheung Chau Municipal Services Building, 2 Tai Hing Tai Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 2981 8877
5. Island Workbench Cafe
A trip to any outlying islands in Hong Kong isn’t really complete without indulging in a leisurely cuppa! As one of the most frequented cafes on the island, Island Workbench is a must-visit. Fronted by a local handicrafts store of the same name, this is a one-stop location for quality food and Cheung Chau-specific souvenirs. Order a cup of coffee and pair it with a slice of Island Workbench’s Japanese roll cakes for the signature experience.
Island Workbench, G/F, 16 Chung Hok Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 5722 4252
6. Cheung Chau Corner
While the MTR doesn’t travel to Cheung Chau, you can still pose in front of the island’s very own MTR station-style wall at Cheung Chau Corner! The most Insta-worthy spot in this cafe is the faux “Cheung Chau Station” mural. Here, the iconic square tiles found in MTR stations decorate one wall in the cafe, adding a refreshing shade of blue to its interiors that remind us of the vast waters surrounding the beautiful island. Once you’re done snapping away, you can freshen up with the shop’s signature yoghurt. This light and nutritious treat can be enjoyed as a drink, parfait, or wrapped in blue-hued cake rolls.
Cheung Chau Corner, G/F, 78 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, p. 8489 3140
[This article was originally published in April 2019 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]