About Cheung Chau
Cheung Chau is one of the most popular outlying islands. It is located 10 km southwest of Hong Kong, and you can take a 30-45 minute ferry from Central (Pier #5). There are two types of ferries: ordinary and fast. The ordinary ferry is divided into two classes: ordinary and deluxe. The difference is that the deluxe class has air conditioning.
The latest fares and schedules can be found here.
When you arrive on the island, be sure to check out the map with suggested sightseeing routes. It is located beside the ferry terminal, and it will be handy if you need to ask for directions from locals. One way to explore this small island is to hop on a bike.
Cheung Chau residents use bicycles as their mode of transportation. You’ll see a lot of bicycle rentals (including family-friendly ones) near the ferry terminal, so don’t sweat it if you don’t know how to bike, there are different bike options out there for everyone to enjoy!
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Things to do in Cheung Chau
Cheung Po Tsai Cave (張保仔洞)
The cave is located quite far from the ferry terminal. If you plan to visit this on foot, make sure to wear some comfortable shoes.
The path to Cheung Po Tsai cave is surrounded by trees. (Use mosquito repellents if you plan to wear short sleeves or shorts. We were not prepared for this and I felt like we went there to feed the mosquitoes.)
This is the entrance of the cave, it is named after Cheung Po Tsai, a 19th-century pirate. Legend says he hid the treasures inside and hid in this cave to avoid being captured. Tourists can go inside the cave, there are some people near the cave entrance, offering flashlights for a small price.
Mini Great Wall (長洲小長城)
This is a very easy hiking trail in Cheung Chau, about 850 meters long. You’ll get to see a panoramic view of the ocean. There are different rock formations along the way, but I can’t see the resemblance.
Swimming at Tung Wan Beach / Kwun Yam Beach
There are two beaches on this island, perfect for a swim on a hot summer day. You can also rent kayaks and paddle boards from Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre if you are heading towards Kwun Yam Beach.
North Lookout Pavilion
If you have time, be sure to visit the North Lookout Pavilion. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of the ocean and Cheung Chau Island. It’s a family-friendly trail, but bringing strollers is not recommended because you have to climb flights of stairs and a steep slope to reach the top. The trail is exposed to the sun, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a cap.
Foods to eat
甘永泰魚蛋 Cheung Chau Fish Ball (UPDATE: Permanently closed)
One of the famous street foods here on the island – the big fish ball. It’s a bit expensive ($10 for 2 pieces of fishball), but it is different from what I’ve tried in the streets of Hong Kong.
Go Tea Time (三：三)
Most of the restaurants and shops on the island open at noon. We ate some street foods so we were looking for light lunch options. We found this cafe around the corner of Pak She Fifth Lane, which serves various drinks and snacks. There are also main dishes available but choices are limited. The place is clean and small but comfortable.
允升甜品
There is always room for dessert! We could smell the fresh mango when we stepped into the shop. There is a minimum charge per person, so we had mango pomelo sago and bought some of their famous mango mochi.
長洲冰室 Cheung Chau Bing Sutt
We went to a great place that offers delicious Chinese desserts. They have classic options like mango sago, grass jelly, and taro balls. There’s a minimum order per person, so you have to get at least a drink or a dessert. When we arrived in the afternoon, the place was quite crowded. Despite the wait, the desserts were very refreshing after a long day, making it all worth it.
長洲角酪 Cheung Chau Corner
We ended our trip by buying homemade yogurt from this shop – a perfect drink on a hot summer day. It has a wall that looks like a MTR station, which attracts a lot of visitors. Aside from yogurt, they also have a special egg roll.
Where to Stay
If you are planning to stay overnight on the island, consider staying at Warwick Hotel Cheung Chau. The hotel is located beside a beach and there are many attractions nearby.
A slightly more affordable choice would be to stay at Cheung Chau B & B. It is located 6 minutes away from the pier. You can leave your belongings here and explore the island upon arrival.
Things to Bring
When you’re thinking about visiting Cheung Po Tsai Cave, Mini Great Wall, and North Lookout Pavilion on Cheung Chau Island, it’s a good idea to pack a refillable water bottle, high-SPF sunscreen, effective mosquito repellent, and an extra shirt if you’re planning to take a dip in the sea. Don’t forget to bring some cash with you if you’re interested in trying out the local street food. Despite its small size, Cheung Chau has both a supermarket and a convenience store where you can pick up any essentials you may need during your trip.
Have you been to Cheung Chau? If you have any great food recommendations or questions, feel free to let me know in the comments.
