Cheung Chau Island

A car-free fishing island 35-60 minutes by ferry from Central — seafood streets, temples, a mini 'Mini Great Wall' coastal trail, beaches, and famous fish balls and mango mochi. It's where locals actually go on weekends, which is both the charm and the warning: Sundays get rammed. Go on a weekday if you can.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Are there beaches on Cheung Chau?

Yes — Tung Wan Beach is a short walk straight across the island from the pier, with lifeguards in season, and Kwun Yam Beach next to it has a windsurfing centre. Hong Kong's Olympic windsurfing gold medallist Lee Lai-shan trained here, a point of huge local pride.

Is one day enough for Cheung Chau?

A half day covers the pier, food streets, Tung Wan Beach, and a temple or two; a full day adds the coastal trails and pirate cave at a relaxed pace. It's a small island — you can walk end to end.

Can I stay overnight on Cheung Chau?

Yes, there are small guesthouses and holiday flats, busiest on weekends. An overnight stay gets you the island after the day-trippers leave, which is when it's loveliest. Book ahead for Saturdays.

Is Cheung Chau good for hiking or just eating?

Both. The Mini Great Wall trail on the island's southeast gives granite coastal scenery in under an hour, and you can loop to the Cheung Po Tsai pirate cave in the southwest. It's all gentle walking — no serious climbs.

What should I eat on Cheung Chau?

Giant fish balls on skewers, mango mochi from the shops near the pier, and seafood along the Praya waterfront. Nothing is fancy and that's the point. Grab snacks as you wander rather than committing to one big meal.

How do I get to Cheung Chau and what does the ferry cost?

From Central Pier 5, Sun Ferry runs both ordinary ferries (about an hour) and fast ferries (35-40 minutes). As of the April 2026 fare adjustment, adults pay roughly HK$16.7 ordinary / HK$32.9 fast on weekdays, rising to about HK$24.8 / HK$47.6 on Sundays and holidays. Tap Octopus and go.

Ordinary ferry or fast ferry — which should I take?

The ordinary ferry is slower but cheaper and has an open-air deck section that makes the crossing feel like part of the trip. Fast ferry if you're short on time. Many people take fast out, slow back.

What is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival?

A raucous spring festival (tied to Buddha's Birthday) famous for its bun-scrambling tower competition and children 'floating' on hidden poles in parades. It's the island at its most alive and most crowded — ferries run packed all day. Worth planning around if your dates align.

Nearby in Ask Hong Kong

• Cheung Sha BeachBeach8.07 km · 101 min walk
• Hung Shing Yeh BeachBeach9.48 km · 119 min walk
• Lamma Hilton Seafood RestaurantRestaurant10.85 km · 136 min walk
• Hong Kong DisneylandAttraction11.53 km · 144 min walk
• Kennedy TownNeighborhood13.11 km · 164 min walk