Cheung Chau Island

10 kilometers (approx. 6.2 miles) southwest of Hong Kong Island lays the Cheung Chau Island. Although it is only a small area, it has a comparatively large population of more than 20,000 people. The residents live mainly in the middle part of the island where the land is low. Because this little island is shaped like a dumbbell - large at its two ends and narrower in the middle - it is also named 'Dumbbell Island'.

Cheung Chau Island has been a fishing village since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). All day long the ports are busy with the comings and goings of the fishing boats. In the evening, the port is awash with the soft light of the setting sun. Wherever you look, day or night, you are seeing a beautiful picture. The island is peaceful and moves calmly through each day, providing tourists a pleasant place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city-life.
 

Map of Cheung Chau Island
Map of Cheung Chau Island

What to Do in Cheung Chau Island

There are lots of points of interest in Cheung Chau Island,like Tung Wan Beach, Kwun Yam Wan Beach, Beitiao Pavilion, and Cheung Po Tsai Cave.
 

Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Wan Beach

Like most islands, recreation is easily found on these luscious beaches and along the baysides in Cheung Chau Island. Two very notable beaches are Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Wan Beach. Tung Wan Beach is the surfside bathing area and features lovely cabarets and wonderful tourist residences. Kwan-yin Wan Beach is known for its aquatic sports recreation areas. Both of these beaches are main attractions for the tourists who flock here in great numbers in summer.
 

Beitiao Pavilion

Perhaps the best scenic viewing spot in Cheung Chau Island is the Beitiao Pavilion. This pavilion is uniquely designed and allows visitors a complete island view. Tired of luxurious beach and cabaret life? Take a walk in the interior which is filled with lush, green foliage.
 

Cheung Po Tsai Cave

On the southwest tip of the island is Cheung Po Tsai Cave. Ancient legends say that it used to be the place where Cheung Po Tsai, a pirate with an ill reputation, hid the money he robbed. Many people, flashlights in hand, visit this cave every year. Perhaps one day, someone will discover Cheung Po Tsai's treasure!
 

Food in Cheung Chau Island

As part of famous Food City- Hong Kong, Chaung Chau Island also provides many kinds of local food. Ping’an Bun is the most famous one, which can be found in nearly all local restaurants. Fish ball is another snack that foodies can’t miss. The sea food, of course, is recommended! Here you can taste all kinds of sea food cooked in many ways. 
 

Festival in Cheung Chau Island

Want to take part in a glorious, joyful festival? Come on April 15th and 16th (dates are according to the Chinese calendar so double check each year), for the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. In ancient times, a devastating epidemic attacked the people of the island, who held the first Bun Festival in an attempt to clear their little homeland of disease. The epidemic suddenly disappeared and ever since the festival is held every year. It is a large-scale traditional festival attracting a large number of tourists because of the large parade and ongoing celebrations that fill all the streets and alleys.

How do you get to this wonderful little island? Take a ferryboat from the Zhonghuan wharf to Cheung Chau. This hour-long trip is a gentle bridge from one world to another.
 

How to get to Cheung Chau Island

Catch a ferry from Central Pier 5 (get out from MTR Hong Kong Station Exit E1 and walk through ifc mall).

Mon. - Sat. Sun. & Holidays
Slow Ferry Fast Ferry Slow Ferry Fast Ferry
Ticket Price HK$13.6 / common; HK$21.3 / deluxe  HK$26.8 HK$20.2 / common; HK$31.0 / deluxe HK$38.8
Service Hours Central to Cheung Chau Island: 00:30 - 23:45
Cheung Chau Island to Central: 02:20 - 23:45
Central to Cheung Chau Island: 00:30 - 23:55
Cheung Chau Island to Central: 02:20 - 23:30

Note: The fast ferry takes about 35-40 minutes; the slow one takes about 1h. 
 
Entrance Fee Free
Opening Hours All day

 You may like: 12 Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong for First-Time Visitors
- Last updated on Feb. 21, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Cheung Chau Island
Asked by James from HONG KONG | Feb. 19, 2023 20:28Reply
Is there anyway to go in and out the island after ferry services have closed at night time?
Answers (1)
Answered by Lara | Feb. 21, 2023 17:11
00Reply


I haven't heard about other ways. After the ferry stops, you can only live one night there and leave the next day.
Asked by Low chor ee from SINGAPORE. | Jun. 24, 2017 02:50Reply
Can I know at what interval time does the ferry move to Cheung Chau Island?
Answers (1)
Answered by Carl from CHINA | Jun. 28, 2017 04:29
00Reply


As I remember, the frequency of the ferry would be 20-50 minutes.
Asked by JC from SINGAPORE | Dec. 22, 2015 18:46Reply
the ticket price for the ferry for Cheung Chau Island, is it for two way trip?
Answers (1)
Answered by Lydia from USA | Dec. 22, 2015 20:12
22Reply


Hi, all fees are for single trips.
Asked by Indira Menon from INDIA | Dec. 18, 2015 23:47Reply
Hi, I'm planning on visiting the Cheung Chau islands on Dec 27th 2015. Is it a good idea to do so ?
Also what are the activities that might interest me on the beach at this time of the year since its winters and might be slightly cold.
Answers (1)
Answered by Grace from INDONESIA | Dec. 19, 2015 20:59
10Reply


According to the weather forecast, it may be a cool day at that time, and the average temp may reach 62-65F. It might be slightly cold for swimming or other water sports, but you may taste the local sea food, very great. Hiking in the island is also interesting, have a try.
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