With the Bun Festival just around the corner, it is no surprise that Cheung Chau is flooded by Hong Kongers enjoying their staycations. Let's check out what's hot in Cheung Chau, and plan your day trip for the upcoming public holidays.
Wanna find out what to eat, see, and buy in Cheung Chau? Read the rest of the article at Lifestyle Asia!
When to Visit
As it is part of the tradition, they take the Bun Scrambling Competition very seriously in Cheung Chau. Practice sessions and tryouts will be held on 30 April 2011, with the actual competition held from the late evening of 7 May 2011 to the early morning of 8 May 2011.
If you are not exactly up for the athletic side of the festivities, there is also a Bun Carnival on 1 May 2011. Outside the Yuk Hui Temple, there will be ongoing Cantonese Opera taking place during the festival days, mainly for the deities, but obviously they don't mind if visitors stopped by and watched. A photography competition will also be taking place, so be sure to capture the best of the Bun Festival.
If bringing real buns back isn't so convenient, you can opt for various side products sold around Cheung Chau, which replicates the Peace Bun in a variety of forms.
What to Eat
Want to enjoy a decent seafood meal minus the sweaty crowds? Head to Warwick Hotel for great seafood with a comfortable atmosphere and a breathtaking view.
Island Brewery serves their signature crisps, where they peel a whole potato and pole it through a bamboo stick before deep frying. It is a specialty not to be missed.
Where to Sightsee
There are many deities in Cheung Chau, one of which is Kwan Kung, a legendary warrior from the Three Kingdoms period. The Kwan Kung Pavilion is on the way from the Main Pier to the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, so you can pass by and catch a glimpse of the impressive wooden statue.
After walking pass the scenic resort area for taipans of Jardine Matheson and Swire & Sons, you will find yourself at the cave of Cheung Po Tsai. Cheung was a pirate during the late Qing Dynasty, and rumour has it that he hid his treasures around the Outlying Islands of Hong Kong. Find yourself in action like the Pirates of the Caribbean and climb into his cave and dig for treasures.
If you find yourself a bit exhausted after the hike, take the ferry from the Sai Wan Ferry Pier back to the Main Pier to save the hike back on the exact same trail.
Who to Buy From
For some local sweets to bring back as souvenirs, head over to Kwok Kam Kee Cake Shop. They sell Peace Buns around the Bun Festival, which is a bun with lotus paste stuffing, and the word "Peace" stamped right on top to give its consumer extra blessings.
Kam Wing Tai freshly makes Hakka fish balls daily from their little shop, so you can be sure it is authentic as well as hygienic. Bring a box of uncooked fish balls back to the city for a taste of Cheung Chau right at home.
How to Get There
The ferry departs regularly from Central Pier number 5. The ordinary ferry takes around 1 hour, and the fast ferry around 30 minutes. During busy seasons such as the Buddha's Birthday, it is best if you get on board around 15 minutes before departure time, since they will close the gates when the ferry is full.