Cheung Chau

Review and Rating on Cheung Chau

Favour a glass of Long Island Ice Tea? There’s also a ‘Long Island’ in Hong Kong. The island is located 10km southwest of Hong Kong Island, a relatively small island with a relatively small population. By the way, ‘Cheung’ means long in Cantonese, and ‘Chau’ means island. So calling it Cheung Chau is enough, ‘Cheung Chau Island’will mean ‘Long Island Island’, weird. The island is also nick-named as ‘dumbbell island’ for its shape. It’s a relaxed island with a good mix of Chinese and Western culture, natural sceneries, good food and good company.

Spending – 3

There are no 7-elevens nor Circle-Ks on Cheung Chau. The only and largest supermarket is the local chain Parkn’shop near the ferry dock. The locals shop groceries and everyday items at small stalls along the main street, and the fresh market complex that holds more than 200 vendors. Prices are reasonable, and you usually get smiles and small talks for free. The island is also famous for its seafood, where they are caught and cooked mostly the same day. Prices are friendly, and quality is among the best in Hong Kong.

View – 3

Blue sky, great wind and waves, great sunshine, less-crowded beaches are the characteristics of Cheung Chau. As the Island is long and thin, it is almost impossible to find a spot without seeing any part of the sea.

Did you watch the movie Priates of the Caribbean? The Chinese pirate is based on Cheung Po Tsai, a notorious pirate in the South China Seas during the late 18th century who is said to have once commanded a fleet of 600 ships and 50,000 men. Know what? His hidden place is right here at Cheung Chau! Try your luck and you may find some left-over treasures at the Cheung Po Tsai Cave! Nearby the cave are five giant eroded rocks, the biggest reclining rocks.

Convenience – 3

Although Cheung Chau is an outlying island, it is not difficult to reach. Ferries sail from Central pier every 30 minutes. On a high speed ferry it takes 35 minutes to arrive. If you have more time, I will recommend the ordinary ferries with open-top areas that you could enjoy the view and sea breeze for 55 minutes.

Once you stepped your foot on the soils of Cheung Chau, you may notice something abnormal – there are no cars! Bicycles are available for rental at small stalls, but the best way to navigate is on foot.

History / Culture – 5

Although now home to many foreigners, Cheung Chau is an island full of traditional Chinese atmospheres. There’s the Kwan Kung Pavilion, the Pak Tai Temple, and not to forget the annual Bun Festival. The Bun Festival is really one of its kind. Little kids dressed up in traditional customs, raised up high on floats pushed through the streets of the island. Strong men climb up the ‘bun mountain’ competing for the highest bun. Even local Hong Kong people are stunned by the scene.

Cheung Chau is also home to Li Lai Shan, the first and only Hong Kong gold medalist in the Olympics.

Overall – 3

There’s just too much to see in Cheung Chau, but in a relaxing manner. After all the sight-seeing don’t forget to visit the local bars at the main street and cool off under the blue sky.

Photos By : karendotcom127, Bracketing Life, Ethan Chan H C, istolethetv, laszlo-photo, compass128, torbakhopper, under creative common.