Hong Kong is a vibrant city that prides itself in the abundance of things to eat, see and do. One of the best parts about Hong Kong is their proximity to nature and beauty through the islands that surround them.

While we have often heard about Lantau Island, a sleepy little island known as Cheung Chau has since emerged as a tourist hotspot after being thrust into the limelight in the 2015 historical sci-fi TVB drama, Captain of Destiny.

Located just a ferry ride away from Central Pier 5, at first glance, Cheung Chau may seem a little backward but once you step onto this little gem of an island, you will be blown away by its vibrant island life filled with street vendors, restaurants, beaches, and gorgeous landscape.

To help give you an idea of what to expect, here’s 10 things that you can experience and do when you visit Cheung Chau.

Photo Credit: Yiyi0703 and Adventure Tours HK

#1 Visit Cheung Po Tsai’s Cave

As one of the most famous tourist attractions on the island, Cheung Po Tsai’s Cave was rumored to be a treasure hiding spot for the infamous 19th Century pirate Cheung Po Tsai.

While there isn’t any treasure to be found here, you can explore the winding passages that once was a refuge for pirates back then. Do remember to bring along a small handheld torchlight or use your phone to guide you as it can get pretty dark inside.

Cheung Po Tsai Cave
Make a right after you get off the ferry, and walk for about 20 minutes toward Sai Wan Tin Hau Temple. When you reach the temple, walk up the hill for about 10 minutes and you will find the entrance to the cave.

Photo Credit: The Occasional Traveller

#2 Take In A Panoramic View at North Lookout Pavilion

If you’re looking for a great spot to take in the breathtaking landscape, you will need to visit the North Lookout Pavilion which offers stunning views of Cheung Chau and beyond as the highest point on the island.

While the walk here might take around 40 minutes, you will find that the view is worth every minute. From the pavilion, you will be able to see the turquoise waters of Tung wan glisten beneath you, and if you decide to stay for the sunset, you will be treated to a spectacular view that lets you forget all the hustle and bustle of the city life.

North Lookout Pavilion
Turn left from the ferry pier and continue walking along San Hing Praya Street. Make a left turn at the end of the road and follow the signs toward the North Lookout Pavilion. You will then find yourself on Cheung Kwai Road, which will lead to Cheung Pak Road and the Pavilion.

Photo Credit: Bell2016

#3 Leave Your Inscribed Lock in the Love Lock Garden

Yes, Paris may have its own Love Lock Bridge but Cheung Chau has their very own garden dedicated to the cause.

Known as the Love Lock Garden, couples are invited to leave their mark in this garden with a personal message of their own that is written on a lock of their choosing which is sold across the road at BnB The Creative Workshop.

Love Lock Garden
80 Tung Wan Road
Cheung Chau
Hong Kong

BnB The Creative Workshop
82 Tung Wan Road
Cheung Chau
Hong Kong
Tue to Fri: 11am – 5pm
Sat: 11am – 7pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays

Photo Credit: Island Workbench

#4 Shop Cheung Chau-made Products

There are loads of local shops, boutiques and stores to browse but one that you should definitely visit is Island Workbench.

Tucked away in a corner sits this little store that sells a selection of Cheung Chau-made products such as jewelry, bags, cards and accessories. One of the more unique items to look out for is their string bags which are made from recycled fishing nets!

Plus, if you happen to be feeling slightly peckish from all the exploring, you could visit their small cafe that’s located just up the road for a cup of coffee and some pastries.

Island Workbench
No.2 G/F Rear
San Hing Back Street
Cheung Chau
Hong Kong
Daily: 11am – 7pm

Photo Credit: Kwon Kam Kee Cake Shop

#5 Try the Famous Peace Buns or Ping-On Bao

You might have probably seen this on display during Cheung Chau’s annual Bun Festival and even after the festival, you can still get your hands on them at the famous Kwok Kan Kee Cake Shop.

Having been Cheung Chau’s supplier of Ping-On Baos (peace buns) for over 40 years, these round white buns are instantly recognizable with its red lucky stamp that reads peace in Mandarin. At the shop, the Ping-On Baos are available in three paste flavours – sesame paste, lotus-seed paste and red bean paste.

Kwok Kam Kee Cake Shop
46 Bak She Street
Cheung Chau
Hong Kong
Daily: 8am – 7pm

Photo Credit: Janice111

#6 Snack on Red Bean Cakes

Located on the main passageway between Praya and Tung Wan Beach sits a quirky teahouse called Hometown Teahouse that is owned and managed by a Japanese couple.

This humble snack and dessert spot operates out of a small window which resembles that of a takeaway counter as the teahouse only has a few table and chairs available for sitting in the outdoor terrace.

While the menu may look small, Hometown Teahouse is renowned for its red bean cakes which are light yet tasty, and filled with generous amount of red beans!

Hometown Teahouse
G/F
17 Cheung Chau Church Road
Cheung Chau
Hong Kong
Daily: 1pm – 10pm

Photo Credit: Valor Cheung Chau

#7 Enjoy a Cup of Hand Drip Coffee

The first impression that Cheung Chau gives to visitors is usually one which is associated with the island being somewhat stuck in time. However, despite that, Cheung Chau is home to up-and-coming cafes such as the edgy coffee shop, Valor Cheung Chau.

This is a good place to take a break and indulge in the cafe’s signature hand-dripped coffee as well as other interesting blends of coffee which include the Coconut Ice Dripped Coffee (which is served in the coconut husk), and the Nitro Honey Ice Dripped Coffee.

Valor Cheung Chau
G/F
4 Sun Hing Street
Cheung Chau
Hong Kong
Daily: 10.30am – 7pm

Photo Credit: iamfoodiek and kchelseapy

#8 Indulge in Instagrammable Hong Kong-style Desserts

If there is anyone who knows how to do their desserts right, it’s the Hong Kong dessert houses. Cheung Chau Bing Sutt is a Hong Kong-style dessert and tea house which serves a variety of delicious and Instagrammable desserts.

Indulge in traditional desserts which have been reinvented with a modern twist such as the Mango Sticky Rice, the Three-Colored Thai Milk Tea Shaved Ice, and the Signature Osmanthus Sugar Three-Colored Grass Jelly.

Cheung Chau Bing Sutt
G/F
19C Bak She Praya Road
Cheung Chau
Hong Kong
Mon, Wed and Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri to Sun:11.30am – 11.30pm
Closed on Tuesdays

Photo Credit: Kevin James Ng

#9 Visit Yuk Hui Temple

Constructed in the 1700s, Yuk Hui Temple, also known as Pak Tai Temple, was built to honor Pak Tai, the God of the sea in the Taoist religion.

It holds special significance for the people of Cheung Chau and visitors alike as it is located directly in front of a large basketball court which holds the annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival, where thousands attend every year to witness participants scale the Ping-On Bun decorated towers to retrieve the highest placed buns for good luck.

Yuk Hui Temple
Pak She Street
Cheung Chau
Hong Kong

Photo Credit: The Lost Passport

#10 Walk The Backstreets of Cheung Chau

To truly immerse yourself in the Cheung Chau way of life and experience their local culture, you should take a walk around the backstreets of the island.

Here, you will be able to admire the historic architecture of yesteryear while discovering the quaint houses and small humble local shops that line the street. These streets also tend to have lesser tourists so it might be a good spot to consider if you want a break from the crowd.