Beyond the Buns: Cheung Chau off the Beaten Path
Cheung Chau is famous for its Bun Festival (coming up!) and all that surrounds it. But besides this bright and energetic event, what else is there to do on this island full of rustic charm?
1. Beach it!
While Tung Wan is the most popular beach on Cheung Chau, Kwun Yam Wan is the biggest. It is home to Hong Kong’s first Olympic Gold Medalist, Ms. Lee Lai Shan, known affectionately as Shan Shan. She brought home gold in windsurfing from the 1996 Atlanta Games. Visitors can kayak, windsurf, paddleboard from this beach; Hing Kee Beach Store is the spot for snacks and beverages and offers equipment rentals. The vibes here are 100%.
Address: No. 1 Hak Pai Road, Cheung Chau
Photo source: Hing Kee Beach Store 興記
2. Rent a bike and explore the island:
The best way to explore Cheung Chau is by bike. The place to get your bike is along the waterfront. 何恩記單車 (Ho En Kee Bikes) is reliable and affordable and minutes from the pier. At the time of writing, bicycle rentals are $20/hr or $40/day, and tricycle rentals are $40/hr or $70/day (until 5pm).
Address: They have 2 locations:
G/F 15 Tai Hang Tai Road, Cheung Chau
G/F 1C Pak She 4th Lane, Cheung Chau
3. The most authentic souvenir:
Visitors to Hong Kong, what do you get for someone who has everything? Tea! Yuandme Tea sells different kinds of Chinese teas, including many types of pu’er, a popular black tea served in most Chinese restaurants here and abroad. A good pu’er just hits different and the folks at Yuandme know their stuff. Test your tastebuds and sip to your health here.
Shop address: G/F No. 102 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau
4. Support independent bookstores:
To-Day Bookstore brought new books to the island. Founded by a group of friends, this place has become a hub and a purveyor of local knowledge. Besides books, the store has a small grocery section selling local brands. For more on local culture and history, make sure you get a copy of Cheung Chau Tells, a beautiful, bilingual peek into Cheung Chau life.
Address: G/F, 68 Pak She Street, Cheung Chau
5. Support local designers:
Island Workbench has figured out a way to revive Cheung Chau’s handcraft history to meet modern contexts. Island Workbench as a retail location that sells both handmade items and merchandise from other local brands. One of the founders, who has a background in fashion design, has incorporated local basketweaving tradition and the retired fishing community into recreating and selling fish net bags. Shop till you drop, and then grab a bite at their cafe!
Shop Address: N0.1 G/F, San Hing Back Street, Cheung Chau
Cafe Address: G/F, 16 Chung Hok Road, Cheung Chau
Cheung Chau is more than just a day trip destination. It's an island with layers of history, culture, and natural beauty. By venturing beyond the tourist hotspots, you'll discover a side of Cheung Chau that few get to see, a side that will leave you with lasting memories.