When it comes to Hong Kong's island charm, Cheung Chau is definitely a top choice for many. This rustic island is located southwest of Hong Kong Island, only about an hour's ferry ride from Central, yet it feels like stepping back in time, far from the city's hustle. For travelers seeking to experience traditional fishing village culture, taking the ferry to Cheung Chau itself is a rare experience—not just a mode of transportation, but a leisurely journey sailing slowly from Victoria Harbour towards the open sea.
The Cheung Chau ferry service is operated by New World First Ferry, offering both regular and fast ferry options. The regular ferry takes approximately 55 minutes and offers more economical fares, while the fast ferry takes only 35 minutes, ideal for travelers with limited time. Regardless of your choice, the moment the ferry slowly departs from Central Pier, gazing at the city skyline on both sides, then gradually taking in the island scenery unfolding before your eyes—the journey itself is a visual delight.
Highlights
The highlight of the Cheung Chau ferry journey lies in its complete presentation of Hong Kong's contrast between a bustling metropolis and a traditional fishing village. During the first half of the journey, you can admire Victoria Harbour's classic views—Central's towering skyscrapers, the Peak Tram quietly ascending the hillside, Tsim Sha Tsui's cultural centre and the Avenue of Stars. As the ferry moves further away from the central business district, the sea opens up wider, islands begin to appear on either side, and the faint scent of sea salt slowly drifts in the air—only then do you truly feel you're arriving at a world entirely different from the city.
Upon arriving at Cheung Chau Pier, you'll be greeted by a lively fish market and seafood stalls. While the scale may not match Aberdeen or Lamma Island, the warmth and local atmosphere are equally strong. The waterfront promenade beside the pier is perfect for a stroll, with a typhoon shelter crowded with fishing boats of all sizes on one side, and seafood restaurants and traditional bakeries line the other. Sitting here in the evening, watching the sunset slowly sink below the horizon, with fishing boats returning and their silhouettes reflected on the golden waters—it's a view that makes travelers reluctant to leave.
Recommended Spots
1. Cheung Chau Pier Waterfront Promenade
This is the first stop upon arriving at Cheung Chau and the busiest centre of the island. The promenade has been recently renovated with clean, flat pathways and seating with shade facilities on both sides, perfect for strolling or resting. What makes this place special is the close-up view of traditional fishing boats coming and going—various sizes of wooden fishing boats and plastic dinghies interwoven together, exuding a rich fishing village charm. In the evening, the streetlights on the promenade illuminate, glowing harmoniously with the fishing boats' lights, making this an ideal spot for photographing Cheung Chau's night scenery.
2. Cheung Po Tsai Cave
Located on the western hillside of Cheung Chau, Cheung Po Tsai Cave is one of the most representative historical sites on the island. Legend has it that this was the cave where the pirate Cheung Po Tsai hid his treasure during the Qing Dynasty. Though there's no treasure left inside today, the experience of passing through the narrow, dark cave and climbing the hillside to overlook the entire Cheung Chau bay still leaves a lasting impression. Walking from the pier to Cheung Po Tsai Cave takes approximately 20 minutes, passing by traditional village houses and the Tin Hau Temple, allowing you to fully experience the local life of Cheung Chau.
3. Cheung Chau Wan Tin Hau Temple
Built during the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong era, this temple is one of the oldest on Cheung Chau, dedicated to Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea. The temple architecture preserves the traditional Lingnan style, with delicate Shiwan pottery sculptures on the ridge, telling Cheung Chau's long maritime history. For culture enthusiasts, this is an important window into understanding the fishing community's faith. Every year on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, Cheung Chau hosts grand celebrations for Tin Hau's birthday, when the entire island comes alive with festivities.
4. Kwun Yam Beach
Approximately a 15-minute walk east from Cheung Chau Pier brings you to Kwun Yam Beach. This was once the training ground for Lee Lai Shan, Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medalist, and is now a favourite beach spot among locals. Though the beach is not large, the water is clear, and families often come here for water fun on weekends. Kwun Yam Beach is also a paradise for windsurfing and kite surfing enthusiasts—if you're lucky, you might catch athletes gliding across the sea.
5. Cheung Chau Seafood Street
Walking east along the waterfront promenade from the pier, you'll see a whole row of seafood restaurants—this is Cheung Chau's famous seafood street. Most of these restaurants offer the service of purchasing seafood directly from the boats and having it cooked for you, guaranteeing the freshest quality. We recommend trying Cheung Chau's signature sea urchin fried rice and Typhoon Shelter fried crab. Prices are much more affordable compared to Hong Kong Island seafood restaurants, and many visitors make the trip specifically for these flavours.
Practical Information
How to Get There:
The most convenient way to reach Cheung Chau from Hong Kong Island is by ferry. Departing from Pier 5 in Central (Exit E1 from MTR Hong Kong Station, about 5 minutes' walk), the regular ferry costs HK$22.5, while the fast ferry costs HK$42.0. Regular ferries run every 30 minutes, and fast ferries every 20 minutes. Ferry services operate from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
Cost:
Regular ferry one-way: HK$22.5, fast ferry: HK$42.0; round-trip regular: HK$41.0, fast: HK$76.0. Visitors to Hong Kong may consider purchasing ferry-plus-bus combo tickets for better value. Dining on the island varies in price, with a typical seafood lunch costing around HK$150-250 per person.
Operating Hours:
Ferry services: Regular ferry 06:00-23:30, Fast ferry 07:00-20:00 (specific schedules require checking the New World First Ferry website). Major Cheung Chau attractions such as Cheung Po Tsai Cave and Wan Tin Hau Temple are open 24 hours. Seafood restaurants generally operate from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Travel Tips
We recommend visiting Cheung Chau on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds, allowing you to enjoy the ferry journey and island scenery more leisurely. For photographing the classic seascape from Victoria Harbour to Cheung Chau, the upper deck seats on the regular ferry are the best choice—spacious视野 and less prone to seasickness.
Cheung Chau is a small island; half a day to a full day is sufficient for sightseeing, but we recommend预留 at least three hours to fully appreciate the island's relaxed atmosphere. There are no private cars on the island; the main modes of transportation are bicycles and walking. Bicycle rental shops are available near the pier—renting a bicycle is recommended for efficiently exploring all the attractions.
Finally, note that Cheung Chau still retains a strong traditional fishing village vibe, with many shops and restaurants only accepting cash. We recommend preparing sufficient Hong Kong dollar cash before your trip to avoid any inconvenience.
Hong Kong City Data
- Tourism Scale: According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors in 2024, with total tourism revenue exceeding HK$100 billion.
- Dining Density: Hong Kong has over 15,000 licensed food premises, with restaurant density per capita among the highest globally, and over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Cultural Status: Hong Kong is a major international metropolis in Asia, ranking fourth in the 2024 Global Financial Centres Index, with companies from over 90 countries establishing Asia-Pacific headquarters in the city.
