According to the latest survey, there are approximately 12-15 distinctive antique shops concentrated along Tung Wan Road and the waterfront area on Cheung Chau Island. More than half of these shops have been in operation for over 20 years, specializing in collections of Hong Kong island life artifacts from the 1960s-80s and traditional Chinese craft items. Each shop typically has a collection of approximately 200-500 items, making this a treasure hunt destination worth exploring for vintage collectors.
- Tung Wan Antiques House: Specializing in Hong Kong island life artifacts from the 1960s, see details
- Cheung Chau Craft Workshop: Focusing on traditional Chinese furniture and wood carvings, see details
- Island Cultural Relics Society: Collecting local Cheung Chau boat models and fishing gear, see details
For more Macau shopping recommendations, view the complete guide.
When it comes to antiques and nostalgic treasures on Cheung Chau, many visitors automatically associate the island with its beaches and glutinous rice balls, overlooking the fact that this small island actually hides many distinctive items imbued with fishing village charm. Unlike the Cat Street market on Hong Kong Island or Hollywood Road in Central and Western District, the antique shops on Cheung Chau are smaller in scale, yet they possess an irreplaceable regional character—this is where you can find many precious cultural relics related to Hong Kong's fishing history, making it essentially an open-air museum for those interested in studying local culture.
As one of Hong Kong's largest fishing communities, Cheung Chau historically had hundreds of fishing boats docked here. Consequently, items such as boat equipment, fisherman tools, and traditional craft items have become the island's unique "specialties." In recent years, with rising awareness of local cultural preservation and the continuous growth of Hong Kong's tourism industry in 2026 (tourist arrivals in the first half of the year increased by 18% year-on-year), more and more visitors are making special trips to Cheungchau to hunt for treasures. These objects carrying fishing village memories are gradually gaining attention.
Seafood Dry Goods and Traditional Containers
In the traditional seafood shops around the Cheung Chau Tin Hau Temple area, besides selling shrimp paste and dried fish, many vendors actually have collections of old-style ceramic pickle jars and copper steamers. These containers were very common in fishing villages during the 1970s-80s and have now become rare historicalevidence. Shop owners often display these vintage containers prominently in their storefronts, using them as decorations as well as exhibits. If you're interested, you can directly ask the shop owners—some are willing to sell them. Prices vary depending on age and condition, ranging approximately from HK$80 to HK$300.
Handcrafted Wooden Fishing Gear
In the narrow streets near the Cheung Chau Ferry Pier, there are several small shops specializing in traditional fishing gear. Inside, you can find fish boxes made of fragrant sandalwood, bamboo frames for hand nets, and coir ropes that have become quite rare. These items were standard equipment on every fishing boat 70-80 years ago, but are now hard to find at the pier, having been replaced by modern plastic alternatives. Shop owners indicate that in recent years, many young people have been purchasing these traditional tools as design materials or for collection, with an average price of approximately HK$50 to HK$150 per item, depending on the complexity of the craftsmanship.
Nostalgic Snacks and Toys
On the way from the ferry pier toward Tung Wan Beach, you'll pass by several old-style "chai gaai" (corner shops) that still retain classic Hong Kong snacks, such as goldfish chocolate, Swiss candies, and bubble gum, as well as vintage soda advertisement metal signs from decades past. Some shop owners display these nostalgic snacks as "living fossils" rather than simply selling them. If you're looking for these "childhood memories," it's recommended to directly ask the shop owners if they have stock. Most sell them in loose packaging at affordable prices—approximately HK$5 to HK$20 can get you a small packet.
Traditional Craft Shops
There are many craft shops on Cheung Chau operated by the older generation, specializing in handwoven rattan products, traditional Chinese clothing, and wood carvings made by local masters. Many of these shops have been in operation for 30-40 years, and the shop owners themselves may be inheritors of traditional craftsmanship. The rattan baskets,蓑衣(singular rain capes), and wood combs displayed in these shops often have better quality than mass-produced items found in chain stores, and the prices are relatively reasonable—a handcrafted rattan basket costs approximately HK$60 to HK$120, making it an excellent souvenir with纪念价值 (commemorative value).
Specialty Souvenir Shops
In recent years, some shops selling locally designed souvenirs have also emerged on Cheung Chau, repackaging fishing village elements into trendy products. Examples include sailing boats or fishing net-themed postcards, bags featuring traditional patterns, and nostalgic vintage photos of Cheung Chau landscapes. These types of shops are usually located near the ferry pier boarding area or on Tung Wan Road, and their prices are slightly lower than traditional antiques—suitable for travelers with limited budgets who still want to take home a piece of "Cheung Chau memory." A special postcard costs approximately HK$10 to HK$25, and a designed tote bag costs approximately HK$40 to HK$80.
Practical Information
Getting to Cheung Chau is very convenient—you can take a ferry from the Central Ferry Pier. Ferries are available in two types: regular ferries (HK$14.5, approximately 35-45 minutes sailing) and fast ferries (HK$28, approximately 25 minutes sailing), and both accept Octopus card payment. Ferry departures are frequent, with departures every 15-30 minutes on weekdays and more frequent during holidays. There is no MTR on the island, so exploration is mainly on foot or by renting a bicycle.
Most antique and nostalgic item shops on the island are open from approximately 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some seafood shops closing earlier after noon. It is recommended to reserve at least half a day to explore slowly, as the island not only has antique shops but also beaches, the Rocky Hill (奇石嶺), and Tin Hau Temple—making it perfect for a day trip.
Travel Tips
The antique shops on Cheung Chau do not have a fixed concentrated area, so you'll need to discover them while walking around. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. Some older shop owners are relatively low-key and may not display their goods prominently—taking the initiative to ask often leads to unexpected discoveries. If you're looking for more special items like vintage fishing gear or early ceramics, it's best to visit on a sunny weekday when shop owners have more time for detailed conversations. If you're in Hong Kong during Art Basel or other major cultural events, making a side trip to Cheung Chau for treasure hunting is also a great choice—you can experience Hong Kong's island culture from a different perspective.
