Cheung Chau is a popular weekend island for Hong Kong locals, but most visitors only know about the temple festival and beaches. In reality, this 2.5-square-kilometer outlying island hides some of Hong Kong's most underrated hiking routes. Unlike Sai Kung's majestic peaks or Lamma Island's lush greenery, Cheung Chau's hiking charm lies in its diverse coastline and intimate proximity to village life. From rocky shores along cliffs to narrow alleys in fishing villages, and up to the island's highest point with 360-degree sea views, Cheung Chau can take you through multiple worlds in an afternoon. For photography enthusiasts, it's a secret treasure trove of "non-touristy photo spots"; for food explorers, it's the perfect base for tasting authentic island snacks.
Diverse coastal terrain—rocky shores, sandy beaches, and cliffs alternate throughout. Photography gems can be found everywhere, with particularly enchanting light changes at dawn and dusk. Walk and eat simultaneously, experiencing local life directly in the fishing village—not a tourist attraction, but real Hong Kong. Most routes require no special equipment, with accessible difficulty allowing all ages to enjoy. Most importantly, tourists are mainly concentrated at North Bay and East Bay; the trails on the south and west sides are relatively quiet, making them ideal for hikers seeking a serene experience.
Zima Bay Trail (East Bay to South Bay) is the most visually striking route on Cheung Chau, approximately 3 kilometers of coastline. Starting from East Bay, follow the beach southward, gradually leaving the crowds behind. At the end of the path lies a "rocky shore" composed of black and red stones—remnants of volcanic lava. During big wave season, the splashing water spray as waves hit the rocks sparkles like diamonds under afternoon sunlight, a dream scene for photography enthusiasts. It's recommended to start at low tide so you can walk along the rocky shore while shooting; non-slip shoes are essential. Round trip takes approximately 2 hours, with optimal lighting at dusk.
Dragon Ridge High Point Route starts from She Shan, passes through small hills to reach the northern high point. It takes only 45 minutes to summit but offers views encompassing all of Victoria Harbour and the South China Sea. Hikers departing early in the morning often encounter local retirees doing morning exercises here, and occasionally you can spot Zhuhai in the distance. When descending, you can choose different routes, passing through paths known only to locals back to the village, then enjoying morning tea at a small stall in North Bay. The route is free, and returning to eat a bowl of soy sauce century egg congee at North Bay stalls costs approximately HK$28-35.
South Bay Coastline is less famous than East Bay and North Bay, which actually preserves its original tranquility. A not-so-obvious trail extends southward from the central village, passing through several unnamed small coves. Each cove has its own unique rock textures and wave-washing marks. Local anglers frequently fish here; their stories, daily equipment, and even damp clothes become excellent subjects for documentation. This route is most suitable for photography enthusiasts who want to avoid tourists and seek the "real Cheung Chau." Moderate difficulty, explore while walking; round trip takes approximately 2-3 hours.
North Bay Fishing Village Walk is not really a "trail," it's more like a food map. North Bay is the most traditional fishing village area on Cheung Chau. Fresh seafood stalls, soy sauce century egg congee shops, and fried fish ball stalls are all concentrated on the seaside street. Starting from the ferry pier, stroll westward along the waterfront, passing scenes of fishermen mending nets, drying fish on racks, and small stalls known only to locals. There are no guides or signage here, yet this offers the most direct experience of Cheung Chau's true character as Hong Kong's only outlying island with active fishing industry. Fried fish balls at HK$15-20, freshly fried to order; sea urchin fried rice at HK$45-55, only available in season, quality depends on the daily catch.
Kung Tsai Wan to Kun Chuen Wan Route is a connected trail on the southern side of Cheung Chau Island that most tourists don't visit. The route passes through several unnamed small coves, each with its own personality—some places have white shells piled on the rocky shore, while others have red stone walls carved by waves. There are no convenience stores or toilets along the route; bring your own water and snacks. At sunrise and sunset, backlit silhouette portraits are particularly powerful. Especially suitable for photography enthusiasts, intermediate hikers looking to challenge themselves, and meditation walkers seeking tranquility.
Transportation: Depart from Central Pier 5, regular ferry takes approximately 35-50 minutes, HK$11.6 (Octopus) or HK$13.5 (cash). Departing from Tuen Mun is faster but with fewer sailings, approximately 25 minutes, HK$6 (Octopus). Using Octopus is strongly recommended for both cost savings and convenience. Ferry operating hours are approximately 6:30am-11:00pm; last ferry times are subject to change, be sure to check Star Ferry's official schedule before departure. All-day budget: HK$150-200 (including transportation and lunch), depending on whether you dine at fishing village stalls.
Accessibility Facilities: Honestly, Cheung Chau has limited considerations for accessibility. Trails near North Bay and East Bay are relatively flat, but trails on the south and west sides are mostly natural mountain paths, not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges. Public toilets are mainly concentrated in North Bay and East Bay areas. If bringing elderly family members, it's recommended to limit activities to the North Bay fishing village walk and short East Bay sections.
Tides matter a lot—Zima Bay Trail is best walked at low tide; otherwise, certain sections may be submerged. Query location: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website has daily tide tables. Depart for South Bay or Kung Tsai Wan at around 2-3pm, and you'll arrive at the best viewing spot during dusk, with the most enchanting light angles. Island convenience facilities are only concentrated in North Bay; once you enter trails on the south or west sides, there are no supply points. Extra water is especially important in summer. Although it's only 2.5 square kilometers, the surrounding sea on all sides of Cheung Chau means UV intensity and wind are stronger than in the city; sunscreen, hats, and windbreakers are all essential. Cheung Chau's biggest advantage is being able to stop anytime—sitting by a rocky shore watching the sea, eating snacks at a fishing village stall, or simply daydreaming. This isn't a place to "check in and complete"; it's a place to slow down your pace.
