Cheung
Chau Island, popularly known as Dumbbell Island, is appreciated for its
lovely beaches and scenic views. The peaceful island moves calmly
through each day, providing tourists a pleasant place to escape from the
hectic lifestyle of cities. Small size of the island has its own
benefits. It means that wherever you see, day or night, you would find
lovely scenes.Beaches
Picturesque beaches have made Cheung Chau Island notable among the plethora of Hong Kong group of islands. Two famous beaches are Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Wan Beach. Tung Wan Beach is the surfside bathing area and offers lovely cabarets and wonderful tourist residences. Kwan-yin Wan Beach is liked for its aquatic sports recreation areas. In summer tourists flock both of these beaches.
Pak Tai Temple
The temple is dedicated to Pak Tai, a Taoist god, also known as the 'Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven'. Constructed in 1783, the temple's layout includes conventional Chinese elements such as ceramic figurines on the roof ridges and murals containing auspicious motifs.
Beitiao Pavilion
Beitiao Pavilion is the best vantage point on the island. The uniquely designed pavilion allows visitors a sweeping view of the island. Interior of the pavilion is brimming with lush foliage. You would like it in case you want a break from cabaret life.
Wooden Sampan Ride
20-minute sampan ride around the typhoon shelter would enable you to see the old fishing community still living in their boats. The ride includes well-known Cheung Po Tsai Cave, the hideout of a famous local pirate, and West Bay.
Tin Hau Temple
Built in the 17th Century, the temple draws lots of people who come to worship the Goddess of the Sea, especially during the annual Tin Hau Festival. The Goddess is highly regarded by the locals.
The Port
Fishing boats arrive and depart all day long in the port. At evenings, soft light of the setting sun covers the port with an attractive natural cloak. The port is always full of noises of the fishing folks.
Cheung Chau Bun Festival
This is a traditional festival attracting a large number of tourists because of the large parade and ongoing celebrations that fill all the streets. The festival is usually held in April every year. A legend associates the festival with a devastating epidemic which gripped the people of island. The residents then held the festival to free themselves of the disease.
How to Reach
Ferries undertake regular trips from Hong Kong island to Cheung Chau and return journey. Once on the island. it is very easy to traverse all nooks and corners of the little island on foot. However you can avail various sorts of bikes if you want so.