HK’s Long Island

Yau Ma Tei is Hong Kong’s “Brooklyn” and Hung Hom is our “Bay Area.” But did you know that we also have a “Long Island”? Yes, that’s right – Cheung Chau literally means “long island.” Aptly named, too, since it’s the 8th largest out of HK’s 261 islands. Aren’t we just brimming with trivia today?

When was the last time you visited Cheung Chau? I’ve been a number of times, myself… This island is brimming with endless pleasures and I have to say, writing this article makes me want to return to Cheung Chau like, right now.

5 Things to Do in Cheung Chau

Explore a Pirate Cave

That feeling when you’re emerging at the other end of Cheung Po Tsai Cave – woohoo! Cheung Po Tsai was an 18th century pirate who once commanded 50,000 men and 600 ships. After surrendering to the government, he became an officer in the Qing Imperial Navy. The cave, once Cheung’s hideout and stash house, is one of the island’s most enduring attractions. It’s very narrow and completely dark, so if you’re claustrophobic – well – happily, it’s not a very long cave.

Eat

Giant curry fish balls, fried ice cream, baked oysters, durian mochi, potato “tornado,” endless seafood… Food in Cheung Chau is probably an entire, other blog post. Suffice it to say, you’ll never run out of yummy, curious things to try. So pace yourself! Eat slowly and like it matters because this is not a race, it’s a marathon.

Ride a bike

There are bike rentals close to the pier. Take one and pedal away, exploring the island’s charming nooks and crannies. Just follow the signs; you won’t get lost. What a great way, too, to burn extra calories and make way for even more eating.

Chill

Yes, on a beach! Because what’s the point of an island if it doesn’t have a beach? From the pier, head to the opposite side of the island to get to Tung Wan Beach. Spend a few hours basking in the sun here. Or check out nearby Kwun Yam Beach for something a little more low-key. The sand is golden, the water is clear and it feels like it’s all yours.

Watch the Sunset

As a yogi, I’m a big believer in simply being. Isn’t that radical? We spend enough hours of our lives, actively doing. So the fifth and final item on this “things to do” list is not even a thing to “do” at all. It’s simply appreciation. Gratitude. For nature. For all the quirk and colour and the golden hour. For the hundreds of boats. For the gentle sea breeze and briny sea air. For abundance. For life, itself.

 

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James Gannaban