Walking EuropeCheng Chau Island
Walk 6092
Country - HongKong
Author - Lou Johnson
Time - 2.00 hours
Grade - easy
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Cheung Chau Island is a small island lying about 10 km southwest of Hong Kong Island. Its shape is like a dumbbell with two mostly granite masses joined by a kind of sandbar. The population is around 25,000 with much of the employment dependent on the large fishing fleet based in the well protected harbour.
A visit to island offers some wonderful seafood restaurants, plenty of local culture, a sandy beach and a chance to walk around the island's coast. The annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival is a festival which includes a parade of floats, most famously including young children dressed as famous characters doing impossible balancing acts. Lasting seven days it attracts thousands of visitors to the island.
To reach the island ferries leave regularly from Central Pier on Hong Kong Island. Journey time is about 30 to 40 minutes. The suggested walk explores the harbour, beach and the northern coastal path. Disembark from the ferry and proceed onto the road along the waterfront. From here you can sample the almost traffic free roads, watch sampans and other craft in the harbour and perhaps pick a restaurant for later!
From the harbour side road take any of the main streets running at right angles to the waterfront and cross the other side of the island. This only takes a few minutes and you will soon be on the small sandy beach. Turn right on the road behind the beach and follow this north. This will lead in due course to the coastal footpath that continues around the northern coast of the island. It is hard to get lost and eventually you return to harbour.
There is also a path around the southern part of the island too. This will take another hour or so to walk.
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.