10 kilometers (approx. 6.2 miles)
southwest of Hong Kong Island lays
the Cheung Chau Island. Although it is only a small area, it has a
comparatively large population of more than 20,000 people. The
residents live mainly in the middle part of the island where the
land is low. Because this little island is shaped like a dumbbell -
large at its two ends and narrower in the middle - it is also named
'Dumbbell Island'.
Cheung Chau Island has been a fishing village since the
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). All day long the ports are busy with the
comings and goings of the fishing boats. In the evening, the port is
awash with the soft light of the setting sun. Wherever you look, day
or night, you are seeing a beautiful picture. The island is peaceful
and moves calmly through each day, providing tourists a pleasant
place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city-life.
Like most islands, recreation is easily found on these
luscious beaches and along the baysides. Two very notable beaches
are Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Wan Beach. Tung Wan Beach is the
surfside bathing area and features lovely cabarets and wonderful
tourist residences. Kwan-yin Wan Beach is known for its aquatic
sports recreation areas. Both of these beaches are main attractions
for the tourists who flock here in great numbers in summer.
Perhaps the best scenic viewing spot on the island is
the Beitiao Pavilion. This pavilion is uniquely designed and allows
visitors a complete island view. Tired of luxurious beach and
cabaret life? Take a walk in the interior which is filled with lush,
green foliage.
On the southwest tip of the island is Cheung Po Tsai
Cave. Ancient legends say that it used to be the place where Cheung
Po Tsai, a pirate with an ill reputation, hid the money he robbed.
Many people, flashlights in hand, visit this cave every year.
Perhaps one day, someone will discover Cheung Po Tsai's treasure!
Want to take part in a glorious, joyful festival? Come
on April 15th and 16th (dates are according to the Chinese calendar
so double check each year), for the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. In
ancient times, a devastating epidemic attacked the people of the
island, who held the first Bun Festival in an attempt to clear their
little homeland of disease. The epidemic suddenly disappeared and
ever since the festival is held every year. It is a large-scale
traditional festival attracting a large number of tourists because
of the large parade and ongoing celebrations that fill all the
streets and alleys.
How do you get to this wonderful little island? Take a
ferryboat from the Zhonghuan wharf to Cheung Chau. This hour-long
trip is a gentle bridge from one world to another. |
