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Ever wondered how a celebration on an outlying island became one of Hong Kong’s coolest cultural events? With papier-mâché effigies, lion dancers and its iconic bun scramble, Cheung Chau Bun Festival is renowned as one of world’s quirkiest festivals!
It didn’t start as all fun and games though. In the late Qing dynasty, Cheung Chau was hit by a nasty plague. The locals invited Taoist priests to set up a sacrificial altar near Pak Tai Temple to pray for blessings and peace. Villagers paraded deity statues through the streets and handed out buns as offerings called Ping On Buns.
When the plague eventually lifted, the islanders made the celebration an annual event as a symbol of gratitude. This once humble tradition has become not only a city-wide attraction, but internationally renowned, drawing crowds thanks to its unique charm. What began as a result of the plague has transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Here’s everything you need to know about them buns if you’re planning to join this year’s festivities!
Jump To:
When is The Cheung Chau Bun Festival?
What’s There To Do During The Festival?
Where To Dine During The Cheung Chau Bun Festival
How To Get To The Cheung Chau Bun Festival
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When Is The Cheung Chau Bun Festival?
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival typically takes place during the fourth lunar month, coinciding with the Buddha’s Birthday (it’s a public holiday! Yes!). In 2025, the festival events are scheduled in early May, with the main celebrations often occurring over several days, including the Bun Scrambling Competition on 5 May,2025.
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What’s There To Do During The Festival?
The Climbing Carnival
Dive into fun with stall games, handicrafts, a variety show and the wishing bun tower — where you can scribble your wishes on a Ping On bun-shaped piece of paper and post it on the tower! Feeling adventurous? Climb the iconic bun tower for fun (make sure you’re at least a metre tall!) and receive an honorary souvenir for being such a sport!
Where to watch: The soccer pitch at Pak Tei Temple Playground, Cheung Chau
When: Sunday, 27 April, 2025, 12pm to 6pm
How much: Free entry
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Piu Sik Parade
Prepare to be dazzled as local kids, wearing costumes of deities and historical icons, parade through the streets while propped up like little statues. It’s a bizarre yet captivating tradition. We’ll let you in on a little secret: those hidden stilts come with a secret panel for the kids to sit on!
Where: The parade begins on Pak She Street, before passing through San Hing Street, Tai Choi Yuen Road, Tai San Back Street and Sun Hing Back Street before returning to Pak She Street
When: Monday, 5 May, 2025, starts at 2pm
How much: Free entry
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Bun Scrambling Competition & Prize Presentation Ceremony
It’s time for the real action as the Bun Scrambling Competition contestants take centre stage! Watch them race to the top, grabbing as many buns as they can before time runs out —the more they snag, the better their chances of victory! Based on previous years, these contestants are lightning-fast! It’s exhilarating to watch, even the live stream, trust us!
Where: At the soccer pitch of Pak Tei Temple Playground, Cheung Chau
When: Monday, 5 May, 11:30pm to 12:45am
How much: Free entry
Where To Dine During The Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Similar to its neighbour Lamma Island, Cheung Chau is famous for its seaview restaurants, delicious local snacks and food stalls. However, during the festival, the island embraces vegetarianism for three days, with most eateries removing meat and seafood from their menus. We’ve done the legwork and compiled a list of must-try spots for you!
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Kwok Kam Kee
Cheung Chau’s signature delicacy are of course Ping On Buns, also known as Lucky Buns. It’s an integral part of the Bun Festival (as the name suggests) and a sweet treat available year round. Kwok Kam Kee is the go-to bakery for freshly-baked Ping On Buns. Choose from a variety of flavours, including lotus seed, red bean and sesame.
Kwok Kam Kee, G/F, 46 Pak She Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 9841 5683, www.kwokkamkee.com
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Morocco’s Restaurant
If you’re craving Indian, Thai or Nepali cuisine, Morocco’s Restaurant has it all! During the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, their juicy vegetable momos are a must-try. Plus, they also have shisha if you’re looking to indulge and unwind!
Morocco’s Restaurant, G/F, 71 San Hing Praya Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 2986 9767, Instagram: @moroccos_cheungchau
Cheung Chau Tough Guy
Cheung Chau Tough Guy has a laid-back vibe and specialises in skewers, including veggie options like mushrooms, sweet corn, and sweet potatoes covered in delicious seasonings. During the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, don’t miss out on their Ping On Buns — they’re crispy on the outside with a sweet and salty custard filling.
Cheung Chau Tough Guy, 65 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 8489 3143, Instagram: @cheungchautoughguy
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McDonald’s
Once a year, the McDonald’s in Cheung Chau offers a limited edition McVeggie Burger! It features a crispy mushroom patty topped with lettuce and mayo, all encased within the classic sesame bun. Be prepared for long lines of people eager to get their hands on this special burger!
McDonald’s (Cheung Chau), G/F & 1/F, 101-103 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 2981 7533, www.mcdonalds.com
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HAPPY BELLY
It’s impossible to miss the big ‘Handmade Pasta’ sign at this charming little restaurant! HAPPY BELLY is renowned for its mouthwatering pastas, and in honour of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, they will be serving exclusively vegetarian options. A must-try is their vibrant Beetroot Pasta with creamy Feta Cheese—a delightful blend of rich, earthy flavours and tangy goodness!
HAPPY BELLY, G/F, 86 Tai San Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 6211 6424
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Getting To and From Cheung Chau
You can catch a ferry to Cheung Chau from Central Pier 5. Choose between the slow ferry, which takes about an hour, or the express one which will you there in just 30 minutes. You can find the timetable and fare details here.
Lantau Island residents can take advantage of the inter-island ferry service connecting Cheung Chau, Chi Ma Wan, Mui Wo and Peng Chau Island. Check out the full ferry schedule here.
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Main image courtesy of Getty Image, image 1 courtesy of Flickr, image 2 courtesy of Getty Image, image 3 courtesy of Getty Image, image 4 courtesy of Getty Image, Image 5 courtesy of Getty Image, Image 6 courtesy of Morocco’s Restaurant via Instagram, Image 7 courtesy of Cheung Chau Tough Guy via Instagram, Image 8 courtesy of Flickr, Image 9 courtesy of Kan Lee via Openrice.
