Cheung Chau
Cheung Chau (長洲) is a small island south of Hong Kong Island, it is inhabited and has been inhabited for longer than anywhere else in the territory of Hong Kong. Administratively, it is part of the Islands District.
Geography
Geographically the island is formed from two mostly granite lumps joined by what was presumably once a sandbar. The island is therefore "long"; hence the name which translated from Cantonese as Long Island. So, it is redudant to say "Cheung Chau Island".
Economy
The central part of the island is well developed with shops and houses. Residential areas also exist on the hills of the north and south.
Traditionally the island was a fishing village and there is still a fishing fleet working from the harbour. However in recent years the island has become a residential suburb of Hong Kong Island.
Sights
- Pak Tai Temple -- one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong
- Alleged hiding place of Cheung Po Tsai (張保仔), a famous 15th century pirate
- Yearly Bun Festival -- yearly festival which includes a parade of floats, most famously including young children dressed as famous characters doing impossible balancing acts.
Transportation
There are ferries from Central pier to Cheung Chau which are run aproximately every 30 depending upon time of day. Schedules on Sunday and public holidays differs from weekdays. The trip of about 16 miles takes 55 minutes or 35 minutes for ordinary ferry and high speed ship respectively.
See also: