Cheung Chau Bun Festival: Bun Towers, Parades & More

The Cheung Chau Bun Festival turns the tranquil island of Cheung Chau into a vibrant paradise — expect captivating rituals and activities for visitors of all ages!

Nestled on a charming island, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival is a cultural gem in Hong Kong that captivates families with its unique blend of tradition and fun. From bun towers to traditional lion dance and unique parades, this festival offers an unforgettable experience for kids and parents alike! This year, the festival takes place from 5 May to 6 May, aligning with the fifth to ninth days of the fourth lunar month, and it usually coincides with Buddha’s Birthday (time to fully enjoy the public holiday!).

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Jump To:
The History Of Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Festivities At The Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Where To Eat During The Cheung Chau Bun Festival
How To Get To And From Cheung Chau

The History Of Cheung Chau Bun Festival

The Cheung Chau Bun Festival, also called the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, has been celebrated for over a century. The origin story dates back to the late Qing dynasty, when Cheung Chau was struck by a devastating plague. To combat this calamity, Taoist priests were summoned to set up a sacrificial altar near the Pak Tai Temple, where locals could offer prayers to deities and provide solace to departed spirits from both land and sea. Villagers also carried deity statues along village paths and presented Ping On buns — steamed lotus seed buns stamped with the iconic pink Chinese character stamped on top — as offerings to appease the gods and spirits. In time, the plague receded, and the festival became an annual tradition to show the islanders’ appreciation to Pak Tai for restoring peace and security to their home! Today, this cultural celebration attracts Hong Kong locals and tourists to experience the remarkable traditions and festivities that persist.

Read More: Sassy Mama’s Guide To Festivities Around The Globe

Festivities At The Cheung Chau Bun Festival

The Climbing Carnival

The festival kicks off with a Climbing Carnival on 27 April, when you and your little ones can enjoy fun activities like handicraft workshops, a variety of performances, plus mini bun-scrambling stall games for children to win themselves plush Ping On buns!

Where: At the soccer pitch of Pak Tei Temple Playground, Cheung Chau
When: Sunday, 27 April, 2025, 12pm to 6pm
How much: Free entry

Piu Sik Parade

Experience the wonder as local children, dressed as deities and historical figures, glide through the streets on hidden stilts! This family-favourite tradition brings mythology to life, and we’re sure your little ones will be captivated by this fascinating display!

Where: Starts from Pak She Street, passing San Hing Street, Tai Choi Yuen Road, Tai San Back Street, Sun Hing Back Street then returns to Pak She Street
When: Monday, 5 May, 2025, from 2pm onwards
How much: Free entry

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Bun Scrambling Competition & Prize Presentation Ceremony

The iconic bun towers are a sight to behold! The pinnacle of this festival has got to be the Bun Scrambling competition! Three towering structures, known as “Bun Mountains,” are adorned with plastic buns. Competitors race to the top to collect as many buns as possible — the more they snag, the better their luck! It’s a thrilling spectacle that kids will adore.

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 Eat During The Cheung Chau Bun Festival

For three days during the festival, the entire island goes vegetarian. Most eateries participate in this tradition, temporarily removing meat and seafood from their menus. Here are a few restaurants serving vegetarian options that are Sassy Mama-approved!

LAEAT — Singaporean cuisine in Cheung Chau

LAEAT is an authentic Singaporean bistro in Cheung Chau, offering a cosy atmosphere and excellent service. We highly recommend trying their Vegetarian Laksa and Rainbow Veggie Kebab!

LAEAT, 3 Kin San Lane, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 5245 5961

Cheung Chau Tough Guy — Delicious skewers & crispy Ping On Buns

Cheung Chau Tough Guy is famous for their wide range of skewers (including veggie options!) and unique set combinations. During the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, don’t miss their Ping On Buns! They’re crispy on the outside with a sweet and salty custard filling. Our little ones devoured them in no time!

Cheung Chau Tough Guy, 65 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 8489 3143

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McDonald’s — Limited edition McVeggie Burger only in Cheung Chau

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 inside classic sesame buns. 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

OXY — Cute coffee shop with lacto-ovo-vegetarian delights

We found that there are quite a few coffee shops in Cheung Chau, and OXY stands out with its handcrafted coffee! Its oasis-themed setting is perfect for relaxing, especially if your little ones are getting cranky! If you’re feeling hungry after the festivities, try their savoury egg pancakes filled with cheese, mushrooms and sweet corn. They pair wonderfully with an iced Americano. We deserve this, mama!

OXY, G/F, 2 Tung Wan Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 9841 4857, www.oxycheungchau.com

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How To Get To And From Cheung Chau

Hop on a ferry to Cheung Chau from Central Pier 5! You can choose between the slow ferry, which takes about an hour, or the faster one that gets you there in just 30 minutes. Sit by the window on the fast ferry or enjoy the breeze and amazing views from the open deck on the slow ferry.

Residents of Lantau Island can enjoy the inter-island ferry service connecting Cheung Chau, Chi Ma Wan, Mui Wo, and Peng Chau Island. Check out the full ferry schedule here.

Sassy Mama Tip: If you get seasick easily, opt for the slow ferry. Plus, if you’re bringing any furry friends along, they’ll need to ride the slow ferry too!

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