How to hike Cheung Chau off the beaten path

Just 10km southwest of Hong Kong Island lies the bustling neighbourhood of Cheung Chau. Translated as “long island” in Cantonese, Cheung Chau is one of the locals’ favourite day trip destinations, famed for its laidback vibes and fishing village scenery. It may sound too good to be true, but this hike only takes an hour and will reward you with incredible views of the coastline and take you to a secluded beach off the beaten path.

Read more: 10 summer day trips in Hong Kong when you can’t travel

Getting there

Ferries run from Central Pier 5 to Cheung Chau every half an hour during peak hours. You can choose between ordinary and fast ferry services. With the fast ferry, the journey takes only 40 minutes while the ordinary ferry takes about an hour. Either way, sit back and relax while enjoying the sea breeze on your ride.

Once you get off the pier in Cheung Chau, turn left down Pak She Praya Road. You will see rows of fisherman boats docked along the shore while independent craft stores line the road.

Follow the road down the coast and pass by a few tin houses. Walk all the way to the left end and you will soon be greeted by bushes lush greeneries.

Start at Cheung Pak Road

Far from the crowded trails, the hike to Cheung Chau’s northern headland takes you onto a less trodden track. With mostly stairs, the walk up the northern hillside is well-paved and suitable for beginners.

Start by turning right onto Cheung Pak Road once you’ve reached the leftmost end of Pak She Praya Road. The concrete slope will warm you up for the uphill staircases.

Walk until you see the sign for North Lookout Pavilion. A small track will appear on your left. Hike up the staircase which will lead you to the northern headland.

Walk down to Coral Beach

If you fancy a visit to the beach, follow the path down to Tung Wan Tsai. As the hike is a loop around the northern headland, you will still reach the North Lookout Pavilion after a dip in the ocean. For a shorter route, keep following the sign for North Lookout Pavilion.

While the main shore on Cheung Chau, Tung Wan Beach, is usually packed on a crowded Sunday, the secluded Coral Beach only holds less than 15 people when we visited. Tucked behind the hills and hidden away in the bushes, the unspoiled sands and cooling waters are quite inviting.

After a break at the beach, walk up the stairs near the hillside which stretches all the way up to the North Lookout Pavilion. With several viewpoints stationed along the road, feel free to pause for the breathtaking views where you can see Lamma Island in front of you on a clear day.

Arrive at North Pavilion Lookout

The long stretch of steps can be tough under the blazing sun, but you will be rewarded with the sweeping views of Cheung Chau. Set at the top of the summit, the North Pavilion Lookout allows you to sit back and enjoy the panoramic views of the Cheung Chau tombolo like nowhere else. You can find Tung Wan Beach lying just below.

Getting back

At this point you’ve already passed the hardest part of the hike. Getting back is an easy cool down, simply follow the steps down the hill and you’ll then find signage toward Pak Tai Temple. The walk down takes only 20 minutes and soon you’ll be lead back to civilisation.