Hong Kong’s quirkiest tradition is back – the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, where the famous bun scrambling competition and Piu Sik parade turn this sleepy island into a unique spectacle. Want to experience it all yourself? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
What is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival?
Also known as the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival is one of Hong Kong’s most beloved and unusual traditions.
According to legends, Cheung Chau was struck by a devastating plague during the late Qing dynasty. To dispel the disaster, islanders gathered to pray to Pak Tai, a Taoist deity, to help drive away the disease and evil spirits. Deity statues were also paraded along village lanes, while buns were offered to appease the gods and spirits.
The plague eventually subsided, and since then, residents have been expressing their gratitude to Pak Tai for bringing peace and safety to the island. Over time, these rituals evolved into the lively festival that we see today. In 2011, this unique local festival was inscribed onto the third national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
When is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival?
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival occurs on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, coinciding with the celebration of the Buddha's Birthday in Hong Kong. For 2025, that day lands on May 5. The Piu Sik parade will occur on the same day in the afternoon, while the bun scrambling competition will take place later at night.
Cheung Chau bun scrambling competition 2025
- What: A total of 12 finalists will have three minutes to climb the bun tower and collect as many buns as possible.
- When: May 5 at 11.30pm to 12.45am on May 6
- Where: Pak Tai Temple Playground football pitch
Tickets to watch the Cheung Chau bun scrambling competition 2025
Free admission tickets will be distributed at 10pm (at Pak She First Lane, next to the Cheung Chau Fire Station, and along Ping Chong Road), and each person will be given one ticket on a first-come, first-served basis while tickets last.
Once you have a ticket, follow the instructions and make your way to one of the four designated zones from 10.30pm onwards.
Cheung Chau bun scrambling competition rules
The thrilling event sees athletes race up a giant bamboo tower covered with buns while trying to grab as many of the buns as possible within a time limit. The higher you go, the more points the buns are worth. In the end, the one with the highest total score will be crowned as the winner.
When and where can I watch the Piu Sik parade?
Another iconic tradition not to miss is the Piu Sik parade, where children dressed up in costumes – usually as deities, famous Chinese legends, or celebrities – are carried around the island while standing on steel frames.
The parade will happen at 2pm on May 5. Large crowds will start to gather near the temple and along the main streets of Cheung Chau ahead of time, so try to get there at least an hour early to secure a good viewing spot.
What is a Cheung Chau bun and where can I get it?
Of course, it wouldn't be called a Bun Festival without actual buns. While you're exploring the island, be sure to grab yourself one of these traditional steamed buns. Filled with various sweet fillings – usually a lotus seed, sweet bean, or sesame paste – these buns are white and round with a distinctive red stamp bearing the Chinese characters 'ping on', which means peace or safety. You can find these buns at various local bakeries as well as food vendors.
How do I get to and from Cheung Chau?
Cheung Chau is accessible only by ferry from Central Pier 5. Ferry services will be increased going from Central to Cheung Chau, while a special service from Cheung Chau back to Central will operate at 1.15am on May 6.
Additionally, a special bus route (104R) from Central Pier 5 to Mong Kok will be available from about 1.10am to 2.30am on May 6. A number of Citybus overnight bus routes will also stop outside Central Pier 5 for passengers' convenience.
Extra tips for visiting Cheung Chau during the festival
- Bring cash – some vendors and food stalls may not accept credit cards or e-payments
- Arrive early – the best spots to watch the parade and bun scrambling competition fill up fast. For the Piu Sik parade, aim to get to Cheung Chau by 12n noon at the latest
- Prepare for the heat – large crowds mean it's going to get hot; bring water and a portable fan – you’ll thank yourself later
- Check the weather – May can be rainy in Hong Kong; bring a compact umbrella just in case
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