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The Cheung Chau Bun Festival – one of Hong Kong’s most unique festivals – is back for another year, featuring the return of steaming hot buns, kids in fancy dress, and the famous bun-scrambling competition that draws thousands of locals and tourists onto this sleepy island every year. Want to experience it all yourself? Our nifty guide will help you make the most of it.
What is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival?
Also known as the 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 on 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 2026, that day lands on May 24. 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 2026
- What: A total of 12 finalists will have three minutes to climb the bun tower and collect as many buns as possible.
- When: May 24 at 11.30pm to 12.45am on May 25
- Where: Pak Tai Temple Playground football pitch
Tickets to watch the Cheung Chau bun scrambling competition 2026
No official announcement has been made yet for ticket arrangements this year, but judging from previous years, 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 stocks 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 are carried around the island while standing on steel frames. And it's not just your run-of-the-mill kiddie costumes, either. You'll see everything from little politicians and Chinese deities to mini pop stars and celebrities!
The parade will start around 2pm on May 24. 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.
Cheung Chau Bun Festival celebration at Saiyuen
For those looking to escape the crowds while still catching all the action, Saiyuen Camping & Adventure Park is offering an elevated way to experience the festivities. By booking a stay in one of their signature glamping tents – such as the Mongolian Gers, Sunset Vistas, or Geodesic Domes – on May 23 or 24, guests will receive two complimentary VIP Piu Sik Parade tickets. While the public can catch the parade for free as it moves through the island, these passes will grant you access to prime seating in the spectator stands and shaded viewing zones so you can enjoy the festivities without feeling like you're in a forced cuddle with a sweaty stranger.
The VIP experience also includes fast-track ferry boarding for the journey home, and if you aren't planning an overnight stay, a limited number of VIP tickets are available for purchase at $200 each (provided they are booked at least two weeks in advance). Saiyuen is also letting visitors get hands-on with the tradition at their own Fun Bun Tower. From May 10 to 31, you can test your skills on a 12-meter climbing tower inspired by the iconic bun-scrambling competition. The activity is open to adults and children aged four and up for $180, with overnight campers enjoying a 15 percent discount.
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 12 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, so bring a compact umbrella just in case
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