Cheung Chau, a small island shaped like a dumbbell, is a quaint fishing village that harbors colorful junks and is lined with charming narrow streets. This little gem is located only 40 min, via a beautifully scenic ferry ride, from Hong Kong.  The ferry ride is nothing less than magical as one watches the Hong Kong skyline melt away behind beds of clouds and rich emerald-colored mountains, giving way to a harbor filled with colorful junks.

“While Cheung Chau’s surrounding landscape was stunning and picturesque, it was the subtle beauties that I loved about this tiny village”

The winding streets of Cheung Chau are lined with laundry hanging to dry, tiny shops, outdoor cafes and local residents sitting outside with one another. The streets of the main village are so fine that typical motor traffic does not exist. Instead, one will find local inhabitants wearing wide-brimmed hats riding along the narrow streets on bikes.

A stroll from the main market area, through the residential alleyways, leads to a vast sandy beach on the opposite side of this tiny island. Not only can you take in a spectacular view of the blue-green water and distant mountains, you can also take a swim or cool off while snacking on a frozen fruit kebab.

While Cheung Chau’s surrounding landscape was stunning and picturesque, it was the subtle beauties that I loved about this tiny village: line after line of laundry hanging to dry, bikes and hanging plants stored outside of each home, Buddhist shrines popping up in outdoor nooks and crannies, shoes left to dry on doorsteps and the hypnotic movement of the junks swaying back and forth in the harbor.

I would recommend visiting Cheung Chau if you have a day to spare in the Hong Kong area. Just don’t forget your hat and your sunscreen like I did!

Words and Photos: Sharon Radisch