Sampan in the harbour Pictures

Small wooden Sam Pans are a feature of every Chinese harbour, and Cheung Chau is no exception. Serving as small ferries that operate within the harbour and to nearby islands many of them have regular routes, but also take people on demand to particular places.

In Cheung Chau harbour the majority of the trips are between the public pier, situated next to the ferry pier, to the western or "sai wan" pier.  That is the starting point for the hill walk up to the Pirates Cave.  Although it is perfectly possible to walk along the coast road many people prefer the 5 minute sam pan ride to the 20 minute walk. 

What is more the perspective of sitting on the tiny sam pan, right next to the water, and weaving in and out of the larger fishing trawlers gives a great up-close-and-personal view of boat life.