Hiking and Hill walking

Although small Cheung Chau is a popular destination for short hiking and hill walking expeditions. The shape of the island, being two wooded hills connected by a low lying village, means that there are interesting walks all around.

Try walking along the waterfront past the seafood restaurants and Pak Tai temple, then proceed on past the housing estate and the Tai Kwai Wan sandy bay to almost the end where a path leads uphill to go to the peak of the north end of the island.  A paved path goes as far as the airplane navigation beacon and reservoir, but beyond is a dirt track only which can take you to the north eastern peak for the greatest views over the sea towards Hong Kong and back for to see the vista of the whole of Cheung Chau.

At the northern end of the island the paths are generally well maintained and easy going, even the dirt track, and the vegetation is mostly shrubs and small trees so the views are excellent. There are plenty of birds, insects, flowers and unusual plants to keep any nature lover fully interested.

By comparison the southern peak of Cheung Chau, reached by going up Cheung Chau Peak Road, is a more residential route for the first part and more heavily wooded later. What it lacks in wildlife and views, though there are some excellent view points they are note continuous, it makes up for in interesting historic buildings, pagodas and carved rocks.

On the southern end of the island there is a split between two hills to the west and east. The Easterly which can be explored on Don Bosco Road is more residential and lower, while the westerly peak reached by following Peak Road West has more rough countryside and is inhabited as much by the living as by the dead as this is where Cheung Chau's large cemetery is located. 

The south westerly side of the island is also home to the quiet Afternoon or Italian Beach which is a fine place to enjoy the sands, though it is not suitable for swimming.