Written by Emily Dickson
The buzzing island of Cheung Chau is known for three things: pirates, windsurfing, and the Bun Festival. But it’s the Bun Festival that keeps visitors coming back, year after year, to see what is no doubt Hong Kong’s most unique and quirky event.
What happens?
One legend has it that about a century ago Cheung Chau suffered a devastating plague. The villagers prayed at Pak Tai Temple, and carried statues of deities through the streets to scare away the evil spirits. After this the plague ended, and a new annual ritual was born.
The festival actually lasts for four days, with the climax on the third day. Everyone lines the streets to watch lion and dragon dances, drumming, and the colourful ‘floating parade’. Local children in traditional costumes are hoisted in the air on poles and paraded through the streets –— just as the villagers did with the statues, more than 100 years ago.
Thousands of buns are baked on island, and stamped with the Chinese character for ‘peace’. The iconic white buns are on sale everywhere, and you can choose from fillings such as sesame, lotus, or red bean paste. (Spoiler alert: the ones on the bun towers are plastic!)
At midnight the famous ‘bun scrambling’ event takes place in front of the Pak Tai Temple, the oldest and most important temple on the island. It’s an incredible spectacle as well-trained competitors race to scramble up a 20 metre tower covered with buns, collecting as many of them as they can in three minutes.
Schedule 2026
The festival takes place from the fifth to ninth of the fourth lunar month each year.
This year, it runs from April 12 to May 25 at Pak Tai Temple Playground, Cheung Chau.
Here are the key dates:
- Sunday, April 12 – Bun Scrambling Competition: Training on Bun Tower Climbing
The opening session focuses on hands-on climbing training for competitors. - Sunday, April 26 – Bun Scrambling Competition: Selection Contest
Athletes compete for places in the final, marking the first major competitive highlight. - Sunday, May 10 – Bun Tower Climbing Team Relay and Ultimate Team Challenge + Climbing Carnival
A more public-facing day featuring team challenges alongside the Climbing Carnival, with games, demonstrations and interactive activities. - Sunday–Monday, May 24–25 – Bun Scrambling Competition Final & Prize Presentation Ceremony
The headline event of the festival, culminating in the iconic overnight bun scrambling final and awards ceremony.
How to get there and nearby attractions
Getting to Cheung Chau is easy. Head to Central Pier #5 (connected to IFC Mall by walkway). The journey takes around 30 minutes.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to line up early to get a ferry tickee, because on festival day the ferries fill up quickly and lines are very, very long. Often people are turned away as the boat reaches capacity. There may be extra ferries scheduled.
Pro tip: This is therefore a great opportunity to spend a night on the island, so check out our guide to Cheung Chau to read about what kind of accommodation is available.
