June 18, 2023
"Smell the sea and meet the sky, let your soul and spirit fly."
- Van Morrison
Summer is in the air! Beaches are calling, waves are waving, sand is waiting, and skin is ready to get tanned. Are your swimwear, shades, and sunblock ready too?
I wish I had prepared enough before visiting Cheung Chau island to attend the Bun Festival. Unfortunately, my initial plan was just to watch the parade and visit some good cafes on the island. But I regretted it when I saw the beach where the blue sky meet the blue sea water, and people enjoying basking under the sun. By that time, I wished I brought some extra clothes and sunblock. But I felt like my skin was burning as I didn't apply sunblock so I retreated and just enjoyed watching other people enjoying the beach. Besides, the scenic view was relaxing and satisfying.
I've been to this beach before but I never thought I would discover a paradise at the other end coast of the island. Read along to know how I get there.
I was looking for a place to dine in for lunch when my attention was diverted to the island beach and walked by the water instead. The island has a few beaches and the Tung Wan beach is the largest and more convenient to access. There is a secluded one but it needs to hike a mountain to get there. I actually planned to visit it, but given the weather condition, it wasn't appropriate to hike the mountain. I was also concerned that I might not be able to see the festival parade if I hike.
Tung Wan Beach is on the east coast of Cheung Chau. Its blue and clear water is truly captivating. Its pure white sand is waiting to be stepped on barefoot or build a sand castle.
The more I watch people enjoying the beach, the more I regretted not preparing the things I needed for swimming.
Chinese people love basking under the sun and I envy them for getting skin that doesn't easily get dark even in long sun exposure, unlike mine which easily gets sunburned. So sunblock is always necessary for me before going for a swim or basking under the sun for a long period.
There are umbrellas for rent for those who didn't bring theirs. Showers and toilets are also available in the corner, as well as a rental house for swim attire and equipment. Some cafes, bars, and hotels are located by the seaside, so this place offers, not just a swimming place, but complete spots for relaxation and weekend enjoyment.
I had a chance to take a souvenir shot when a Chinese lady asked a favor to take a photo of her, and she took these in return.
With my eagerness to find a good spot to dine along the beach, I searched for another cafe and the location was near the helicopter landing area which I saw from the distance before but had never been in the place. And when I learned that it is located at the windsurfing center, it made me more excited to visit the place.
On my way to the other end of the east coast, I took these beach photos from the distance. With my cap on and shoes starting to get dirt, I continued walking by the sea under the scorching sun to look for the windsurfing center where the cafe is located.
Based on what I read here, this island was the training ground and this beach was the home base for Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medalist. Since then, it became a tourist destination on the island.
I was shortly in love with the paradise I discovered which I didn't think existed on the island. That's when I realized that there are a lot more hidden gems that are yet to discover. I've been to this island five times but have never been to this part. Below the windsurfing center is another beach — Kwun Yam Beach.
But before getting to this beach, let me eat my quick lunch first as my tummy was already complaining, and I felt truly thirsty from walking under the sun from the first beach to this side.
This is the outdoor cafe of the Windsurfing Center. It offers a perfect view of the Kwun Yam Beach and a panoramic view of the island's coastline.
I immediately order my food which consist of an iced latte and waffle ice cream. It was too hot so I opted for cold food.
The center has complete equipment for windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. You can visit the website here if you want to know about the rentals and other activities offered by the center. It is definitely best to visit the place with a group to make it more enjoyable to engage in sports activities.
I spotted some windsurfers preparing to get into the water, while some were already paddling and surfing, and enjoying the mild waves and warm breeze that nature offered to them.
Surfing boards were everywhere on the beach ready to be rented by those willing to surf in the water. Some staff are willing to assist and teach you the proper surfing.
Whether you surf or not, you still have a choice to enjoy the beach, either under the rented umbrella or under the tree canopies with your friends.
Compared to the other beach, although the sand is still fine, the seashore is more pebbled with tiny sea shells. However, I liked the more privacy it offered. Since it has a smaller space, it has fewer visitors as well.
The place is definitely a great place to unwind, and feel the heat of summer while enjoying nature's best.
This beach is actually closer to the hill and there was a trail going up to the little great wall which I shared in my first article about Cheung Chau. I saw a sign going to the trail and was undecided whether to take it or watch the parade which will happen an hour later. But I chose the latter since it was too hot to climb up the hill.
You can read my blog about this trail here
Before leaving the place I heard the helicopter coming. A curious cat stayed for a while to see what will happen. It landed and right on time, an ambulance arrived.
The helicopter is the main transportation for transferring patients who are at stake and needed further treatment in the city. It's good to know that the island has such kind of way to save a life before the condition worsens.
It almost slipped my mind that I have something to do after. So I left the east coast beaches and went to the center court to watch the festival parade.
Summer is definitely here. Get ready for more exciting summer activities.
You can check this short video of the island's beaches below.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy it. Happy weekend and Happy Father's Day ☺️.
(All photos are mine)
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