Bun Tower Thrills & Island Chills: Family Fun in Cheung Chau!

  

Must Visit!

Cheung Chau, located in the New Territories—the largest region of Hong Kong—offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling city. With its lush parks, ancient villages, and serene monasteries, it’s a treasure trove for nature and history enthusiasts. With family & Friends we recently attended the vibrant Bun Festival on its second day, and it was an unforgettable experience, especially for our child.

This three-day festival, which coincides with Buddha’s Birthday, transforms the island into a vegetarian paradise. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by an array of delicious vegetarian food options, including colorful fruit buns that our little one couldn’t get enough of. The atmosphere was alive with lion dances, dragon dances, drums and street games, making it a feast for the senses.

Transport to Cheung Chau was a breeze; we took the ferry from Central Pier 5, (Sun Ferry Timetable)  but there’s also a route from Mui Wo. From Central, it took us 60 mins in slow ferry however there is option of fast ferry which takes just 35 mins to reach the island. We noticed some small boats that seemed to offer rides, but we didn’t have the language skills to inquire about them—definitely something to consider if you’re planning to use them (They are called - Sampans)

The highlight of our visit was - Bun Festival!  watching the Bun Tower, where locals scramble to grab as many buns as possible. It was thrilling to see the excitement and a great way to explain the festival's significance to our child. You could either walk or cycle around the island. We chose to walk, as it was quite crowded for festival. We loved visiting the historic Pak Tai Temple, built in 1783. This temple is a focal point during the festival, where people come to seek blessings from Pak Tai, the sea divinity believed to protect the islanders. More about historic pak tai temple

After indulging in delicious buns and receiving blessings, we headed to nearby Tung Wan Beach for a stunning sunset view and some much-needed tranquility. It was a day filled with gratitude, amazement, and unforgettable memories.

As an Indian family, we found the Bun Festival to be a unique cultural experience, filled with warmth and hospitality. While we focused on the festival, we also noticed enticing attractions like the Mini Great Wall, the Reclining Rock, and Cheung Po Tsai Cave, all accessible by bike. If you plan to hike, be sure to bring cycle locks for safety.

Cheung Chau has so much to offer. I highly recommend visiting Cheung Chau at least once to soak in the festive vibe and create lasting memories! If you have a favorite thing to do on the island, let us know in the comments below. And feel free to share this post with anyone planning a visit!

Bun festival attending gang!

One near the beach! Love for pastels!

Its double the fun with bunch of friends!

Tung wan beach view! Not the best one but who cares!

Wind energy explained! :)

Love Lock Wall! Must pit stop for photo!

Funtastic company!

Beautiful scenic ferry ride from Central to Chueng chau

Family bikes can be hired just outside ferry pier.

Traditional vegetarian Buns!

Just outside ferry pier - Beautiful Fishing village coastal line!

cute little bun tower!

One during the ceremony

Bun Towers everywhere - SMall and Big!

Their concept of offering Deity is so similar to Indian culture as well!

Pak Tai Temple. Blessings Taken!

Very unique incense sticks in Hong Kong!

Historic stone wall! Love this architecture!

Waiting for Lion Dance to Begin.

One from Lion Dance!

Giant Incense sticks outside Pak Tam Temple

One with Bun Tower in background!

Unique - Elephant as part of Lion Dance

"Berry Bliss: Discover the Serene & Silent Strawberry Paradise in Hong Kong!" (3 Mins Read)

Family Day Out!

A Fun-Filled Day at Phoenix Strawberry Farm in Hong Kong

If you’re looking for a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further than the Phoenix Strawberry Farm in Ta Kwu Ling, Hong Kong. Nestled at 1130 Ping Che Rd, this charming farm offers a unique experience for families and nature lovers alike. With its vast fields of strawberries, cherry tomatoes, corn, lettuce, and cabbage, it’s a perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation.

Getting There

While the farm is a bit of a drive from the city, it’s well worth the trip. The serene surroundings and fresh air make it a refreshing getaway. The farm is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, and you can reach them at 6219 4955 or via email at phoenixvegfarm@gmail.com for any inquiries.

Activities for Kids

One of the highlights of Phoenix Strawberry Farm is the variety of activities available for children. Here are some of the fun things your little ones can enjoy:

• Strawberry Picking: The main attraction! Kids can roam the expansive fields and pick their own strawberries. There’s nothing quite like plucking fresh berries right from the plant and enjoying them on the spot.

• Inflatable water Pond: The farm features a small artificial pond equipped with artificial sea animals, fishing nets and colorful balls. Kids can have a blast trying to catch the floating balls, making it a fun and engaging activity.

• Play Area: There’s a small play area where children can run around and let off some steam. Slides, swings and some green lawns!

• Petting Zoo: Kids will love the chance to feed adorable goats and see playful piggies. Interacting with the animals is always a hit and adds to the farm experience.

Kiaan was amazed to see such huge corn on tree :)

These boys love plucking strawberries! 3rd year in a row!

Small little play area for kids!

Kiaan spent good 1 hour just here!

A huge Piggy!

Few Goats! You can feed them!

Blackberries and Raspberries

 Food Options

While the farm doesn’t offer Jain or vegetarian food, they do have some hot dogs available for sale. They also have fresh sugar cane juice. Its something, i haven't tried locally ever and it was absolute delight.

With the abundance of fresh strawberries and other produce, who really wants to eat anything else? You can pick your strawberries, wash them, and enjoy them right there in the beautiful surroundings. It’s a simple pleasure that makes the visit even more special. 

You are allowed to bring and eat your own food here and the care taker of farm is nice and kind guy to allow you to eat own food. 

 

Fresh produce from farm! Pic courtesy : FB phoenix page

Very amazingly yummy cherry tomatoes, we had for our lunch there as salad!

Rich grwoth of strawberries

Farm Fresh!

No one can take away experiences from you, invest in it!

It was sunny day! and this fresh sugarcane juice came in very handy...:) All smiles for fresh farm sugarcane!

A glimpse from small rose garden!

Why Visit?

Phoenix Strawberry Farm is not just about picking fruit or veggies; it’s about creating memories. The spacious lawns, filled with vibrant crops, provide a picturesque backdrop for family photos and a chance to connect with nature. Plus, the farm is less crowded than many other attractions, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

Conclusion

A visit to Phoenix Strawberry Farm is a fantastic way to spend a day with family. With its array of activities for kids, beautiful scenery, and the joy of picking your own fresh produce, it’s an experience that everyone will cherish. So pack your bags, grab your family, and head out to this hidden gem in Hong Kong for a day of fun and fresh air!

Important information on co-ordinates:

To reach this place from main road, there is bit of rough road (5 mins walk) which is not too smooth for wheel chair or strollers so plan accordingly.

• Address in English: 1130 Ping Che Rd, Ta Kwu Ling, Hong Kong
• Chinese: 新界打鼓嶺蓮麻坑路1117號 (you can show this adress to taxi driver)

Contact Information:

• Phone: 6219 4955
• Email: phoenixvegfarm@gmail.com

Getting There:

1. By Car:

   • If you’re driving, you can use GPS navigation to find the farm easily. The farm has parking facilities available for visitors. The drive from central Hong Kong typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

2. By Public Transport:

   • From MTR:
     • Take the MTR to Fanling Station (East Rail Line).
     • From Fanling Station, you can catch a minibus (No. 52K) that goes directly to the farm. The journey takes about 20 minutes. (This is last bus stop so easy to navigate)
       
   • From Sheung Shui Station:
     • Alternatively, you can take a bus (No. 79K) from Sheung Shui Station, which will also take you to the vicinity of the farm.

3. Taxi:

   • Taxis are readily available and can take you directly to the farm. Just provide the driver with the address in Chinese or mention name of strawberry farm

Tips for Your Visit:

• Check the Weather: Since the farm is an outdoor attraction, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go.
• Bring Cash: While some places may accept electronic payments, it’s always good to have cash on hand for entry fees or purchases.
• Plan Your Visit: The farm is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your day. Its best to call them on day of visit and check. Strawberry season lasts until April end!

Enjoy your trip to Phoenix Strawberry Farm, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the delightful experience of strawberry picking!