Locals flock to Cheung Chau as Easter holiday winds down

On the final day of the Easter long weekend, Cheung Chau experienced a significant influx of visitors, with many locals opting to spend their holiday on the island rather than traveling abroad.

The ferry ride to the island was particularly crowded today, and upon arrival, both locals and tourists thronged the bustling streets and crowded pier.

Locals choose to stay home and boost local economy

A local resident, surnamed Lau, who visited Cheung Chau with his child, planned to explore the decorations for the upcoming Bun Festival and enjoy local treats such as sticky rice dumplings and large fish balls. He humorously remarked that by staying in Hong Kong for the holiday, he was supporting the local economy.

Tsang, who brought her primary one child to the island, was enthusiastic about their plans to swim at Cheung Chau beach. She mentioned that they were looking forward to playing in the water and seeing the bun mountains, planning to spend around HK$1,000 primarily on a seafood dinner.

Leung, who visited with his 3-year-old child, was disappointed to find that a famous fried fish cake shop had closed. Nevertheless, they enjoyed other local delicacies and noted that the island seemed less crowded than in previous years.

The island also attracted mainland tourists like Liu, a student visiting Hong Kong with friends. She observed that Cheung Chau, known for its beautiful seas and fishing village ambiance, felt crowded compared to the quieter Peng Chau during her last visit.

Vendor finds more visitors than expected

A local snack vendor, surnamed Liu, commented that although business during the Easter holiday was down by about 30 percent from previous years, it was still better than expected.

He had anticipated fewer visitors due to many traveling out of Hong Kong but found that many decided to visit the islands instead. However, he also noted that the upcoming fasting period would prevent him from selling meat-based snacks during the Golden Week, which could affect sales.

(Prashan Limbu)