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West Australian
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Bun scrambling sets off festival season
Hong Kong has this week been thanking its lucky buns. A local delicacy, the buns are called 'ping on bao' and the Cheung Chau Bun Festival to celebrate them is inscribed on the Chinese territory's National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival includes a 'bun-scrambling competition', a spokesperson for Hong Kong Tourism Board explaining: 'At midnight, the legendary Bun-Scrambling Competition begins. Twelve climbers race up a roughly 14m tower covered in lucky buns (ping on bao), grabbing as many as they can. 'Higher buns earn more points, and the top scorer wins. Meanwhile, the competitor with the most buns earns the playful title of 'Full Pockets of Lucky Buns'.' Held in the fishing village on outlying island Cheung Chau, the festival was recognised as part of China's national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2011. It honours sea god Pak Tai who, it is said, saved the island from a plague in the 18th century. SPRING FESTIVALS There are lots of festivals in spring in Hong Kong, with the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, from May 5 to 6, marking the start of this season of arts, culture and sporting events. + Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, June 7 to 8. Big, colourful boats and well-trained teams compete off the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade in Hong Kong. There are thousands of dragon boat paddlers, with teams coming from around the world. + Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong, May 22 to 25. Tradition and modernity meet, with artworks from 98 leading galleries coming together at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. + Chinese Culture Festival, June to September. There are dance performances, opera, film screenings, talks and art exhibitions throughout the festival.
BusinessToday
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BusinessToday
Hong Kong's Cultural and Sporting Highlights to Catch This Spring/Summer 2025
Hong Kong is set for a busy season of events this spring and summer. Whether you're interested in traditional festivals, live sports, or art and music, the city's calendar offers a wide range of experiences to explore. Kicking Off Festival Season: Cheung Chau Bun Festival Hong Kong's events calendar starts strong with the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, held May 5 – 6 on the island of Cheung Chau. This historic celebration honours the sea god Pak Tai, who is credited with saving the island from plague centuries ago. Highlights include the thrilling Bun Scrambling Competition, where climbers race up a 14-meter bamboo tower covered in buns, the colourful Piu Sik Parade featuring children on stilts, lion dances, Taoist rituals, and vegetarian feasts. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, combining ancient traditions with lively community festivities. It also features a Climbing Carnival and extended activities that boost local tourism and economy. Heritage and Culture Beyond the Bun Festival The celebrations don't end with the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. From 7–8 June, the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races bring high-energy competition to the city's harbours, showcasing tradition, teamwork and festival spirit. As part of the citywide Cultural Beat initiative, the races are just one of many events that highlight Hong Kong's vibrant cultural landscape this season. Arts and Exhibitions Around the City In addition to the many spring festivals, there is a range of sights to enjoy for art lovers. This includes events like the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong (May 22 -25), where 98 galleries explore themes of identity, community and creativity. Running through July 13 is the French May Arts Festival, which fills city venues with theatre, music, dance, cinema and exhibitions. During this time, at M+ in West Kowloon, art lovers can experience Picasso for Asia: A Conversation, an exhibition showcasing over 60 works from the Musée National Picasso-Paris alongside pieces from prominent Asian artists — a dialogue between cultures and eras. What Else Is New in 2025 This year, Hong Kong introduces the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month from May 31 to July 1, featuring tours, exhibitions, and carnival-style events celebrating the city's rich cultural traditions. A standout attraction is the Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition (April–June), which uses interactive displays and lighting to bring Hong Kong's cityscapes to life in miniature form, offering a unique artistic experience. Entertainment and sports also take centre stage this year. Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA debuts on May 21 at the Central Harbourfront, showcasing acrobatics and theatrical storytelling. Sports fans can enjoy the Volleyball Nations League from June 18 to 22, featuring six international teams, and the high-profile Manchester United Challenge Cup match on May 30. Additionally, the new Kai Tak Sports Park will host a variety of events throughout May and June, injecting fresh energy into Hong Kong's leisure scene. With traditional festivals, global exhibitions, and world-class sports on offer, Hong Kong is packed with things to see and do this spring and early summer. Related
Time Out
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Your essential guide to Cheung Chau Bun Festival: events, dates, and tips
Hong Kong's quirkiest tradition is back – the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, where the famous bun scrambling competition and Piu Sik parade turn this sleepy island into a unique spectacle. Want to experience it all yourself? Here's everything you need to know to make the most of it. What is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival? Also known as the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival is one of Hong Kong's most beloved and unusual traditions. According to legends, Cheung Chau was struck by a devastating plague during the late Qing dynasty. To dispel the disaster, islanders gathered to pray to Pak Tai, a Taoist deity, to help drive away the disease and evil spirits. Deity statues were also paraded along village lanes, while buns were offered to appease the gods and spirits. The plague eventually subsided, and since then, residents have been expressing their gratitude to Pak Tai for bringing peace and safety to the island. Over time, these rituals evolved into the lively festival that we see today. In 2011, this unique local festival was inscribed onto the third national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. When is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival? The Cheung Chau Bun Festival occurs on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, coinciding with the celebration of the Buddha's Birthday in Hong Kong. For 2025, that day lands on May 5. The Piu Sik parade will occur on the same day in the afternoon, while the bun scrambling competition will take place later at night. Cheung Chau bun scrambling competition 2025 What: A total of 12 finalists will have three minutes to climb the bun tower and collect as many buns as possible. When: May 5 at 11.30pm to 12.45am on May 6 Where: Pak Tai Temple Playground football pitch Tickets to watch the Cheung Chau bun scrambling competition 2025 Free admission tickets will be distributed at 10pm (at Pak She First Lane, next to the Cheung Chau Fire Station, and along Ping Chong Road), and each person will be given one ticket on a first-come, first-served basis while tickets last. Once you have a ticket, follow the instructions and make your way to one of the four designated zones from 10.30pm onwards. Cheung Chau bun scrambling competition rules The thrilling event sees athletes race up a giant bamboo tower covered with buns while trying to grab as many of the buns as possible within a time limit. The higher you go, the more points the buns are worth. In the end, the one with the highest total score will be crowned as the winner. When and where can I watch the Piu Sik parade? Another iconic tradition not to miss is the Piu Sik parade, where children dressed up in costumes – usually as deities, famous Chinese legends, or celebrities – are carried around the island while standing on steel frames. The parade will happen at 2pm on May 5. Large crowds will start to gather near the temple and along the main streets of Cheung Chau ahead of time, so try to get there at least an hour early to secure a good viewing spot. What is a Cheung Chau bun and where can I get it? Of course, it wouldn't be called a Bun Festival without actual buns. While you're exploring the island, be sure to grab yourself one of these traditional steamed buns. Filled with various sweet fillings – usually a lotus seed, sweet bean, or sesame paste – these buns are white and round with a distinctive red stamp bearing the Chinese characters 'ping on', which means peace or safety. You can find these buns at various local bakeries as well as food vendors. How do I get to and from Cheung Chau? Cheung Chau is accessible only by ferry from Central Pier 5. Ferry services will be increased going from Central to Cheung Chau, while a special service from Cheung Chau back to Central will operate at 1.15am on May 6. Additionally, a special bus route (104R) from Central Pier 5 to Mong Kok will be available from about 1.10am to 2.30am on May 6. A number of Citybus overnight bus routes will also stop outside Central Pier 5 for passengers' convenience. Extra tips for visiting Cheung Chau during the festival Bring cash – some vendors and food stalls may not accept credit cards or e-payments Arrive early – the best spots to watch the parade and bun scrambling competition fill up fast. For the Piu Sik parade, aim to get to Cheung Chau by 12n noon at the latest Prepare for the heat – large crowds mean it's going to get hot; bring water and a portable fan – you'll thank yourself later Check the weather – May can be rainy in Hong Kong; bring a compact umbrella just in case
Barnama
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Buns, Beats & Beyond: Hong Kong Springs To Life With Festival Fever
KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- The annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival, one of Hong Kong's most iconic cultural celebrations, is set to return on May 5 to 6, marking the beginning of a packed spring of traditional festivals, arts showcases, and international sporting events across the city. Held on the island of Cheung Chau, the festival is steeped in history and folklore, honouring Pak Tai, a sea deity believed to have saved the island from a plague in the 18th century. According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board in a statement, since 2011, it has been recognised on China's national list of intangible cultural heritage. Among the highlights of this year's programme are the Climbing Carnival on April 27, featuring games and performances; the vibrant Piu Sik Parade on May 5, where children dressed as deities and public figures appear to float above the crowd; and the adrenaline-pumping Bun-Scrambling Competition, which takes place at midnight on May 5 to 6, where climbers race up a 14-metre tower to collect the most lucky buns. In conjunction with Labour Day Golden Week (May 1 to 5), the city will also host a 12-minute drone light show set to music along the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade on May 1, offering a dazzling display framed by Hong Kong's iconic skyline. The festival forms part of Cultural Beat, a citywide initiative celebrating Hong Kong's unique cultural heritage. Other major events include the Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Po Lin Monastery (April 29 to May 5), the Tam Kung Festival in Eastern District (April 29 to May 7), and the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (June 7 to 8). Art and culture enthusiasts can also look forward to the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong (May 22 to 25), the French May Arts Festival (ongoing until July 13), and the Chinese Culture Festival (June to September). New highlights this year include Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA (from May 21) and the Picasso for Asia—A Conversation exhibition at M+, featuring over 60 works by the legendary artist. Sports fans will not be left out, with the Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2025 taking place from June 18 to 22, bringing together six top international teams in a high-energy tournament.
Business Standard
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Hong Kong Unveils Cheung Chau Bun Festival 2025: A Unique Cultural Celebration
NewsVoir Hong Kong, April 29: Spring in Hong Kong means one thing: festivals - and lots of them! The much-loved Cheung Chau Bun Festival runs from 5-6 May, marking the start of a non-stop season of arts, culture, and sporting events across the city for many Indian travellers planning their summer vacations. Held annually on the charming outlying island of Cheung Chau, this iconic event transforms the slow-paced fishing village into a whirlwind of colour, tradition, and high-flying fun. With lively parades, age-old rituals, and quirky customs unique to Hong Kong, it's no wonder the festival draws thousands of visitors from near and far each year. From Buns to Beats: Top Hong Kong Events This Spring A cornerstone of Hong Kong's cultural calendar, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival is steeped in folklore and history. Recognised as part of China's national list of intangible cultural heritage since 2011, it honours the sea god Pak Tai, who is said to have saved the island from a deadly plague in the 18th century. Today, it continues to enchant visitors with Taoist ceremonies, lion dances, and its signature event: the thrilling bun-scrambling competition. Here are a few festival highlights: Climbing Carnival - 27 April 2025 Immersing visitors in bun tower fun, the Climbing Carnival (12 pm-6 pm) promises an exciting afternoon of stall games, handicrafts, and variety shows. Piu Sik Parade - 5 May 2025 One of the festival's most anticipated events, the Piu Sik Parade, draws thousands of onlookers each year. During this vibrant spectacle, children dressed as deities, public figures, and pop-culture icons appear to "float" above the crowds in a vibrant, carnival-like procession. Bun-Scrambling Competition Final - 5-6 May 2025 At midnight, the legendary Bun-Scrambling Competition begins. In this whimsical event, 12 climbers race up a roughly 14-metre tower covered in lucky buns (ping on bao), grabbing as many as they can. Higher buns earn more points, and the top scorer wins. Meanwhile, the competitor with the most buns earns the playful title of "Full Pockets of Lucky Buns." Nightfall Celebration: A Dazzling Drone Show Beyond Cheung Chau, spring also brings Labour Day Golden Week, running (1 to 5 May), filling the city with festive energy. Highlights include the celebration of Tin Hau (20 April); Buddha's Birthday (5 May); and the Tam Kung Festival (5 May), traditionally observed by maritime communities. To mark the occasion, an immersive 12-minute drone show will light up the night sky at 8 pm on 1 May, set to newly composed music and framed by Hong Kong's iconic skyline. For the best views, head to the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade. Feel the Pulse: More from Hong Kong's Cultural Beat Alongside the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, an exciting lineup of events comes together as part of Cultural Beat - a citywide initiative that celebrates the arts, crafts, and traditions that give Hong Kong its one-of-a-kind rhythm. Among the highlights: * Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Po Lin Monastery (29 April-5 May) Step into serenity with this peaceful tradition, where visitors pour water over Buddha statues in a symbolic act of renewal. * Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (7-8 June) Feel the adrenaline as teams paddle in sync during this high-energy showdown of speed, colour, and tradition. * Tam Kung Festival @ Eastern District 2025 (29 April-7 May) Soak up the colour and spirit of Hong Kong, with Cantonese opera, a parade featuring lion and dragon dances, and an international lion dance competition to honour sea god Tam Kung. As the season unfolds, Hong Kong will host even more fairs and festivals: * Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong (22-25 May) Explore connection, cultural identity, and the fusion of tradition and modernity at the Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong this May, featuring works from 98 leading galleries. * French May Arts Festival (through 13 July) Celebrate all things French with citywide events devoted to dance, theatre, music, cinema, circus, gastronomy, and art exhibitions. * Chinese Culture Festival (June to September) Experience the richness of Chinese heritage through months of dance performances, opera, film screenings, talks, and art exhibitions throughout the festival. 2025 also introduces exciting new cultural events: * Cirque du Soleil KOOZA (starts from 21 May) Get swept into a whimsical world of acrobatics, stunts, and theatrical magic - a high-flying thrill from start to finish. * The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Picasso for Asia - A Conversation (through 13 July) See over 60 Picasso masterpieces up close in this rare showcase at M+, offering fresh insights into the legendary artist's creative journey. And for sports fans: * Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2025 (18-22 June) Feel the energy as six top teams serve, spike, and dive in this high-stakes showdown at Hong Kong's newest world-class venue. To explore everything happening across the city, visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board's dedicated Cultural Beat website. With real-time updates and insider tips, it's your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Hong Kong's arts, culture, and events. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors' experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities. The HKTB's missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.
