This colourfully restored temple from 1783 is the epicentre of the annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival, held in late April or early May. The most important and oldest temple on the island, it is dedicated to the Taoist deity Pak Tai, the ‘Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven’, military protector of the state, guardian of peace and order, and protector of fisherfolk.

Legend tells that early settlers from Canton province brought an image of Pak Tai with them to Cheung Chau and, when the statue was carried through the village, Cheung Chau was spared the plague that had decimated the populations of nearby islands. A temple dedicated to the saviour was built six years later.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Cheung Chau Main Street & Vicinity

0.2 MILES

The island’s main settlement lies along the narrow strip of land connecting the headlands to the north and the south. The waterfront is a bustling place…

2. Tung Wan

0.29 MILES

Tung Wan beach, east of the ferry pier, is not Cheung Chau’s prettiest beach but it’s the longest and most popular. The far southern end of Tung Wan is a…

3. Cheung Chau Market

0.33 MILES

You'll find plenty of dried seafood, plus staples such as vegetables, rice and meat, at this traditional food market.

4. Kwan Kung Pavilion

0.49 MILES

This small temple houses a 2.5m statue of the god Kwan Kung, a Han dynasty general, made from a whole camphor tree.

5. Kwun Yam Wan

0.55 MILES

East of the ferry pier and just south of Tung Wan beach is Kwun Yam Wan, a quiet spot popular with windsurfers. Go up the footpath and look for the sign…

6. Kwun Yam Temple

0.58 MILES

This small temple is dedicated to Kwun Yam, the goddess of mercy. A footpath uphill from the southeastern end of Kwun Yam Wan will lead you here.

7. Care Village

0.93 MILES

In Sai Wan, there's a Chinese village gate with a Canadian flag and the word 'Care'. It's the entrance to one of Cheung Chau's three Care Villages. In the…

8. Sai Wan Tin Hau Temple

0.94 MILES

This small 200-year-old temple is dedicated to Tin Hau, goddess of the sea, a most important deity for a sea-centric island like Cheung Chau.