Peng Chau, Hong Kong’s hidden island escape

While most tourists flock to other islands in Hong Kong, Peng Chau remains a peaceful refuge, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat from the crowds.

Rather than bustling tour groups and noisy youth, you'll discover ancient temples, a serene beach, budget-friendly eateries, and streets almost entirely free of noise or pollution.

A day spent exploring this tranquil, under-the-radar island will leave you with unforgettable memories of Hong Kong’s least-visited gem.

A charming beach offering views of the city skyline

While Peng Chau may not be known for swimming, Tung Wan, a small bay on the opposite side of the island from the ferry pier, boasts one of the most scenic beaches in Hong Kong.

The beach is dotted with fishing boats, and the only sounds you’ll hear are the gentle waves and the occasional shuffle of mahjong tiles from nearby homes. On a clear evening, sit on the sand and watch the sunset with the city skyline glowing in the distance.

Shrimp on toast

Peng Chau is a small island, barely a square kilometer in size, but its narrow streets and hiking paths offer plenty of space to wander and work up an appetite.

Wing On Street, the main thoroughfare of Peng Chau, is lined with affordable Hong Kong-style cafés, each specializing in afternoon tea.

Head to Kee Sum for a bite of “shrimp toast,” a deep-fried, breaded snack made with pureed shrimp. Pair it with a refreshing red bean ice or pineapple Ribena to complete the experience.

Bo Ma, located just down the street, serves up a hearty, greasy omelette and a deliciously comforting milk tea.

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Panoramic views from above

Peng Chau offers a variety of hiking trails. The most striking path leads you 60 meters up Finger Hill, the island’s highest peak, where you can take in views of the city to the east and the iconic turrets and rides of Disneyland to the west.

For those who aren’t keen on trekking through Peng Chau’s dense forests with their giant spiders and tropical foliage, you can catch a fantastic view from the top of the island’s tallest building, an apartment block near the southern end of Wing On Street.

While not officially open to the public, the roof of this building has no restrictions, and if you make your way up, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire island.

Unexpected heritage

The Peng Chau Heritage Trail leads you past the ruins of an old lime kiln, one of 11 that once dotted the island, establishing it as the heart of Hong Kong's lime production industry.

Though fishing and farming are the mainstay of Peng Chau’s economy, the island also boasts a surprising industrial past. For over a thousand years, the people of Hong Kong’s outlying islands have used oyster shells and coral to produce lime.

The heritage trail also passes the remains of the Great China Match Plant, once Hong Kong’s largest match factory, which employed much of the island’s population before its closure in the 1970s.

Peng Chau is home to more traditional historical landmarks as well, including a charming Tin Hau temple dating back to 1792, a Qing Dynasty stone tablet, and several ancestral halls.

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Peng Chau, a taste of France in Hong Kong

For day visitors, a trip to one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands often includes a seafood feast, and Peng Chau's seafood restaurants tend to be more affordable than those on other islands. But there’s another treat here: excellent wine and cheese. Les Copains d’abord is a French-owned café and bar in the island’s main square, featuring a sunny terrace and occasional games of pétanque.

Set off on an island adventure

Peng Chau makes a great starting point for island-hopping. From the main ferry pier, you can catch the Inter Island Ferry to Mui Wo or Cheung Chau, and from the nearby public pier, hop on a kaito to Discovery Bay. You can find the ferry schedules here.

Christopher DeWolf is a writer, photographer, and self-proclaimed urban wanderer.