Bun fun on offer as Hong Kong prepares cultural feast in bid to attract more tourists to the city

A Cheung Chau bun-steaming workshop is among a string of activities designed to showcase Hong Kong culture and give tourism another string to its bow

Working in a traditional ice factory is another option as Cheung Chau highlights island traditions as part of drive to broaden city’s visitor appeal

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Traditional ping an buns are prepared for the annual Bun Festival on Cheung Chau island. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Published: 10:30am, 15 May 2024Updated: 9:10pm, 13 Apr 2025

Hong Kong ping an buns, a ubiquitous sight in the city every May, are not the only product of the tiny, decades-old Kwok Kam Kee Cake Shop on the scenic island of Cheung Chau, but they are the most famous.

The white rolls stamped with red Chinese characters are an integral part of the city’s annual bun-scrambling competition, to be held on Wednesday and Thursday.

Competitors scale bamboo towers decorated with the buns, with those placed nearest the top carrying the most points.

The contestants with the highest scores inside a specified time limit take the honours in the races, part of this month’s Cheung Chau Da Jiu Festival, which runs until Thursday.

Would-be winners of the traditional bun scrambling competition, part of the Cheung Chau island Da Jiu Festival, work on qualification for the main event. Photo: May Tse

But visitors to Cheung Chau can now take part not only as climbers or spectators at the adrenaline-filled competition, but as makers of the coveted prizes, with a helping of education on city culture on the side.

“It’s not just about making the buns, it’s the passing on of an intangible cultural heritage,” cake shop operator Martin Kwok said.