Cheung Chau · Cheung Po Tsai Cave
A natural rock cave on Cheung Chau’s southwest shore, named after the pirate Cheung Po Tsai (張保仔 — note the character 保, not 寶). The entrance is narrow with steep steps and low passages — skip if you dislike confined spaces, wear closed grip shoes, bring a phone light, and expect weekend queues. Nearby coastal paths lead back toward town. Same-day pairings: Pak Tai Temple, the typhoon-shelter harbour promenade, and the windsurfing statue near Tung Wan Beach (honouring Hong Kong’s Olympic windsurfing champion). Ferries leave from Central Pier 5 (ordinary ferry ~55–60 min; faster boats cost more). Octopus accepted. Full detail: Cheung Chau destination page.
Kowloon temples & gardens
- Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden (Diamond Hill): Tang-style timber temple and landscaped garden; free entry (check open days). Walk from MTR Diamond Hill. Modest dress; keep voices low.
- Wong Tai Sin Temple: Famous for fortune-sticks; MTR Wong Tai Sin. Extremely busy at Lunar New Year and weekends — respect worshippers; go easy on flash.
- Lei Yue Mun (Yau Tong / east Kowloon): Seafood village by a typhoon shelter plus a short coastal path; lively after dark. Agree seafood prices first. MTR Yau Tong then walk/minibus.
- Tin Hau temples: Many districts (Causeway Bay, Yau Ma Tei, Cheung Chau, etc.) honour the sea goddess — a short stop for local incense culture.
New Territories heritage & nature
- Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Sha Tin): Golden Buddha statues line the climb to temples and a pagoda. Bring water and sun care; many steps. Walk uphill from MTR Sha Tin.
- Ping Shan Heritage Trail (Yuen Long): Tang Clan ancestral halls, study halls and a pagoda — easy half-day. Light Rail/bus from Long Ping / Tin Shui Wai. Some buildings keep set hours.
- Kat Hing Wai / Kam Tin: Walled-village exteriors and the famous gatehouse — respect private homes; do not enter dwellings uninvited.
- Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees (Tai Po): Traditional wishing site; paper-toss rules are managed on site — follow signs. Pair with Tai Po market town.
- Bride’s Pool / Bride’s Pool Road waterfalls (north Tai Po): Country-park pools and falls; slippery after rain; no swimming in closed areas. Bus/taxi — not a direct urban MTR hop.
- Lion Rock and Devil’s Peak (above Lei Yue Mun): Iconic city ridgeline and east-Kowloon fort/harbour views — proper hike kit and daylight planning required.
- Amah Rock (near Sha Tin / Tai Wai ridge): Natural pillar resembling a woman with a child — usually combined with Sha Tin / Lion Rock country days.
Island trails & further islands
- Dragon’s Back (Hong Kong Trail Stage 8, Shek O / Big Wave Bay): One of the city’s favourite ridge walks with open sea views. Start early, bring water and trail shoes; weekend buses to the trailhead pack out. See Southside.
- Po Toi Island: Weekend ferries from the Aberdeen / Stanley side (limited sailings); rocky shores, cliff inscriptions and a quiet village feel. Check same-day return boats — do not miss the last sailing.
- Tai O stilt houses (Lantau): Living water-village lanes and bridges — deepen the local flavour beyond a photo stop. See Lantau.
- Man Mo Temple (Sheung Wan): Incense-filled Hollywood Road classic for a half-day wander. See Sheung Wan.
How to fit these in
Cheung Chau fits a full day (ferry + cave + Pak Tai + harbour). Chi Lin / Wong Tai Sin work as a Kowloon half-day. Ping Shan or Ten Thousand Buddhas suit an NT half/full day. Dragon’s Back needs weather and fitness buffers. Also see Day trips and timed itineraries.
Shared tips
- Temples: modest dress; do not block altars for photos; shorten stays if incense is heavy for you
- Caves and trails: closed grip shoes; rock is slick after rain
- Outlying islands: confirm last ferries; do not force sailings under typhoon / T8 signals
- Walled villages and private land: stay on signed heritage paths only