Letter from Hong Kong
A Hong Kong island gears up for its most exciting time of the year. And it’s all about buns
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Contestants for Cheung Chau island’s famous “bun-scrambling” competition climbing the steel and bamboo tower during a training session.
ST PHOTO: MAGDALENE FUNG
- The Cheung Chau Bun Festival, a Taoist tradition since 1777 and cultural heritage, draws thousands. Its highlight is the bun-scrambling competition.
- Defending champion Janet Kung faces tough competition from seasoned climber Angel Wong in the Cheung Chau bun-scrambling race.
- The festival and island draw thousands, boosting Hong Kong's tourist boom, which saw 15% more visitors in early 2026.
AI generated
HONG KONG – You’d think scaling a five-storey-high bamboo tower to bag as many buns as you can and making it back down in three minutes is the biggest challenge of Cheung Chau island’s famous “bun-scrambling” competition.
Not for defending champion Janet Kung.
