The Cheung Chau Bun Festival 2025 and Bun Scrambling Competition are back! Discover the excitement of this cherished tradition, recognized as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage.
For many of us, our first introduction to the Cheung Chau Bun Festival came from watching “McDull, Prince de la Bun” (My Life as McDull), where the festival’s legendary Bun Scrambling Competition captured our imaginations. Since its revival in 2005, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival Carnival has become a highlight of Hong Kong’s cultural calendar, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from near and far. The festivities—from preliminary rounds and climbing carnivals to the thrilling Bun Scrambling Competition—bring the island to life each year. The competition itself is the centerpiece, making the festival one of Hong Kong’s most iconic and beloved traditions. Beyond the excitement, the event revitalizes Cheung Chau’s local economy, promotes climbing sports, and boosts tourism across the city.
But what exactly is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, and what makes the Bun Scrambling Competition so special? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival?
Held annually on Cheung Chau Island, the Bun Festival marks the grand finale of the Taiping Qingjiao Festival. Its origins lie in ancient folk rituals, where islanders prayed for peace and protection from disasters. The festival’s most striking feature is the construction of three towering bun structures—each about 13 meters tall and covered with approximately 18,000 “peace buns.” After a ceremony honoring the Northern Emperor, the Bun Scrambling Competition begins at midnight. Participants race against the clock to climb the towers and collect as many buns as possible—the higher the bun, the greater the luck it is believed to bring.
The competition’s intensity once led to a tragic accident in 1978, when a tower collapse caused multiple injuries and forced the event’s suspension. Thankfully, the festival was revived in 2005 with enhanced safety measures, including the use of plastic buns and a new competition format. These changes have preserved the tradition while ensuring the safety of all involved, transforming the festival into a vibrant celebration that attracts both locals and international visitors.
Get Ready for the 2025 Cheung Chau Bun Festival!
Are you excited to join or witness the 2025 Cheung Chau Bun Festival and Bun Scrambling Competition? According to the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department, this year’s festivities will begin in April, featuring training sessions, selection rounds, relay races, and the much-anticipated finals. Each event brings a fresh burst of energy to this time-honored tradition. If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, don’t miss the chance to experience this nationally recognized cultural event and immerse yourself in its unique blend of history and festivity.
2025 Cheung Chau Bun Festival Schedule:
- April 6, 2025 (Sunday): Bun Scrambling Competition – Training
- April 13, 2025 (Sunday): Bun Scrambling Competition – Selection Round
- April 27, 2025 (Sunday): Bun Tower Team Relay and Team Challenge Climbing Carnival
- May 5–6, 2025 (Monday & Tuesday): Bun Scrambling Competition – Finals and Award Ceremony
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival and Bun Scrambling Competition are about more than just physical skill—they’re a celebration of community, tradition, and resilience. And if you’re inspired to try climbing yourself, don’t forget to gear up! You can find all the sports equipment you need at ZALORA.
Credit : ZALORA blog HK
