Preparations for one of Hong Kong’s biggest cultural celebrations — the Cheung Chau Bun Festival — have begun with applications for the bun-scrambling contest opening today. The competition involves participants climbing a conical bun tower to get as many buns as possible within a specified time limit. The screening process is quite rigorous, with safety training and two selection rounds before the 12 finalists are announced. There will also be a Bun Tower Climbing Team Relay and a Climbing Carnival on April 27.
What is the Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Competition?
The Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Competition is the highlight of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival in Hong Kong, typically held every May. Contestants race up a 14-metre tower covered in plastic buns, collecting as many as possible within three minutes. The higher the buns, the higher the score. The event is open to the public, who can apply as long as they are over 18 years old and physically fit.
This year’s finale will be held from 11.30pm on May 5 to 12.45am on May 6 at the soccer pitch of Pak Tai Temple Playground in Cheung Chau. Anyone who’s interested in competing can send in electronic ballot applications on the SmartPLAY website from February 17-28. Only 200 applicants will be chosen, with preference given to anyone who lives, works, or studies in Cheung Chau.
Once the participants are chosen, they need to be trained in how to climb the tower and minimise the risk of falls on April 6. The two selection rounds will take place on April 13, which will see the 24 contestants who climb the tower the fastest advance to the semi-final, after which 12 finalists will be announced. At the final, the champion, first and second runners-up in the men’s division will get trophies, as will the winner in the women’s category. Whoever bags the most buns win the ‘Full Pockets of Lucky Buns’ title.
What Other Climbing Events Does the Carnival Have?
The by-invitation-only Bun Tower Climbing Team Relay will take place on the morning of April 27. The event will see teams of five climb up a bun tower while members of the public cheer them on. This will be followed by the Climbing Carnival from 12pm-6pm where anyone can check out an array of games and handicrafts, a variety show, wishing bun tower, and the display of winning entries in annual drawing competitions for students. The main attraction will be the Bun Tower Climbing Fun Day, where visitors can enrol on the spot to climb a smaller bun tower.
Image credits: Hong Kong Tourism Board
