Climbers raced up a tower covered in plastic steamed buns during the annual Bun Scrambling Competition on Cheung Chau island on May 25, 2026 [1].
The event is a central part of the Bun Festival, a traditional celebration that blends local customs with athletic competition. It draws attention to the unique cultural heritage of the island and maintains a long-standing community ritual.
The competition features a tower reaching 14 meters in height [1]. To create the challenging ascent, organizers covered the structure with approximately 9,000 plastic steamed buns [2]. These plastic replicas serve as the primary grip points for participants as they scramble toward the top.
This activity is one of several events held during the festival. Other local traditions accompanying the scramble include the illumination of lanterns across the island [1]. The festival serves as a focal point for residents and visitors to gather on Cheung Chau, a small island located off the coast of Hong Kong [1].
Participants must navigate the tower's exterior, battling both the height and the unconventional surface of the plastic buns. The event is designed as a race, testing the agility and strength of the climbers who attempt to reach the summit first [2].
“Climbers raced up a tower covered in plastic steamed buns”
The Bun Scrambling Competition represents the intersection of folk religion and modern sporting events in Hong Kong. By utilizing plastic replicas instead of real food, the event maintains its traditional visual identity while addressing modern safety and hygiene standards for large-scale public gatherings.
