“Imagine,” I say, “hiding your treasure here”. Cheung Po Tsai Cave awaits. It is a natural cave on Cheung Chau Island in Hong Kong. Legend says this is where the pirate Cheung Po Tsai kept his loot. Cheung Po Tsai Cave is a popular attraction.
Cheung Po Tsai was a real pirate. He lived during the Qing Dynasty. Cheung Po Tsai controlled the seas around the Pearl River Delta. He acted like the government for coastal towns. The legend says Cheung Po Tsai used this cave during the Battle of the Tiger’s Mouth. He sought refuge here and hid his treasures. No one has ever found treasure in Cheung Po Tsai Cave.
Let’s venture into the cave. We must climb down a ladder. It is about 10 meters deep. The path extends about 90 meters. The trail is narrow. The walls may be slippery from rain and wind. Move carefully in a single file. Bring a strong flashlight. Little sunlight reaches into Cheung Po Tsai Cave.
Be aware of bats and mosquitoes. They like the dark and damp. Still, the cave is safe. As of 2018 no serious accidents had been reported here. Steel ladders help visitors enter and exit. In 2012 some stones fell. The cave entrance became narrower.
Other caves also bear his name. One was on Lamma Island. It was larger than this one. It may have been destroyed when they built the Lamma Power Station. Yet, an entrance reappeared after weathering. There are Cheung Po Tsai Caves in other places too. They are in Tap Mun, Sai Wan, Chung Hom Kok, Chek Chau, Siu Kau Yi Chau and Longxue Island in Guangzhou.
Cheung Po Tsai’s story is fascinating. Kidnapped at 15 he became a pirate. He rose through the ranks. He was adopted by pirate leader Cheng I and his wife Ching Shih. After Cheng I died Ching Shih and Cheung Po Tsai became lovers. They shared power. Cheung Po Tsai commanded many ships. He had over 25000 followers.
In 1810 Cheung Po Tsai surrendered to the government. He became a navy colonel. He helped fight other pirates. Cheung Po Tsai even married Ching Shih. The governor was their witness.
Cheung Po Tsai died at sea in 1822 aged 39. His widow became a gambler and salt trader. The Aqua Luna junk ship is named after Cheung Po Tsai. His legend lives on in movies and TV shows.
Today Cheung Po Tsai Cave may be empty of treasure. But its story enriches Cheung Chau Island. It reminds us of a daring pirate and his hidden refuge.