According to Sun Ferry, which operated the route between Hong Kong Island and Cheung Chau, as of 5 pm local time, the number of passengers increased by 12.5 percent compared with the same period last year.

"I hope Hong Kong can organize more activities to promote traditional culture," said Hong Kong resident Ms Ho who watched the parade every year.

Another Hong Kong resident who preferred to be named as Kwok, who is also an owner of a bakery selling buns symbolizing peace and well-being, started bun making workshops last September to promote the Bun Festival and has attracted around 20,000 people to join.

Kwok said that there were more visitors to Cheung Chau than expected this year. His shop opened at about 6 a.m. local time and all buns were sold out within two hours.

This year's Bun Festival started on May 12 and will last until May 16.