The Avenue of Stars (星光大道) is a waterfront walkway modeled after Hollywood Walk of Fame. Located along Victoria Bay it offers splendid views of Hong Kong skyline. At night, it is a popular viewing place for the Symphony of Lights display (a spectacular light and laser show synchronized to music happening daily at 8pm that lasts up to 15 minutes).
HISTORY
In 1982, New World Group built a promenade along the waterfront around the New World Centre in East Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. And in 2003, this company announced it would spend HK$40 million to build the Avenue of Stars, a project which was supported by the Hong Kong government.
The avenue was opened to the general public on April 28, 2004. Although privately-funded, it was handed over to the HK government as public property during its opening ceremony.
Initially, 73 media personalities where inducted, chosen by the HK Film Awards and readers of a local magazine.
Initially, 73 media personalities where inducted, chosen by the HK Film Awards and readers of a local magazine.
FEATURES
A 4.5 meter-tall replica of the statuette given to winners at the HK Film Awards greets visitors at the entrance. Along the 440-meter promenade, history of HK’s cinema is told through inscriptions printed on nine red pillars. The promenade has handprints and autographs of stars in cement (Jackie Chan's -成龙 - star is one of the most popular!), but most of them only contain celebrities’ names as they are now deceased.
There are benches, souvenir shops, cinema-themed sculpture and a few alfresco coffee shops to better serve visiting tourists and locals.
Latest addition to the avenue is a large replica of the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch.
Latest addition to the avenue is a large replica of the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch.
Avenue of the Stars is created to pay tribute to outstanding professionals of the local film industry, to promote tourism, and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s World City.It gives awesome views of the harbor, passing boats, skyscrapers, and the Hong Kong Island itself.
Best time to visit? Late September to early October (when the weather is still fair).
By the way, there is no admission fee ... so next time you plan to take a trip to HK - do not hesitate to pay it a visit.
By the way, there is no admission fee ... so next time you plan to take a trip to HK - do not hesitate to pay it a visit.
from: chinahighlights.com and wikipedia.com
