Avenue of Stars

Overview

The Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong, China, is a captivating waterfront promenade located within the larger Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. It serves as a vibrant tribute to the Hong Kong film industry, often hailed as the 'Hollywood of the East'. Stretching approximately 440 to 457 meters along the Victoria Harbour, this iconic attraction offers visitors unparalleled panoramic views of the stunning Hong Kong Island skyline and the bustling harbor activity. More than just a scenic walkway, the Avenue of Stars is adorned with handprints of legendary film celebrities, significant statues, and engaging exhibitions, encapsulating over a century of Hong Kong's cinematic history. It is a free-to-enter public space, accessible 24 hours a day, and is renowned as a prime location to witness the nightly 'A Symphony of Lights' show, a spectacular multimedia display illuminating the city's skyline.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of the Avenue of Stars trace back to 1982 when the New World Group developed a waterfront promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui East. Recognizing Hong Kong's significant contributions to global cinema, the promenade was reimagined and officially opened as the Avenue of Stars on April 27 or 28, 2004. This ambitious project, costing approximately HK$40 million, was openly modeled after the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame. It garnered substantial support from key organizations including the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Tourism Commission, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and the Hong Kong Film Awards Association.

After more than a decade of operation, the Avenue of Stars underwent a major renovation, closing in October 2015 and reopening on January 31, 2019. The redesign was led by acclaimed landscape architect James Corner, alongside other international and local designers. This extensive revitalization aimed to enhance the visitor experience by introducing more green spaces, improved seating, and interactive features, while also incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly design principles.

What Makes It Special

The Avenue of Stars stands out as a unique cultural landmark celebrating Hong Kong's rich cinematic heritage. It features over 100 handprints and signatures from influential figures in the film industry, including globally recognized names like Jackie Chan and Chow Yun-Fat. A significant post-renovation change saw these celebrity handprints meticulously set into elegant wooden handrails, making them easier for visitors to view and interact with. Each handprint is accompanied by a QR code, allowing visitors to scan with their smartphones to access biographies and film clips of the superstars, creating a dynamic, educational experience.

Beyond the handprints, the promenade is home to several iconic bronze statues that pay homage to cinematic legends. The most prominent is the 2.5-meter statue of martial arts master Bruce Lee, captured in his classic 'ready to strike' pose, unveiled in 2005 to mark his 65th birthday. Other beloved figures include the statue of Cantopop queen and actress Anita Mui, and the endearing cartoon pig character McDull, a nod to Hong Kong's animation industry. A towering 4.5-meter bronze replica of the Hong Kong Film Awards statuette greets visitors at the entrance, symbolizing artistic achievement. After the renovation, the statues of Bruce Lee and Anita Mui were adorned with flowing-water features, with Bruce Lee's water flowing faster to echo his philosophy of 'Be like water', and Anita Mui's slower flow mimicking her stage performances. Augmented Reality technology also allows visitors to interact and take photos with these legends.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One of the most engaging aspects of the Avenue of Stars is how it weaves the narratives of Hong Kong cinema into the visitor's journey. The Bruce Lee statue, for instance, not only honors a global icon but also subtly embodies his profound philosophy. The water feature beneath his statue, designed to flow quickly, is a direct reference to his famous quote: 'Be formless, shapeless, like water'. Similarly, the water flowing around Anita Mui's statue moves gently, reflecting her graceful stage presence, and includes an inscription of 'Daughter of Hong Kong' in Andy Lau's calligraphy. For a touch of whimsy, the statue of McDull, the beloved cartoon pig, is deliberately placed low to the ground, inviting children to pose alongside him, his raised finger playfully pointing towards the sky in a wish-making gesture. These thoughtful details transform a stroll into an immersive storytelling experience, connecting visitors with the personalities and philosophies behind Hong Kong's cinematic golden age.

Visitor Perspective

For a curious traveler, the Avenue of Stars offers a multifaceted experience. To truly appreciate its splendor, especially the dramatic views of Victoria Harbour, visiting during the evening is highly recommended, coinciding with the 'A Symphony of Lights' show at 8:00 PM. Alternatively, an early morning visit (before 9 AM) offers a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed views and peaceful reflection. A typical visit, including time for photos and a relaxed stroll, usually takes between one to one-and-a-half hours. Getting to the Avenue is convenient, with direct access from the MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit J) or Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit F or G), as well as via the iconic Star Ferry to the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier. The renovated promenade now features increased seating and shaded areas, making it a comfortable spot to relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.