AVENUE OF STARS

AVENUE OF STARS

The Avenue of Stars is a 400-metre long stretch of waterside promenade along the northern side of Victoria Harbour, in front of the New World Centre at Tsim Sha Tsui. The avenue, which was built along an existing promenade, opened in April 2004. It cost HK$40 million to construct, was designed by local architects AGC Design, financed by New World Group and supported by government bodies including Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Film Awards Association. On completion it was donated to the Hong Kong SAR Government by New World Group. 

The Avenue of Stars offers panoramic views across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island

The Avenue is based on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and celebrates stars of the Hong Kong film industry. Set into the promenade’s coloured paving blocks are plaques, each representing present and past stars, many of whom are deceased. The number of plaques has grown from 73, when the avenue first opened, to a current total of 101. Plaques of most living stars contain handprints set in cement and autographs. Some of the stars more familiar to audiences outside Hong Kong include Michelle Yeoh, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Chow Yun-fat and Maggie Cheung.

One of the popular plaques features the handprints of Hong Kong's Hollywood movie star Jackie Chan

The western entrance of the avenue, near to Hong Kong Museum of Art, is dominated by a 4.5-metre tall replica of the statuette awarded to winners of the annual Hong Kong Film Awards.

Replica of the Hong Kong Film Awards statuette

Two of the most popular attractions along the avenue for photo opportunities are a statue of martial arts legend Bruce Lee and a film director on set. In July 2011 local cartoon character McDull, an animated piglet, became the latest "star" to have a bronze statue erected on the avenue.

The statue of martial arts legend Bruce Lee is a popular spot for photo opportunities
Outdoor stage performances often take place at the end of the avenue nearest the Museum of Art and other entertainers can usually be found at other points along the avenue, usually at weekends and during public holidays.

Stage performances often take place on the Avenue, particularly on weekend evenings

A tourist poses with a film director and cameraman "on set"

There are three souvenir kiosks along the Avenue of Stars, including the one shown here which is dedicated to Jackie Chan merchandise and memorabilia

The avenue has panoramic views across the harbour to Hong Kong Island and makes for a pleasant stroll at any time of day, but particularly after dark when the Hong Kong Island’s famous skyline becomes spectacularly illuminated. The avenue is a popular viewing point for the free 14-minute light and sound show “A Symphony of Light”, featuring 45 prominent buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour, which takes place nightly at 8pm;

http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/eindex.html

The Avenue provides an excellent viewing point for the nightly light and sound spectacular "A Symphony of Light"

The Avenue of Stars is often the venue for temporary exhibitions including, above, "The Upside Down World of Philippe Ramette"

At the eastern end of the avenue are Starbucks coffee shop and Deck N Beer bar. The New World Centre is currently closed and undergoing major renovation and conversion to a 63-storey hotel which is not expected to be completed until 2015 at the earliest.

The New World Centre, partially demolished and now under renovation and conversion to a 63-storey hotel, can be seen immediately behind Starbucks and Deck N Beer bar at the eastern end of the avenue

AVENUE OF STARS WEBSITE - http://www.avenueofstars.com.hk/eng/home.asp
GETTING THERE –

MTR - East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, exit J, near InterContinental Hotel is about 3 minutes walk from the avenue. Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, which is linked by pedestrian subway to East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station and has common exits is also within walking distance.

STAR FERRY – Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier is about 10 minutes walk from the avenue by following the promenade past the clock tower and along the harbourside in front of Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Museum of Art.

BUS – Star Ferry Bus Terminus is located at Star Ferry Pier (see above) and is the terminus for KMB services 1, 1A, 2, 5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 7, 8 and 9. Routes A21, 8A, 13X, 26, 28, 35A, 41A, 81C, 87D, 98D, 110, 203, 208, 215X, 219X and 224X all stop on Salisbury Road, outside New World Centre, about 5 minute walk from the avenue.