Hong Kong - Bruce Lee's Star on
Avenue of Stars - Avenue of Stars. Photo by NekaPearlThe Hong Kong film business was one of
the world’s leading movie industries for decades and enjoys a cult following still to this day. Not unlike Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Avenue of Stars pays homage to the greats of the
local movie industry and is filled with hand prints of over 100 of the most acclaimed actors and directors of the last
century.
Most renowned for its plethora of action-film shrines, the Avenue of Stars is revered by Chinese
die-hard fans who find this to be a most fitting tribute to their life-long idols. Most foreign visitors may fail to see
the attraction, yet nevertheless, all will inevitably end up perusing the avenue at one time or another during their
visit. Ideally located on the Victoria Harbour waterfront, the Avenue of Stars is lined with bars and restaurants, offers stupendous views and
is the site of the nightly ‘A Symphony of Lights ’ display.
Here are just some of the things you can see and do around
the Avenue of Stars:
Meet the Stars
Hong Kong - Bruce Lee's Star on Avenue of Stars -
Avenue of Stars. Photo by NekaPearlThe most commanding site, and the one which draws the most
foreign admiration, is the statue of internationally-acclaimed martial art expert, Bruce Lee. Set along the water’s
edge, with the striking background of the Hong Kong Island’s skyline, this is arguably the most-photographed statue
along the avenue and certainly not to be missed. If you’re a fan of Hong Kong cinema then you ought not to miss the
commemorative plaques of Lai man-wai (long considered the forefather of the local movie industry) and two of the most
internationally known artists to have been featured in Hollywood films: Jackie Chan and Chow Yun Fat. The cutest statue
by far would have to be that of McDull, an insanely popular cartoon character in Hong Kong and the one credited with
honoring the local animation movie industry.
Catch a Show
Lively performances are held on weekends,
helping to make this a rather crowded place to visit. A musical performance is held on Saturday nights from 7PM onwards,
starring some of the best, up-and-coming musicians in Hong Kong. A series of eclectic performances are held every month
with the program changing on a regular basis.
The Symphony of Lights is, brutally speaking, a bit of a
hit-and-miss affair, with general consensus ranging from it being ‘a spectacular light fest’ to ‘the kitschiest
thing you’ll ever see’. Considering the nighttime views of the city are quite spectacular from this location, it’s
certainly a worthwhile thing to see, if merely to ascertain once and for all, which side of the like-dislike fence will
you sit on. It will all depend on what you think of, a myriad of colorful laser lights bouncing off a multitude of
skyscrapers.
Hong Kong Junk Boat - Avenue of Stars. Photo by DavidSandozVictoria Harbor is one of the most scenic spots in all of
Hong Kong and a lovely place in which to spend some time. Taking a junkboat (traditional sailing vessel) harbor cruise
is by far one of the most rewarding things you can do here. The beautifully-maintained Aqua Luna sails the
harbor daily and offers a great hop-on/hop-off option, with all encompassing stops in Tsim Sha Tsui , Central, Wanchai and
Hunghom. A full-day, unlimited ride pass costs just HK$120 ($16). In the evenings, the boat offers a lovely
45-minute cruise of Victoria Harbor, starting from Tsim Sha Tsui (pier 1) at 5.30PM, 7.30PM and 9.30PM. A daily pass
will include rides at these times. Sailing the harbour, reclining on the comfy lounges of the top deck (with cocktail in
hand) is arguably the most enjoyable way to soak up a Hong Kong sunset on a clear day. Although the evening cruise also
stops at Central, make sure you hop on where it starts to ensure pole position.
Splurge on a Dinner
with Killer Views
Intercontinental Hong Kong - Avenue of Stars. Photo by
Bertrand
DuperrinThe Avenue of Stars is certainly not short of drinking and dining options, but
if you’re looking for a particularly incredible foodie and sightseeing splurge, then feast your eyes and taste buds on
the exquisite buffet dinner offered at the Intercontinental Hotel. You’ll find the hotel on the waterfront,
just east of the Avenue of Stars. The floor-to-ceiling windows and superlative food served by the award-winning
restaurant has ensured it a top spot as one of the best buffet-dinner experiences in Hong Kong. At HK$800 ($104) per
person, this is certainly not the cheapest dinner in town, but after you savor the flavors of the extensive delights on
offer, and soak up the superb views, you may (almost) forget the price. Certainly worthy of a splurge if you’re
looking for that one special night out while visiting Hong Kong. Booking in advance, for a window table, is highly
recommended.
How to Get There
Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui station on Victoria Harbor, take exit J and follow the tourist signs to the
Avenue of Stars.
waterfront, the Avenue of Stars is lined with bars and restaurants, offers stupendous views and
is the site of the nightly ‘A Symphony of Lights 
