Avenue of Stars: Hong Kong's iconic waterfront promenade reopens

If there’s one image that captures the essence of Hong Kong, it’s the stunning neon skyline viewed across Victoria Harbour from the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade.

It’s no wonder that the 457-meter-long Avenue of Stars in TST was one of Hong Kong's top attractions before it closed for renovations in 2015.

After a three-year renovation led by architect James Corner (known for his work on New York’s High Line and Seattle’s Central Waterfront) alongside the local team at New World Development, the promenade is back.

Reopened on January 31, the redesigned Avenue aims to be more than just a popular tourist spot – it aspires to be a sustainable and inviting space for both locals and visitors alike.

Adrian Cheng, executive vice chairman of New World Development, explains, 'The Avenue of Stars is a key element of our ambitious revitalization project, which is turning this heritage site into a world-class waterfront and cultural hub for both Hong Kong residents and global visitors.'

Originally opened in 1982, the promenade stretched along the once-thriving eastern shore of Tsim Sha Tsui.

Rebranded in 2004, the Avenue of Stars adopted a cinematic theme akin to Los Angeles' iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The highly anticipated project, which will open in stages, will feature the new K11 MUSEA museum and shopping mall, Hong Kong's first Rosewood Hotel (set to debut in March), as well as residential and office spaces.

A major transformation

Before its renovation, the Avenue of Stars faced criticism for its lack of seating, greenery, and overall charm.

Its redesign reflects a broader global trend in the evolution of public spaces over recent years.

James Corner explains to Dinogo Travel, 'Public spaces in the 20th century were often designed simply, lacking in texture, richness, or unique character. Many were similar in design across the globe, leaving them empty, uninviting, and underused.'

James Corner notes, 'Today, there's a greater emphasis on thoughtfully designed public spaces that draw from their surroundings and offer a diverse range of experiences for everyone. Cities seek authentic, unique areas that invigorate and enhance daily life.'

Along with relocating the celebrity handprints from the ground to the shoreline handrails, the new design also significantly expands the seating areas.

The new Avenue of Stars offers seven times more shade and eight times more greenery than its previous version.

Statues of icons like martial arts legend Bruce Lee and pop sensation Anita Mui will no longer be confined behind barriers, but will instead stand proudly on a fountain platform.

The new kiosks, which are adaptable in design, will offer local foods and products, while the Salisbury Garden will provide a green space for relaxation, as well as a small performance area.

Sustainability is a key feature of the updated Avenue of Stars.

It introduces Greater China’s first wave energy generator and utilizes solar panels to power some of the lighting along the promenade.

Plastic water bottles will not be sold at the kiosks. Instead, water fountains have been installed for public use.

Hong Kong’s version of the ‘High Line’

As Corner puts it, 'Great public spaces are the foundation of great cities. They define a city’s character, image, and overall quality of life.'

Corner believes the redesigned walkway will stand proudly alongside his other major works, like the New York High Line and Seattle Waterfront.

'These projects share a common theme: they are linear in design and reinterpret the timeless concept of a promenade, offering spaces for strolling and social interaction,' he explains.

'However, each of these projects is unique, shaped by its own specific context,' he adds.

'Our Tsim Sha Tsui project – including both Salisbury Gardens and the Avenue of Stars – is framed by the vast scale of the harbor and the city skyline, creating a truly expansive and panoramic environment. This project is entirely unique to Victoria Dockside and Hong Kong,' says Corner.

Getting there: Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and use Exit J. From there, it's just a short walk along Salisbury Road to the Avenue of Stars. For a more scenic journey, take the ferry from Central or Wan Chai Ferry Pier and stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade until you reach the Avenue of Stars.