Hong Kong is working hard at developing the Victoria Harbour as a prime tourist and cultural attraction. The local government is investing around 3 billion US$ into redefining West Kowloon as a culture hub, in a 4-5 years project.
Here’s a bit from the recent news about the plans for the area from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon to be Pearl River cultural focus :
[…] Addressing at a reception held in New York City on January 12, Mr Tang said the West Kowloon project will transform Victoria Harbour into “Asia’s West End” with a Broadway skyline making Hong Kong the cultural hub of Asia.
“The cultural district is a 40-hectare site along our spectacular Victoria Harbour and it is about to undergo a dramatic transformation. Plans are well under way for no less than 15 arts facilities on the site including concert halls, theatres, a contemporary arts museum and a mega performance venue.
“We will select a number of iconic architectural designs and incorporate piazzas for people to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Our aim is to create a modern and high-quality venue to bring arts to the people and people to the arts. World-renowned architects are assisting us in drawing up the development plan for the project.”
Some big plans there, you can get a taste of it as it’s developed on Wikipedia.
For now, there’s the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, a wonderful water-side boardwalk that’s perfect for families and couples to stroll around and enjoy the Hong Kong Island skyline.
To get there, get off the at the Kowloon MTR station and walk through the Airport Express exit towards the harbour. I started my walk from the west side moving towards the east.
More suggested readings and photos :
- West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade – Pat Notebook
- West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade – Hong Kong Hustle
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West Kowloon walkabout