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Hong Kong may be known as a concrete jungle, but beyond the towering skyscrapers and dense urban life lie expanses of countryside and glittering ocean, views of which can be enjoyed from some incredible vantage points.
To celebrate the diversity of Hong Kong’s harbourfront spaces, the Development Bureau and Harbourfront Commission were tasked with creating a refreshed, diverse harbourfront environment for public use. The result is the Harbourfront Shared Space initiative, an open-management model of public spaces with fewer restrictions and limitations, intended to encourage people to enjoy the city’s waterside areas in their own ways.
A key feature of these revamped public spaces, which can be found across the city, is that they have been designed to include family- and pet-friendly elements. At Kennedy Town’s Belcher Bay Promenade, formerly a Public Cargo Working Area, mobile cargo pallets have been used to create a children’s playground and modular seating areas. K-Farm, an NGO-run community garden with various facilities and features, spans 2,000 square metres and offers guided tours and farming activities for all ages.
The Water Sports and Recreation Precinct in Wan Chai exhibits two retired East Rail Line Mid-Life Refurbishment train cars (also known as ‘Fly Head’ trains) donated by the MTR Corporation Limited, which are now displayed at the Precinct. The transformed train cars retain some of the original features for the public to reminisce about ‘Fly Head’ trains from the past. Part of the train includes a multipurpose space available for groups to hold community workshops, exhibitions and activities. Meanwhile, the Belcher Bay Promenade, East Coast Park Precinct in Fortress Hill, Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct in Causeway Bay and Water Sports and Recreation Precinct in Wan Chai are all pet-friendly, and visitors are welcome to bring their dogs along.
Bringing people closer to the water is another aim of the Harbourfront Shared Space initiative. For example, the East Coast Park Precinct in Fortress Hill — the first breakwater in Victoria Harbour to officially open to the public — offers uninterrupted 360-degree views of the sunset over the ocean. Another feature of the Harbourfront Shared Space initiative is fenceless access to the water, like at the Tsuen Wan Promenade, a popular sunset spot thanks to its prime views of the Ting Kau Bridge.
Image by Mike Pickles
The Harbourfront Shared Space initiative also focuses on adding arts and culture elements into place-making. The most recent example is the Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct in Causeway Bay, which boasts unobstructed views of the typhoon shelter. Visitors can join the Walla-Walla Culture & Historical Tour to explore the typhoon shelter and Causeway Bay and learn more about the lives of Hong Kong’s fishermen. At HarbourChill, next to Wan Chai Ferry Pier, various interactive pop-up installations and specially designed public furniture have been installed.
Throughout the year, seasonal holidays such as Christmas and Chinese New Year often bring festive decorations and installations that adorn the harbourfront spaces, creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere in the waterfront areas.
The project’s next stage will see the promenades on both sides of Victoria Harbour extended to 34 kilometres by 2028.
Where else can you enjoy Hong Kong’s iconic skyline? Here are 10 spots to marvel at the Victoria Harbour from different angles.
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The Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability as to the quality or fitness for purpose of third party products and services; and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
