Avenue of Stars & Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Start here, because nothing else in Hong Kong gives you this much for free. The Avenue of Stars runs along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront beside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, a 440-metre promenade facing the whole Hong Kong Island skyline across Victoria Harbour. It first opened in April 2004 and reopened in January 2019 after a three-year rebuild designed by James Corner Field Operations, the landscape firm behind New York's High Line. By day it is wide, breezy and bright, with ferries, tugs and junks crossing the water in front of you. There is little shade along the harbour rail, so bring a hat at midday. The avenue is also a tribute to Hong Kong cinema. A 2.5-metre bronze of Bruce Lee, put up in 2005, is the most photographed spot on the promenade. A statue of Anita Mui followed in 2014, and a 4.5-metre copy of the Hong Kong Film Awards statuette stands at the entrance. Along the railings, plaques carry the names of film figures, and many hold their handprints and signatures set in cement. Visitors line up to press their palms against those of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Even McDull, the cartoon pig, has a place among the honourees. The best reason to stay into the evening is A Symphony of Lights. This free light and sound show plays across the buildings on the far shore every night at 8pm, and the Avenue of Stars is one of the official viewing spots. No ticket is needed. The show is called off when a Typhoon Signal No. 3 or higher, or a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning, is issued at or after 3pm that day. The promenade has barrier-free toilets and free government Wi-Fi, and dogs are welcome.