Honestly, if you've ever stood on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, you’ve probably felt that weird mix of awe and slight confusion. You’re looking at one of the most famous skylines on the planet, but beneath your feet is a walkway that people call the "Hollywood Walk of Fame of the East." Except, it’s not really like Hollywood. Not anymore.
The Avenue of Stars has gone through a massive identity shift over the last few years. It used to be this somewhat dated, concrete-heavy path where you’d trip over tourists trying to take selfies with a bronze Bruce Lee. Today? It’s arguably the most sophisticated waterfront in Asia. But most people still visit it the "old way," and they’re missing the point.
Why the Avenue of Stars actually matters now
For a long time, this was just a place to see handprints. But when it reopened in 2019 after a massive three-year overhaul, things changed. The redesign was spearheaded by James Corner Field Operations—the same creative minds behind New York’s High Line. You can really feel that influence. It’s no longer just a sidewalk; it’s a "living" park.
The renovation fixed the biggest complaint everyone had: the heat. If you visited the old Avenue of Stars in July, you basically melted. Now, there's about 830% more greenery and 700% more shade. It’s a literal oasis of trellises and sustainable wood.
The Celebrity Handprints: A New Perspective
Here is what most people get wrong about the handprints. They used to be on the ground. You had to crouch down, people would step on them, and it was a bit of a mess for photos.
Now, the handprints of icons like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Michelle Yeoh are set into the wooden handrails. It makes sense. You can compare your hand size with a legend while actually looking at the Victoria Harbour at the same time. There are over 100 sets of prints here. If you’re a fan of the "Golden Age" of Cantonese cinema, this is hallowed ground.
Meeting the Legends: Bruce Lee and Anita Mui
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the statues. They are the soul of the promenade.
- Bruce Lee: The 2.5-meter bronze statue is the undisputed king here. He’s in his iconic "Enter the Dragon" pose. Even in 2026, the crowds around him are constant, but the new water feature around the base makes the whole thing feel more prestigious.
- Anita Mui: Often called the "Daughter of Hong Kong," her statue is a tribute to the city's late, great cantopop and film queen. There’s a quiet dignity to her spot that usually offers a bit more breathing room than Bruce’s corner.
- McDull: Yes, the cartoon pig. Don’t laugh. McDull is a massive cultural icon in Hong Kong, representing the hardworking, "can-do" spirit of the local people. Kids love it, but for locals, it’s surprisingly emotional.
The 8 PM Ritual: A Symphony of Lights
Every single night at 8:00 PM, the Avenue of Stars transforms. This is when the A Symphony of Lights show kicks off. It’s a 10-minute multi-media display involving lasers and searchlights from 47 different buildings across the harbor.
Is it touristy? Absolutely. Is it still worth it? Yeah, kinda.
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The best part isn't even the lasers; it's the vibe. The railings on the Avenue actually have built-in speakers and LED lights that sync with the music. The "dragon" lighting design along the path starts to "dance" as the show progresses. It’s one of those rare moments where the city feels unified.
Pro-tip for the show
Don't just stand right at the entrance near the Clock Tower. Walk further down toward the Tsim Sha Tsui East side. It’s less crowded, and you get a much better "wide-angle" view of the Hong Kong Island skyline.
The Practical Stuff: Getting There and Staying Sane
Getting to the Avenue of Stars is pretty straightforward, but you’ve got options.
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- MTR: Take the train to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and use Exit J. It’s a three-minute walk from there. If you’re at the main Tsim Sha Tsui station, just follow the underground tunnels—it’s all connected.
- Star Ferry: If you’re coming from Central or Wan Chai, take the ferry. It costs almost nothing and offers the best approach. Once you hop off at the TST Pier, the Avenue starts right next to the bus terminus and the Clock Tower.
- K11 MUSEA: This is the massive "silicon valley of culture" mall right behind the Avenue. If you need a bathroom break or a high-end coffee, this is your base of operations.
Best time to visit
Everyone goes at 8:00 PM. If you want the best photos without a thousand strangers in them, go at 8:00 AM. The morning light hitting the skyscrapers across the water is incredible, and you’ll mostly just see local joggers and elderly folks doing Tai Chi. It’s peaceful.
More than just a Walk of Fame
The Avenue of Stars is part of a larger cultural ecosystem. You're literally steps away from the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Space Museum. The whole area, known as Victoria Dockside, has been rebranded as a creative hub.
You’ll notice the "digital panels" scattered along the walk. They aren't just for ads; they show real-time data about the promenade's sustainability, like how much solar energy is being generated. It’s a very "future-forward" version of a tourist attraction.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Download the App: There’s an official Avenue of Stars AR (Augmented Reality) feature. You can use your phone to see "City in Time" historical overlays of what the harbor looked like in the 1950s.
- Check the Weather: The Symphony of Lights gets cancelled if there’s a Typhoon Signal No. 3 or a Red/Black rainstorm warning. Don't waste the trip if the clouds look angry.
- Skip the Kiosks for Meals: The carts on the Avenue are great for a quick water or a souvenir, but for actual food, walk into K11 MUSEA or head back toward Nathan Road for authentic local noodles.
- Wear Comfy Shoes: The promenade is about 440 meters long, but you’ll likely end up walking the entire Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, which is much longer.
The real magic of the Avenue of Stars isn't the bronze or the cement. It’s the fact that it sits at the intersection of Hong Kong’s cinematic past and its high-tech future. Just make sure you look up from the handprints long enough to actually see the horizon.
Next Steps:
To make the most of your trip, you should plan to arrive around 6:30 PM. This allows you to catch the "Golden Hour" sunset, grab a snack at one of the mobile carts (the recycled glass pavers look amazing in the twilight), and secure a prime spot at the railing for the 8:00 PM show. Be sure to check the Hong Kong Observatory app if the weather looks questionable, as the light show is strictly dependent on clear conditions.