Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong


The Avenue of Stars, modelled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is an avenue located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. It honours celebrities of the Hong Kong film industry.

History

Establishment

In 1982, the New World Group built a promenade along the waterfront around the New World Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon. In 2004, the Group announced it would spend HK$40 million to build the Avenue of Stars, a project supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Tourism Commission, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong Government and the Hong Kong Film Awards Association.
The avenue was opened to the general public on 28 April 2004 with an opening ceremony held the previous day, 27 April 2004. The opening ceremony was presided over by a number of government and industry figures, including Henry Tang, Stephen Ip, Patrick Ho, Selina Chow, Manfred Wong, and Cheng Yu-tung ; in which the privately funded avenue was handed over to the Hong Kong SAR government as public property. At opening, the avenue honoured an initial 73 inductees elected by the Hong Kong Film Awards Association and the readers of City Entertainment.

Redevelopment controversy

After having managed the avenue for 11 years, its contract is due to expire. It was announced in August 2015 that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong government would redevelop and expand the avenue jointly with the company. The Hong Kong government declared that the enhancement project would contain limited commercial appeal, and no luxury shops or high-end restaurants would be added. The walkway, very popular with tourists, is to be closed off and relocated to the Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium Garden temporarily for three years while the expansion is undertaken.
The decision to award the contract for the redevelopment to the company without putting it out to tender, on the justification that the project was non-profit, sparked controversy locally. Residents' groups and other development companies owning properties adjacent to the walk expressed discontent, whilst the LCSD claimed that consultations with the local district council had been favourable. In an apparent attempt to de-fuse the public furore at the apparent collusion between government and big business, the government promised a public consultation.

Renovation

On 31 January 2019, the Avenue was reopened to the public after three years of renovation, redesigned by New York High Line architect James Corner Field Operations together with other international and local designers.

Description

The Avenue of Stars is the eastern node of several tourist attractions along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. In addition to the promenade and New World Centre, a number of attractions exist including the Museum of Art, Space Museum, Cultural Centre and the Clock Tower.
Entering from Salisbury Garden, a 4.5-metre-tall replica of the statuette given to winners at the Hong Kong Film Awards greets visitors. Along the 440-metre promenade, the story of Hong Kong's one hundred years of cinematic history is told through inscriptions printed on nine red pillars. Set into the promenade are plaques honouring the celebrities. Some plaques contain hand prints and autographs of the stars set in cement, but most of the plaques only contain celebrities' names as they are now deceased. A 2.5-metre bronze statue of Bruce Lee was erected along the Avenue of Stars in 2005. In 2014, a bronze statue of Anita Mui was erected along the Avenue of Stars.
The promenade commands a panoramic view across Victoria Harbour. At night, it is a popular viewing place for the Symphony of Lights display.
A large replica of the 2008 Summer Olympics torch will be on permanent display here.

List of stars

The following people have received plaques on the avenue of stars.

Note: People in the list who were born before 1949 in the Republic of China are not from modern day Taiwan, but from mainland China, which the Republic of China encompassed until the end of the last civil war.
#NamePlace of birthResidenceGenreNotesPicture-
1.Lai Man-Wai JapanHong Kongsilent film actor; later as producer and directormarried to Florence Lim – deceased-
2.Florence Lim Victoria, CanadaHong Kongactressmarried to Lai Man-Wai – deceased-
3.Butterfly Hu Shanghai, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactressstar from 1924 to 1960s – deceased-
4.Sir Run Run Shaw Ningbo, Imperial ChinaHong KongHong Kong media mogul, founder of TVBdeceased-
5.Wong Man Lei Hong KongHong Kongsilent film actress, actressstarted with Ji Nan Film Company and later with TVB and RTV; Chief Executive of South China Film Industry Workers Union; Lifetime Achievement Award of the Hong Kong Film Awards – deceased-
6.Zhu Shi Lin Taicang, Republic of ChinaHong Kongfilm directordeceased-
7.Tso Tat Wah Taishan, Guangdong, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactordeceased-
8.Lo Duen Hong KongHong Kongactor and scriptwriterLifetime Achievement Award of the Hong Kong Film Critics'Association – deceased-
9.Griffin Yue Feng Shanghai, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactor and Huangmei opera starLifetime Achievement Award by the Film Directors' Guild – deceased-
10.Kwan Tak-hing Guangzhou, Republic of ChinaSingaporeactordeceased-
11.Cheung Wood Yau Hong KongHong KongCantonese opera staropera star 1940 and 1950s; later joined TVB and retired 1982 – deceased-
12.Ng Cho Fan Hong KongCanadaactorGreatest Individual Achievement Award given by the Cultural Ministry of the People's Republic of China-
13.Tang Wing Cheung Shunde, Guangdong, Republic of ChinaHong KongCantonese opera starOpera King of Charity – deceased-
14.Pak Yin Guangzhou, ChinaHong Kongactressretired 1964 – deceased-
15.Zhou Xuan Changzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongsinger and film actressdeceased-
16.Cheung Ying Fujian, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactordied in Canada 1984-
17.Lee Tit Hong KongHong Kongactorstar 1930s and 1940s; Lifetime Achievement Award by the Film Directors'Guild -
18.Wu Pang Shanghai, Republic of ChinaHong Kongdirectordirected 58 Wong Fei Hung films – deceased-
19.Yam Kim-fai Nanhai, Republic of ChinaHong Kongopera stardeceased-
20.Shek Kin Panyu, Guangdong, Republic of ChinaHong Kongfilm and TV actordeceased-
21.Li Li-hua Heibei, Republic of ChinaHong Kong and United Statesactressdeceased-
22.Bai Guang Beijing, Republic of ChinaKuala Lumpur, Malaysiasinger and actressdeceased-
23.Ng Wui Guangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongdirector and actoractor and co-founder of Union Film Enterprise Ltd; starred in over 100 films and directed over 200 films; later with RTV – deceased-
24.Pak Suet SinGuangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong KongChinese opera starThe Founder of Cantonese opera star Yam Kim Fai-
25.Hung Sin Nui Guangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kong and Chinasinger and actressdeceased-
26.Chun Kim Hong KongHong Kongwriter and directorfounded Kong Ngee Co-
27.Yu So-chow Beijing, Republic of ChinaHong Kong and San Francisco, United StatesChinese operadeceased-
28.Leung Sing Poh Hong KongHong KongCantonese opera starlater with TVB; award MBE 1976-
29.Tang Kei Chen TaiwanHong Kongradio anchor and radio actor/comedian; moved to Canada 1975deceased-
30.Tang Pik-wan Sanshui, Guangdong, Republic of ChinaHong KongCantonese opera star/actressdeceased-
31.Fong Yim FunHong KongHong KongChinese opera-
32.Miranda Yang Shanghai, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactress and producerdeceased-
33.Linda Ching (Lin Dai) Guilin, Guangxi, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactresstook her own life in 1964 – deceased-
34.Woo FungGuangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactor, director-
35.Ms Lucilla Yu Ming Hong KongHong KongCantonese opera star and actressretired 1964-
36.Patrick Tse YinGuangdong, Republic of ChinaHong Kong and Vancouver, CanadaHong Kong film and TV actor, screenwriter, producer-
37.Li Han-hsiang Jinxi, Liaoning, Republic of ChinaHong Kongdirectordied of a heart attack in 1996-
38.Loke Wan Tho Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaTaiwancinema ownerdeceased-
39.Roy Chiao Shanghai, Republic of ChinaSeattle, United Statesactorinterpreter for the US Army during the Korean War – deceased-
40.Patricia Lam Fung Hong KongHong Kongactressretired 1967 and died 1976-
41.Chang Cheh Shanghai, Republic of ChinaHong Kongfilm directordeceased-
42.Chor Yuen Guangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactordeceased-
43.King Hu Beijing, Republic of ChinaTaiwan and Hong Kongdirectordeceased-
44.Ivy Ling PoShantou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongopera star-
45.Connie ChanGuangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactress and singer-
46.Josephine Siao Fong FongSuzhou, Jiangsu Republic of ChinaHong Kongactress
47.Fung Bo BoSandakan, North BorneoHong Kongfilm and TV actress-
48.Jimmy Wang Yu Wuxi, Jiangsu, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactor, producer, director, and screenwriterdeceased-
49.Tommy Ti LungXinhu, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactor-
50.David ChiangHong KongHong Kong and Vancouver, Canadaactor-
51.Leonard Ho Kwong Cheong Hong KongHong Kongpublicity officer and production officer at Shaw Brotherslater vice-chairman at Golden Harvest – deceased-
52.Raymond Chow Hong KongHong Kongfilm directordeceased-
53.Bruce Lee San Francisco, United StatesHong Kongmartial artist, actorFounder of Jeet Kune Do, voted Greatest Martial Artist of All Time – deceased-
54.Ng See-yuenHong KongHong Kongdirector-
55.Michael HuiPanyu, Guangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongcomedian, director and screenwriter-
56.Sam HuiHong KongHong Kongactor and Hong Kong pop singer-
57.Brigitte Lin Ching HsiaTaipei, Taiwanactress-
58.Sammo Hung Kam PoHong KongHong KongHong Kong actor-
59.Jackie ChanHong KongHong KongHong Kong film actor-
60.John WooGuangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongfilm director-
61.Yuen Woo-pingGuangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongdirector and martial arts choreographer-
62.Ann Hui on WahAnshan, Liaoning, Republic of ChinaHong Kongdirector-
63.Tsui Hark Saigon, South VietnamHong Kongdirector-
64.Chow Yun-fatHong KongHong KongTV and film actor-
65.Leslie Cheung Hong KongHong Kong, Vancouver, CanadaCantopop singer and film actordeceased-
66.Andy LauHong KongHong KongCantopop singer and film actor-
67.Jet LiBeijing, ChinaHong Kong and Singaporefilm actor-
68.Maggie CheungHong KongHong Kong and United KingdomTV and film actress-
69.Anita Mui Hong KongHong Kong and Vancouver, CanadaCantopop singer and film actressdeceased-
70.Tony Leung Chiu-waiHong KongHong KongTV and film actor-
71.Michelle Yeoh Choo KhengIpoh, Perak, MalaysiaHong Kongfilm actress-
72.Wong Kar-waiShanghai, ChinaHong Kongdirector-
73.Stephen ChowHong KongHong Kongdirector and film actor-
74. Ms Tsi Lo Lin Hong KongHong Kongactressdeceased.-
75.Mr Lam Kar Sing Hong KongHong KongChinese opera actordeceased-
76. Wong Tin-lam Shanghai, Republic of ChinaHong Kongscriptwriter, producer, director, and actordeceased-
77. Mr Bow Fong Hong KongHong Kongactor-
78.Lau Kar-leung Guangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongfilm and TV actordeceased-
79. Shek WaiJiangzu, Republic of ChinaHong Kongmovie actresswife of actor Fu Chi-
80. Fu ChiLiaoning, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactor and directorhusband of Shek Wai-
81. Grace ChangShanghai, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactress and singer-
82. Patsy Kar Hong KongBangkok, Thailandactressdeceased-
83. Kwan Shan Shenyang, Liaoning, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactordeceased-
84. Lo Wai Jiangsu, Republic of ChinaHong Kongactordeceased-
85. Tong KaiMacauHong Kongmartial arts coordinator for Chinese Opera and movie choreographer-
86. Nee Kwong Ningbo, Zhejiang, Republic of ChinaHong Kongnovelist and screenwriter-
87. James Wong Panyu, Guangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Konglyricist and writerdeceased-
88. Karl MakaTaishan, Guangzhou, Republic of ChinaHong Kongproducer, director, actor, and presenter-
89. Eric TsangHong KongHong Kongfilm and TV actor, TVB MC-
90. William Chang Suk PingHong KongHong Kongfilm editor, production designer, and art director-
91. Tony Leung Ka-faiHong KongHong Kongfilm actor-
92. Anthony Wong Chau SangHong KongHong KongTV and film actor-
93. Cecilia CheungHong KongHong Kongfilm actress-
94. Lai Pak-hoi Xinhui, Guangdong, Imperial ChinaHong Kongactor and producerdeceased-
95. Kenneth Tsang Shanghai, Republic of ChinaHong KongTV and film actor-
96. Sylvia ChangChiayi, TaiwanTaiwanfilm actress-
97. Jacky CheungHong KongHong KongCantopop singer and film actor-
98. Lau Ching WanHong KongHong KongTV and film actor-
99. Aaron KwokHong KongHong KongTV and film actor, Cantopop singer-
100. Gong LiShenyang, Liaoning, ChinaChina and Singaporefilm actress-
101.Leon LaiBeijing, ChinaHong KongTV and film actor, Cantopop singer-
102.Deanie Ip Tak-hanDapengcheng, Guangdong, Republic of ChinaHong Kongsinger and film actress-
103.Simon Yam Tat-wahHong KongHong Kongactor and film producer-
104.Kara Hui Ying-HungShandong, ChinaHong Kongfilm actress-
105.Carina Lau Kar-lingSuzhou, Jiangsu, ChinaHong KongTV and film actress-
106.Louis Koo Tin-lokHong KongHong KongTV and film actor-
107.Nicholas Tse Ting-fungHong KongHong Kong, Vancouver, CanadaSinger and actorson of actor Patrick Tse-
108.McDullHong KongHong KongCartoon charactercreated by Brian Tse and Alice Mak
-
109.Cecilia YipHong KongHong Kong, China, TaiwanActress-
110.Dodo Cheng Yu LingHong KongHong KongActress, TV Host-
111.Anita Yuen Wing YiHong Kong, ChonghouHong KongActress & Singer-
112.Sandra NgBritish Hong KongHong Kong, LondonActress, Film Director and Producer-
113.Helena Law LanHong Kong, CanadaHong Kong, BritishActressDedicated to the World War II soldier who died at age 34-
114.Nina PawHong KongHong Kong, ShangchouActress, show hostWho was married to Henry Fong-
115.Miriam Yeung Chin WahHong Kong, Sai Ying PunHong Kong, Tsan YukActress & Singer-
116.Teresa MoHong Kong, BritishHong KongActress-