Things to Do at Avenue of Stars

Complete Guide to Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong

About Avenue of Stars

The handprints come first. Set into metal plaques along the railing, bronze casts of hands belonging to Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Jet Li, and dozens of directors and producers you've never heard of unless you grew up watching TVB dramas. The Avenue of Stars stretches 440 meters along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, and what you're really here for isn't the plaques - it's the view. Hong Kong Island's skyline rises directly across the harbour, close enough that you can pick out individual floors on the ICC and Bank of China towers. Admission is completely free, open 24 hours. The promenade was renovated in 2019 with new landscaping, wider walkways, and the 5.8-meter Bruce Lee statue that everyone photographs (it's at the eastern end, near the New World Centre). What most people miss: the nine animated comic figures scattered along the path by local artist Tsang Tsou-choi and others. They're small, easy to walk past, and far more interesting than the handprints if you care about Hong Kong's comic art heritage. Best time is 7:30 PM when the sky is still purple and the buildings are lit. The Symphony of Lights show kicks off at 8:00 PM nightly - the Avenue is the prime viewing spot on the Kowloon side, but arrive by 7:45 PM for a railing position or you'll be watching through phone screens. Allow 30-45 minutes for a walk, longer if you're staying for the light show. A local tip: walk east past the official avenue to the public pier at the end - fewer people, same view, and you can sit with your legs dangling over the water. Worth it? The view alone justifies the visit. The film memorabilia is a bonus if you're a Hong Kong cinema fan.

What to See & Do

Bruce Lee Statue

The 5.8-meter bronze statue at the eastern end is the most photographed spot on the avenue. Lee stands in his iconic fighting pose, and the plinth includes a timeline of his life. Best photographed in late afternoon when the sun lights the harbour behind him

Celebrity Handprints

Bronze hand casts and name plaques of over 100 Hong Kong film stars embedded along the waterfront railing. Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung, Chow Yun-fat, John Woo - plus dozens of behind-the-camera legends. The plaques include brief career descriptions in English and Chinese

Harbour Views

The 440-meter promenade gives you Hong Kong Island's entire skyline at eye level across the water. IFC, Bank of China, Convention Centre, the Peak behind it all. Sunset and blue hour are prime time. The benches along the rail face the perfect direction - no craning needed

Symphony of Lights Viewing

The Avenue is the best free viewing spot for Hong Kong's nightly 8:00 PM light show. Over 40 buildings across the harbour pulse with synchronized lasers and LED displays for 10 minutes. Arrive by 7:45 PM for a front-row railing spot. The show runs regardless of weather

Film History Walk

Beyond the handprints, nine animated comic-style statues and film-themed installations line the path. Interactive displays explain Hong Kong's golden age of cinema. Most tourists focus on the handprints and miss these entirely - they tell the better story of why this city produced so many films

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open 24/7, though it's most enjoyable from late afternoon through evening

Tickets & Pricing

Completely free to visit and explore

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon to early evening (4-8pm) for the best lighting and harbor views, especially around sunset

Suggested Duration

30-60 minutes for a leisurely stroll, though you might find yourself lingering longer for photos and harbor-watching

Getting There

Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit E takes you through a pedestrian subway directly to the waterfront - five minutes, all underground and air-conditioned. The Avenue runs east from the Clock Tower (next to the Star Ferry pier) toward the New World Centre. East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit J is closer to the Bruce Lee statue end. Bus routes along Nathan Road (1, 1A, 2, 6, 9) stop within a block. From the Star Ferry, you're already there - just walk east along the harbour.

Things to Do Nearby

Hong Kong Space Museum
The distinctive egg-shaped planetarium right next to the Avenue, with interactive space exhibits and IMAX shows

Hong Kong Cultural Centre
A major performing arts venue hosting everything from Chinese opera to international concerts, worth checking their schedule

Clock Tower
The last remaining piece of the old Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus, now a declared monument and popular photo spot

Star Ferry Pier
The historic ferry terminal where you can catch the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour - a journey that's been running since 1888

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
The extended waterfront walkway that stretches beyond the Avenue of Stars, perfect for evening strolls and harbor views

Tips & Advice

The Symphony of Lights starts at 8:00 PM sharp every night. Grab a railing spot by 7:45 PM or you'll spend the show looking at other people's phones. The sweet spot is midway along the avenue, roughly opposite the Convention Centre

Visit twice if you can - once during golden hour (around 6:00-7:00 PM depending on season) for photography, and once after dark for the neon skyline. The views are completely different experiences

The public pier at the eastern end of the avenue has the same harbour view with a fraction of the crowd. Locals come here with takeaway beer from 7-Eleven. Join them - it's the most relaxed spot on the Kowloon waterfront

Connect the Avenue with Temple Street Night Market (15 minutes' walk north through Tsim Sha Tsui) for a full evening. Start at the Avenue for sunset, watch the light show, then walk to Temple Street for dinner and shopping