Kwun Tong Promenade establishes Hong Kong as one of the world's best waterfront cities
The prerequisite for waterfront living is, of course, you have to live near a waterfront. While Hong Kong is geographically surrounded by sea, living close to the sea, especially in the urban area, is somehow a luxury. But, in recent years, the government has built a lot more waterfront promenades so people could look away from the city's hustle and bustle and out into our beautiful harbour.
The prerequisite for waterfront living is, of course, you have to live near a waterfront. While Hong Kong is geographically surrounded by sea, living close to the sea, especially in the urban area, is somehow a luxury. But, in recent years, the government has built a lot more waterfront promenades so people could look away from the city's hustle and bustle and out into our beautiful harbour.
Occupying a waterfront strip spanning 4.2 hectares of open space by Kwun Tong Bypass is the Kwun Tong Promenade. It is probably one of the most diverse public spaces in Kowloon where people of all ages and backgrounds are free to walk, jog, exercise, play, and interact. It is the gathering place where people from across the city to enjoy the vistas that contrast with the concrete canyons of Hong Kong.
And just like other world-class waterfront cities, most Hong Kong's waterfronts were historically occupied by ports, shipyards and warehouses. But as the government increasingly embraces sustainable living and considers outdoor lifestyle as an important part of people's lives, the former Kwun Tong Public Cargo Working Area underwent a hugely successful redevelopment and was turned into the current Kwun Tong Promenade, as part of the Kai Tak development plan.
About a kilometre from start to finish, the waterfront boardwalk offers leisure walkers and joggers close-up views of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the Runway Park, as well as the splendid views of the harbour and Lei Yue Mun. Models of mechanical cranes and waste-paper bundles inspired by the paper recycling industry are the artistic attractions to evoke memories of the site as a former cargo handling area.
The landscaped area boasts a mist feature with special lighting and sound effects as the centrepiece. Every night, the lighting along the tree-lined walk and tower landmarks flashes and changes as the ground emits mists and multi-coloured light beams create kaleidoscopic effect, giving you a surreal and magical ambience.
Other facilities include a performance area, two spectator stands, a children's play area, 2 PV shelters, an elderly fitness corner, a fitness station, a sensory garden and a viewing pavilion. There are also sitting-out areas, pavilions and shelters with benches throughout the promenade to offer a restful and relaxing atmosphere.
