On This Day | Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars has star-studded opening in 2004 with Jet Li, Sammo Hung in attendance – from the SCMP archive
- On the 20th anniversary of the opening of Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars, we look back at the Post’s coverage of the event on April 27, 2004.
A star-studded event marked the opening of a new attraction in Tsim Sha Tsui’s harbourfront on April 27, 2004. We look at the Post’s coverage of the ceremony and the reception from its first visitors after the public opening.
Stars leave their mark on promenade
Amid fireworks and dancing light beams, the HK$40 million Avenue of Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade was launched by government officials and film industry professionals.
A total of 73 big names, including martial arts stars Jet Li and Sammo Hung, veteran Wu Fung martial arts master Yuen Wo-ping and director Ann Hui Onwah have had their handprints set into the promenade.
The Tourism Board estimates that about 500,000 people will visit the site each month. A large golden statue – an enlarged version of the Hong Kong Film Awards statuette – stands alongside the 440-metre strip that serves as the city’s version to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Avenue visitors hand it to the stars
By Elaine Wu
After hovering over dozens of handprints on the Avenue of Stars for more than half an hour, housewives Kwok Yin-line and Tang Yuwah reached a verdict. Actor Andy Lau Tak-wah has the best handprint.
“It’s really cool that you can see the queues on his palm,” Ms Kwok said. “I really admire him for that. He has very nice hands. The queues are very clear and not messy at all.”
After launching the 440-metre Avenue of Stars this week, many gathered at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront to place their hands over the prints of their favourite stars.
The HK$40 million project, which is Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, features autographs and handprints from directors, producers and movie stars such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li.