Hong Kong's harbourfront sites, long regarded as ordinary parks in terms of management, used to be regulated by the Pleasure Grounds Regulation, which subjected people's activities to various restrictions, let alone developing a vibrant world-class harbourfront. In view of this, we have put several innovative designs and management modes on trial recently. We have taken forward harbourfront development by adopting the “3E” Principle and achieved outstanding results over the past three years. The 3Es are “Experiment”, “Engagement” and “Empowerment”.
The first E is “Experiment”. We believe we cannot achieve break through by remaining static; instead, only when we keep experimenting can we make advancement. We have adopted a management mode with fewer rules at some of the harbourfront sites so that people could, on the premise of mutual respect, enjoy the space more freely in their own creative way. This management mode was first piloted in the Belcher Bay Promenade in April 2020 and was widely acclaimed by members of the public. Encouraged by the result, we launched the brand “Harbourfront Shared Space” in January 2022. As of today, this vision-driven open management mode has gone beyond Kennedy Town and has been extended and implemented at a total of six sites in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, North Point, Tsuen Wan, etc., offering a more vibrant and diverse experience to visitors.
The second E is “Engagement”. We hope more members of the public can have a deeper sense of ownership towards the harbourfront. Therefore, we encouraged the active participation of both individuals and organisations in the course of harbourfront development. Public engagement activities of various natures and scales have been held. For instance, we organised the “Victoria Harbour” Word Art Competition and the Harbourfront Public Furniture Competition in 2020, with the winning installations placed at different promenade sections including East Coast Park Precinct, Wan Chai and Tai Kok Tsui. These installations became popular “check-in” spots for the public. We have also invited local designers and illustrators to design pop-up installations at various locations. These installations were updated from time to time, so that people could make different discoveries every time they visit, thereby creating different identities for every sections of the harbourfront. On another front, we have also encouraged the private sector and non-governmental organisations to co-manage harbourfront sites and organise activities/events such as bazaars, water sports competitions, carnivals and concerts, so as to bring creativity to the harbourfront and connect the harbourfront with the community.
The third E is “Empowerment”. More possibilities are generated under the “Harbourfront Shared Space” open management mode. We encouraged every harbourfront stakeholder to unleash their creativity and imagination at the harbourfront under the “vision-driven” approach, so as to bring out the potential of the sites. During the summer holidays in 2023, the Hong Kong Tourism Board organised the “Harbour Chill Carnival” in Wan Chai, which featured a wide range of activities. On top of refreshment stalls, there were also concerts, street performances and X-Game performances. The floating water stage, which made use of the limited space to create unique water-land experiences at the harbourfront, attracted huge crowds of visitors to the Wan Chai harbourfront. As for the “Night Vibes Hong Kong”, which began in late September 2023, distinctive bazaars were held on the promenades in Kennedy Town, Wan Chai and Kwun Tong, where locals and tourists could enjoy themselves in dining and entertaining performances against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour's dazzling night views, realising the potential of the harbourfront. This was also one of the good examples of manifesting “Empowerment”.
With the progressive connection of harbourfront sections over the recent years, more people can get closer to Victoria Harbour. The Victoria Harbourfront has been transformed into “a connected harbourfront”, contrary to the harbourfront with disconnected sections scattered in different districts in the past. The 27-km-long harbourfront has undoubtedly provided space to offer more diversified options for the public. To make the Victoria Harbourfront vibrant, it could not be merely regarded as a park, while more flexible management modes would be needed. From the popularity of the recent “Night Vibes” events, we saw the potential to introduce appropriate commercial elements, for example, bazaars, food & beverage facilities, open-air cafes, concerts, outdoor movie screenings, and quality street performance, at harbourfront sites located relatively farther away from residential settlements (such as those in Central, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui). The Government may invite the private sector to take part in the operation and management, tapping into community creativity to deliver more diverse and world-class experiences for the harbourfront.
As the night view of Victoria Harbour is acclaimed to be one of the world's top three, these initiatives, if sustained and actively promoted, will surely attract not only locals but also more tourists to Hong Kong to experience the glamour of the harbour day and night.
Mr Vincent NG Wing-shun SBS JP 2023/24 ChairpersonHarbourfront Commission
In the past, discussions about harbourfront development were often limited by the limitation of conjecture among various stakeholders. Reaching a consensus could be challenging when people have different visions on harbourfront development. It is more effective to let the public experience the spaces firsthand and provide their feedback rather than mere imagination. The Harbourfront Commission has opened the harbourfront as “testing grounds” through simple engineering works, boldly experimenting with various designs and “pop-up” facilities, and then making adjustments according to users’ needs. This approach, in collaboration with the public, explored the ideal harbourfront that best suits the needs of the local community.
WE Park in Sai Ying Pun is a testing ground for experimenting the “Incremental Approach”. Located at the harbourfront of Fung Mat Road in the Central and Western District, the park opened to the public in 2019. It is a temporary open space that is intended to allow the public to enjoy the harbourfront before the long-term harbourfront projects are implemented. The park’s design is simple yet practical, drawing inspiration from the drainage pipe recreational facilities in Shek Lei Estate, Kwai Chung in the 1970s, which stimulated visitors’ creativity and attracted many people from other districts to visit the park.
In addition, the Belcher Bay Promenade in Kennedy Town is the first park without prohibitive signage such as “not allowed” and “prohibited”. Under an open management model, visitors can ride bicycles and skateboards and bring leashed pets into the promenade. The park fosters mutual respect and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the harbourfront and its amenities.
To gather the public’s views, we approached the public from different channels to understand their perspectives. In 2014, the Commission organised the “Inter-school Debating Competition on Harbourfront Issues” to raise students’ awareness of the Harbourfront planning issues. Apart from that, in response to the pandemic in 2020 and the suspension of in-person guided tours, the Committee quickly adapted and launched the innovative and well-received first “Online Harbourfront Guided Tour” in Hong Kong. This initiative continued to foster community participation in jointly building a more vibrant harbourfront. To realise the vision of a shared promenade network along both sides of Victoria Harbour, where pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy the waterfront together, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) initiated the “Shared Path” trial scheme in 2022, covering the promenade section between Central and west of the Convention and Exhibition Centre. As part of the scheme, bicycles free to rent are available, and data and feedback were collected for facility enhancement.
The achievements of the Harbourfront Commission have not been accomplished overnight. They are the result of continuous efforts over the past two decades. Thanks to the full support and collaboration of various government departments, a more vibrant harbourfront is made possible. The Harbour Office, a cross-disciplinary office under the Development Bureau (formerly the Harbour Unit established in 2009), has been a long-term partner with the Commission in advancing the development of Victoria Harbourfront. Project Manager (Harbour) Mr Peter MOK Ying-kit has engaged in harbourfront development since 2010. As a distinguished and experienced civil servant in the field, he has witnessed various stages of harbourfront advancement by the Commission and the challenges faced along the way.
Peter joined the Harbour Unit (the predecessor of the Harbour Office) under the Development Bureau in 2010. In July of the same year, the Harbourfront Commission took over the responsibilities of the former Harbour-front Enhancement Committee and continued to play an active role in advocating for harbourfront development. As a newcomer at that time, Peter had a deep impression of the Commission’s professional approach: “The Commission had brought together a group of people who were firmly committed to advancing harbourfront development. They possessed a wide variety of expertise and experiences and provided constructive input in harbourfront planning.” Harbourfront development involves numerous interconnected steps. To create beautiful harbourfront spaces for the public, Members held regular meetings, pooled their ideas together, and collaborated closely with government departments and district councils. They organised a number of public consultation events and developed the harbourfront based on the “Harbour Planning Principles”. It might take at least six or seven years for a large waterfront area to be materialised. “It’s the people who make things happen. We broke tradition by adopting the "Incremental Approach”, allowing the public to enjoy the harbourfront space earlier”, said Peter. Thanks to the collective support of all stakeholders, the potential of the harbourfront can be unleashed.
Information about Harbour Office under Development Bureau
The Harbour Office, formed in July 2018 upon re-organisation of the Harbour Unit, is staffed by a team comprising different professional and supporting officers. It focuses on coordinating the policy on planning and land matters related to the Victoria Harbourfront, in addition to identifying, coordinating and monitoring relevant harbourfront enhancement initiatives, and providing secretariat support to the Harbourfront Commission.
Peter was honoured to work with the first two chairmen of the Harbourfront Commission. “The first chairman I worked with, Sr Nicholas BROOKE, had a broad international vision and rich practical experiences in the business sector. During the “pioneering” stage, our focus was on planning and design with the hope of expediting the connection of the harbourfront. In those days, Nicholas often looked at maps, studying how we could get things done as soon as possible.” When Mr Vincent NG Wing-shun took over as chairman in 2008, he introduced the “Incremental Approach” concept to “return the harbour to the people” as early as possible. The “Harbourfront Shared Space” brand was one of Vincent’s innovative ideas. Currently, there are six such venues, each with a specific theme, offering diverse experiences. “These spaces are designed with fewer restrictions, encouraging mutual respect and inclusiveness. People can walk their pets, cycle, or simply sit and enjoy the sea—each in their own way. For example, the Belcher Bay Promenade previously featured mobile cargo pallets mounted on rollers, allowing the public to move them freely. Some children built mazes out of the pallets, while others sat on them for a ‘joyride’, bringing laughter and lively crowds morning and night!” Peter, as both a planner and a user, feels a dual sense of satisfaction knowing that the harbourfront space has improved the quality of life of neighouring residents and cultivated a sense of belonging to the harbourfront.
Harbourfront development is an ever-ongoing process. In November 2021, the Development Bureau announced the successful bid for the Central Harbourfront Site 3, and awarded it to a private developer following a public tender. Peter was particularly impressed by the project: “We have pulled significant efforts into planning and coordination beforehand. The project team was very excited when the land was successfully sold. The Central Harbourfront will take on a brand-new look.” This development project covers an area of approximately 4.8 hectares and will serve as a crucial link between Central’s core business areas in the hinterland and its harbourfront. In an innovative move, the government adopted a “two-envelope” tendering process whereby the design proposals are required to meet a series of public interest planning requirements, striking a balance between commercial and recreational space developments. For example, public spaces must cover at least 25,000 sqm, while landmark buildings are subject to height restrictions to prevent obstructing Victoria Harbour views, and there must be easy access for the public to the harbourfront. Peter noted: “The winning proposal’s landmark building complex will provide multiple air corridors and urban windows, along with extensive greenery and open spaces, bringing vitality to the harbourfront. The public can also walk up to the project’s sky platform and enjoy panoramic views of the entire Victoria Harbour.”
Peter’s passion for the vision of a vibrant harbourfront remains unwavering: “Currently, the transformation of the Victoria Harbourfront has been truly remarkable, and I am proud to play a part in it. I am deeply grateful for the exceptional leadership of the Commission’s chairmen and their selfless contributions, which have steered the team’s collective efforts.” The Commission will continue to uphold the spirit of innovation for the public good, exploring more flexible strategies to enhance the harbourfront with far-reaching vision and bold decision-making. We look forward to developing both sides of Victoria Harbour into a world-class harbourfront that is even more popular among locals and tourists.
Information about Harbourfront Friends
Project Manager (Harbour)
Harbour Office under Development Bureau
莫英傑 先生
Mr Peter MOK
Mr MOK joined the Government as architect in 1994, and was promoted to Senior Architect in 2010. He joined the Harbour Office (formerly the Harbour Unit) under the Development Bureau in September 2010, mainly responsible for taking forward and implementing various harbourfront enhancement projects. Mr MOK has remained passionate about supporting the work of the Harbourfront Commission over the years.
Engaging the public to shape the harbourfront helps foster a deeper sense of belonging. Therefore, the Harbourfront Commission encourages active participation from various sectors of the community in sharing their opinions and creativity in the planning, design, and management of the harbourfront. “Public engagement” has been an indispensable part of the Commission’s efforts in promoting harbourfront development over the past 20 years. At present, it has advanced beyond discussions to practical implementation, successfully facilitating two-way exchanges between the government and the community for harbourfront development.
To make the best use of vacant government land along the harbourfront, the Commission is committed to collaborating with various sectors to explore the harbourfront’s potential. One approach has been to offer short-term lease tenders for waterfront land along Victoria Harbour, allowing non-governmental or private organisations to operate and manage these areas. For example, the “Fly the Flyover Operation” project in Kwun Tong, a partnership between the government and a non-profit organisation, transformed the space beneath a bridge into an arts and cultural venue. Additionally, government land in Quarry Bay and near Hung Hom Pier has been leased to non-profit organisations at nominal rent via a short-term tenancy for development and operation. The former site is operated by St. James’ Settlement, which has created a community-based cultural and recreational space named “Quarryside”. The latter has been developed by the Playright Children’s Play Association into a “1/2 Playground”, a children’s play area designed around the concept of “innovation led by children”.
The Central Harbourfront Event Space, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, and the Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space are new initiatives by the government to diversify the use of the harbourfront. Unlike other promenades funded, designed, and managed by the government, these spaces are leased to private sectors for management by short-term tenancies. For example, the Central Harbourfront Event Space has hosted numerous local and international events over the years, such as the “Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival”, “S2O Songkran Music Festival”, and various carnivals and markets. With Victoria Harbour as the backdrop, the Central Harbourfront Event Space has become one of Hong Kong’s premier large-scale outdoor event venues.
In addition to government efforts, the development of Victoria Harbourfront requires the concerted efforts of various community sectors. By leveraging professional knowledge, creativity, and active participation, diverse activities are organised to elevate the Victoria Harbourfront to new heights. Below are sharing from artist partners and non-profit organisations that have long collaborated with the Harbourfront Commission on their experiences of co-creating, participating in, and supporting waterfront activities.
Interactive Experience Instructions:
The cartoon image will appear in the real-world environment on your screen.Ms Jane LEE Creator of Messy Desk
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the Shing Sai Road project. It has been an invaluable experience to work on such impactful initiatives aimed at creating a better living environment for the citizens of Hong Kong. I am truly grateful for being part of a dedicated team focused on enhancing the surroundings of our Victoria Harbour.
Hong Kong Architecture Centre
Hong Kong people love wandering along the harbourfront, which serves as the main stage showing urban architectural landscape of the city. Whenever events are held at the harbourfront, the Hong Kong Architecture Centre and the public come together to join in the fun, leaving no one behind. Last October, at the invitation of the Development Bureau, the Centre organised a series of events, inviting the public to explore the harbourfront and streets of Wan Chai. Over two weekends, participants enjoyed exciting and lively nights filled with an array of activities. The event themed “Wan Chai Nocturnal” spanned both weekends, blending play, learning, appreciation, and analysis through engaging events that explored Hong Kong’s architectural landscape. The Hong Kong Architecture Centre looks forward to joining everyone for more activities amid the growing fun and vibrancy in Victoria Harbourfront.
Mr Orson LEE Creator of Nick the Robot
Nick the Robot comes from the future world. It is an empowering character that unites positive energy from all walks of life. It is an honour to collaborate with the Harbourfront Commission to build adventure facilities that promote positive thinking at the Belcher Bay Promenade, allowing the public to embrace an optimistic lifestyle and continue their adventure journey while enjoying the stunning views of Victoria Harbour.
Ms Michelle LOO Senior Media Professional
It was a privilege to be invited as a tour guide for the “Online Harbourfront Guided Tour” in 2021, taking people to the harbourfront for food and relaxation during the pandemic. It is delightful to see how the harbourfront areas have become a gathering place for diverse communities, being energised by the vibrant spirit of its visitors and enhanced by colourful thematic installations!
Mr SIN Yat-kin, SBS CSDSM JP Chairman of Executive Committee Hong Kong Playground Association
Congratulations to the Harbourfront Commission on the 20th anniversary of its establishment! Looking back, we have witnessed the dedication and unwavering efforts of the Harbourfront Commission to the harbourfront enhancement, creating a beautiful harbourfront environment for Hong Kong people by promoting tourism development and enhancing community well-being. The Hong Kong Playground Association sincerely wishes that in the years to come, the Harbourfront Commission will continue to collaborate with the community for the sustainable development of the harbourfront!
Playright Children’s Play Association
Over the past years, Playright has developed a variety of unique and innovative play spaces along Victoria Harbour, including design-driven play areas like WE Park and Cha Kwo Ling Promenade. The former features the “drainage pipe amusement installation”, while the latter emphasises the “playful nature” theme. In Kennedy Town and Wan Chai harbourfronts, mobile playgrounds have also been introduced to create pop-up play spaces. In the future, we will build the first adventure-themed “1/2 playground” in Hung Hom Urban Park. Through the flexible use of public spaces, the playground will provide children with rich play experiences and foster the healthy physical and mental development of Hong Kong’s future generations.
Ms Anisha THAI Artist, Dancer, Choreographer
I had the chance to launch the opening for the Tsuen Wan Promenade for the Hong Kong harbourfront in November 2022. We were offered the opportunity to bring a crew of diverse, inclusive, young and talented dancers together to express themselves and share their different dance styles with the public. I really enjoyed how culturally diverse and rich the performance was (Chinese, Indian, British and French) and also the diversity in the pool of talents (disabled dancers). The Harbour created a harmonious environment where multiple communities coexist, share and learn from each other.
Ms Prudence MAK Creator of Chocolate Rain
Over the past three years, exhibiting my art installations along various waterfronts, especially at Wan Chai harbourfront, has brought me immense joy and gratitude. I am deeply thankful for the team’s continued support and the public’s appreciation and sharing of Chocolate Rain’s creations. These artworks are imbued with vibrant colours and warmth. I hope more local creations will continue to light up Victoria Harbour, infusing the city with more energy and vitality. Through art, we can share beauty and emotions, allowing people to reinterpret and feel the unique charm of this city.
Mr John CHAN Postgal Workshop, a creative group
I’m delighted to be invited to feature the popular cartoon character “Din Dong” at the float parade in Tsuen Wan Promenade. The station is powered by solar energy, and the decorations of the floats can be changed to celebrate different holidays, such as Valentine’s Day or Lunar New Year-themed floats. The public can immerse themselves in the experience, hop on for a break, or play around. I hope it brings joy to everyone.
Ms Billie NG and Ms Mary CHEUNG La Belle Époque, an art knitting studio
Thanks to the Development Bureau’s invitation, we were able to create street knitting installations at the Western District and North Point harbourfronts. Our creations are now seamlessly linked with Hong Kong’s unique coastline.
Mr Francis NGAI Founder & CEO Social Ventures Hong Kong
At the end of 2023, with the full support of the Harbourfront Commission, we collaborated with community partners, the Hong Kong Playground Association and RunOurCity, to launch the “GLOW GREEN Wellness Fiesta” and “STREETATHON – WellnessFiesta” in East Kowloon. Through diverse sports, arts and cultural activities, we aimed to raise public awareness about the environment and physical and mental health, and encourage people to embrace green living. We are pleased to see people of all ages enjoying the harbourfront spaces together. We would like to thank the Commission for fostering cross-sector collaboration over the years, which has not only advanced harbourfront development in Hong Kong but also broadened the public’s imagination of community spaces. We wish the Commission continued success in its endeavours.
Ms Josephine LEE Yuk-chi, MH CEO of St. James’ Settlement
The “Quarryside” at Quarry Bay Harbourfront Community Space successfully opened in mid-2023, thanks to the support of the Harbourfront Commission. This project, resulting from joint participation and construction by the government, social organisations, the public, and business sectors, transformed the vacant government land along the harbourfront into a versatile creative space where the public can share, gather, and create together, fostering and leveraging community strength.
Mr Mike TANNER BBS MH Chairman, Hong Kong Water Sports Council
The Hong Kong Water Sports Council is very pleased to have been one of the many parties contributing to the promotion of Hong Kong's harbourfront development and to be a part of this 20th anniversary celebration. The Water Sports and Recreation Precinct in Wan Chai is just one excellent example of a broad and far-sighted vision to develop the harbourfront for the community. Benefitting from greatly improved accessibility and attractive new waterfront facilities, the Harbour is increasingly becoming a popular venue for local and international water sports events and activities, hosting a number of sizeable community water sports events organized by the respective governing bodies of sport and attracting competitors and public spectators to the harbourfront. The Harbour has always had a unique and special place in Hong Kong's history. It is part of our natural heritage and is a key element of our international image. Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to "Bring People to the Harbour and the Harbour to the People" over these 20 years.
Ms Helen TAM Creator of Cafedebollo
It’s an honour to collaborate with the Harbourfront Commission to give full play to my creativity at the promenade and display the large-scale installation I designed, introducing me to the public.
Encouraging Public Participation through Diverse Activities
In 2022, the “Victoria Harbour Children Ride” revitalised a disused bus terminal at the Wan Chai harbourfront, transforming it into Hong Kong’s first “outdoor children’s racing playground”. The trial run received widespread public approval, leading to the establishment of an outdoor children’s electric car park at Lung King Street, Wan Chai, as well as STEAM parent-child workshops for children to experience the joy of “driving” along Victoria Harbourfront.
Cross-Generational and Cross-Sector Inclusive Performances
In 2022, the “Inclusive Harbourfront” art event took place simultaneously at four “Harbourfront Shared Space” venues, including the “Busking Flash” concert at the HarbourChill in Wan Chai, where messages of love are conveyed through music performed by elderly, middle-aged, and young artists. In addition, a street dance competition transcending racial and physical boundaries was held at Tsuen Wan Promenade, with performances by the Arts With the Disabled Association Hong Kong and Hong Kong Rehabilitation Power Chinese Orchestra featuring wheelchair dance performances.
Art Co-Creation Connecting the Harbourfront
From time to time, the Harbourfront Commission partners with local artists and cultural entrepreneurs to enhance and beautify the harbourfront. For example, the Commission invited local artist Mandy MA Wing-man to lead community members in creating art pieces to bring art into the harbourfront and community. The Commission also introduced decorations and installations featuring popular local cartoon characters, which have been transformed into interactive play facilities across harbourfronts of various districts, adding a fresh vibe to the spaces.
Harbourfront Enhanced by Quality Designs
In 2020, the Development Bureau and the Commission launched the “Harbourfront Public Furniture Competition” and the “Victoria Harbour Word Art Competition”, which received enthusiastic responses. The former attracted nearly 100 entries from professionals, students, and the general public. Ultimately, 20 highly creative and Hong Kong-themed winning entries were selected and displayed at the waterfronts of Tai Kok Tsui and Wan Chai. The latter was won by “The Beacon of Hong Kong” art installation by Arnold WONG Yok-fai and his team, which later became the landmark of the East Coast Park in North Point.
To create a new scene for Victoria Harbour, the harbourfront spaces provide platforms for government departments, public organisations, and other groups to explore different initiatives, while gathering visitors’ feedback and perspectives. This aims to build a harbourfront public space with “unique features in every promenade section and delightful surprises everywhere”.
Over the years, the Harbourfront Commission has been dedicated to supporting different stakeholders in utilising the harbourfront, successfully transforming Victoria Harbour into a hub for international sports events. These include the “New World Harbour Race”, “World Rowing Coastal Championships”, “Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races”, “Hong Kong Open Windsurfing Championships”, “Victoria Harbour Canoe Sprint Championships”, “the 65th Festival of Sport– Summer Rowing Festival” among others. These events and activities showcase the beautiful scenery and facilities of the Victoria Harbourfront to athletes from around the world while also highlighting the role of the Harbour in supporting local sports development. The promenades on both sides of Victoria Harbour have also become pleasant running routes and popular venues for running competitions, such as the “Hong Kong Marathon”, “Victoria Harbour Marathon”, “The Battle of Kings Marathon”, and “Hong Kong Streetathon”, allowing runners to experience the unique charm of Victoria Harbour as they race.
The Commission is also actively partnering with different parties to bring the public new harbourfront experiences and entertainment. From late September to late October 2023, the Development Bureau, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Network for the Promotion of Inclusive Society and the Fringe Club, co-hosted the “Waterfront Carnival” at the Wan Chai harbourfront. This diverse carnival featured drone shows, movie nights, and a Hong Kong Nostalgic Food Night Market while providing a platform for people with disabilities to show their talents, promoting the message of “Social Inclusion, Shared Art”. The VESSEL Mid-Autumn Night Market 2023 was held in Kwun Tong Promenade during the Mid-Autumn Festival of 2023, featuring light and shadow projections and LED neon photo spots next to the columns under the Kwun Tong Bypass, offering citizens an immersive experience of the art of light and shadow. The utilisation of harbourfront spaces is not limited to land-based activities, as the “Harbour Chill Carnival” organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board over several weekends in July and August 2023, extended the concert stage onto the Victoria Harbour waters with creative ideas from all parties, and featured “A Symphony of Lights” with waterborne fireworks, attracting over 200,000 visitors in an unprecedented spectacle.
When the harbourfront becomes vibrant and interesting, opportunities will arise and more people will be attracted to take the initiative to participate in harbourfront development. For example, the North Point Promenade, which was completed in phases from 2018 to 2020, has seen an immediate increase in footfall. In 2020, the Hong Kong Post also launched a special series of stamps themed “Victoria Harbour: Past and Present”, which helped promote the “Harbour of Life” even further.
To tell the story of Victoria Harbour, one must mention the “International Dragon Boat Race” held in the Harbour. As the birthplace of modern dragon boat racing, Hong Kong has hosted the “Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Regatta” every year at the Dragon Boat Festival since 1976, whenever conditions permit. The event brings together thousands of dragon boat enthusiasts worldwide to compete for the championship, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique charm that blends tradition with modernity. This time, we spoke with Mr CHUNG Chi-lok, President of the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, who shared how dragon boat activities have flourished on Victoria Harbour and solidified Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s capital of events.
Information about Harbourfront Friends
Chairman, Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association
Mr CHUNG Chi-lok, Arnold
After retiring from competing in canoeing and rowing, Mr CHUNG, a former Olympic and Asian Games athlete, became the Chief Coach of the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association and the management of a sports equipment company. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association. In recognition of his contribution to the promotion and development of dragon boat sports in Hong Kong, Mr CHUNG has been awarded “Ten Outstanding Young Persons Selection” and the “Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service”.
Inheriting the Dragon Boat Racing Tradition, Highlighting the Spirit of Hong Kong
Dragon boat racing, originally a traditional festival activity of fishermen during the Dragon Boat Festival in China, has a history of over a century in Hong Kong. Over the years, it has become inseparable from Victoria Harbour. As the first place in the world to host international dragon boat races, Hong Kong has made invaluable contributions in modernising this sport. Mr CHUNG Chi-lok says: “As early as the 1970s, the Hong Kong Tourism Board organised the first Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races at Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter in 1976 to promote Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Nine teams from Hong Kong and Nagasaki, Japan, competed for the championship. Later, the event moved to the waters off Tsim Sha Tsui East in 1978. By 2023, the event had grown to include 160 teams with about 4,000 athletes, including 110 local teams and 50 teams from various countries and regions, making it an unprecedented event.” The international governing body for dragon boat racing, the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), was established in Hong Kong in 1991. The same year, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association (now known as the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association) was founded. Currently, the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Team has around 100 members. Every year, the teams compete in many international events and Victoria Harbour regatta to win honour for Hong Kong. “Dragon boat racing emphasises on unity and solidarity, which manifested the spirit of Hong Kong people in the same boat, allowing this traditional culture to reach greater heights.” says Mr Chung.
Leveraging Advantages to Create a Charming Victoria Harbour
For overseas dragon boat enthusiasts, racing in Victoria Harbour is highly challenging. “Compared to other world-class competition venues, the waves in Victoria Harbour are larger and winds are stronger, challenging the helmsman’s steering skills. Another feature of Victoria Harbour as a large competition venue is its high accessibility, making it easy for more local citizens and tourists to watch the event and creating a vivacious atmosphere!” Besides the “Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races” at the Tsim Sha Tsui Harbourfront, major sporting events, such as the “Kellett Island Cup” and the “Dragon Boat In City” have been held at the Water Sports and Recreation Precinct in Wan Chai. Moreover, the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association has successfully bid to host the 2024 “Asian Dragon Boat Championships” and the 2027 “World Dragon Boat Championships” in Hong Kong, with the races taking place at the Kwun Tong waterfront. “These waterfront areas are all located within Hong Kong’s urban districts, offering geographical convenience without the need for long commutes, making it very convenient for athletes and tourists." By leveraging the advantages of the waterfront to create internationally renowned events with local characteristics, it not only attracts visitors but also becomes a unique selling point for Hong Kong.
Adequate Water and Land Infrastructure at the Harbourfront
Apart from its high accessibility, Victoria Harbourfront also benefited from the effectiveness of the government and the Harbourfront Commission’s collaborative efforts in strengthening the water-land interface, making the waterfront more suitable for hosting different water activities. “To host the highest-level event like the ‘World Dragon Boat Championships', the competition venue must meet strict criteria: the racecourse must be 1,000 metres long, with a minimum water depth of 2-4 metres, accommodating eight lanes, each 13.5 metres wide, and the water must be calm. Kwun Tong waterfront meets all these conditions, and its improved water quality makes it even more suitable for rowing. The spacious waterfront area can accommodate a large number of athletes. The infrastructure and facilities are also more than sufficient.” Hosting large-scale international sports events integrates sports activities into tourism development, promotes Hong Kong’s cultural soft power and tells the city’s story. More tourists can be attracted to experience the charm of Victoria Harbour day and night.
