Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame set to reopen after three-year revamp

Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame will reopen on Thursday after a three-year multibillion-dollar makeover that has added 10 more heavy-hitters from the local film industry.

The Avenue of Stars along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront will be accessible again from 8am with more space, seating and shaded areas, as well as the handprints of 117 celebrities.

But the redesign has moved the hand impressions from the ground to plaques mounted on wooden handrails along the water’s edge. Officials said the change was to prevent tourists being trampled on as they stopped to take pictures.

“Previously the handprints were implanted into the ground but we found visitors had a hard time taking pictures and would get stepped on,” said Jeff Tung Jing-kong, senior project director at property developer New World Development, which manages the popular tourist attraction.

“The new and improved design will make it easier for fans to capture photos of the prints and also get the city skyline in the background.”

Ten more famous film figures have added their hands to the revamped walkway, including Carol “Dodo” Cheng Yu-ling, Sandra Ng Kwan-yue and Teresa Mo Sun-kwan, all prior winners of the best actress honour at the Hong Kong Film Awards.