Hong Kong Observation Wheel launches augmented reality app to give visitors a feel of city’s historic past
- Users can download it for free to see the city from two time periods – between 1890 and 1920, and from 1960 to 1980 – during 20-minute ride
- The world’s first-ever augmented reality experience on a moving platform took two years to develop and was guided by city historians Ko Tim-keung and Jason Wordie
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel has launched an augmented reality (AR) app to showcase historic developments of the iconic Central harbourfront dating back to the 1890s.
It aims to encourage locals to rediscover the city while tourism has come to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Users can download the app for free to see Hong Kong from two time periods – dubbed “Beyond the Beginning” from 1890 to 1920 and “City in Transition” from 1960 to 1980, as they take the 20-minute ride on the wheel.
It is the world’s first-ever AR experience on a moving platform that took two years to develop. The 360-degree visual experience was mapped out with the help of city historians Ko Tim-keung and Jason Wordie.
More than 4 million people have visited the attraction since 2017, according to figures from the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park, which are both operated by The Entertainment Corporation Ltd.
