Latest news with #StarFerry
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- South China Morning Post
From war to Covid-19, how Hong Kong's Star Ferry stayed afloat in the last 127 years
Hong Kong's classic white-and-green Star Ferry has been sailing across Victoria Harbour for over 120 years, transporting passengers between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. However, it has not been smooth sailing. The ferry has managed to stay afloat amid turbulent waters, including the 1966 riots, World War II, and the Covid-19 pandemic. How did a HK$4 (US$0.50) ferry ride transform from a mere transport tool into a Hong Kong icon? This episode of Hong Kong Authentic takes you through the history of the Star Ferry and what makes it so special to the city. Advertisement
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- South China Morning Post
From riots to war to Covid-19, how Star Ferry stayed afloat in its wavey 127-year-old journey
Read more: Hong Kong's classic white-and-green Star Ferry has been sailing across Victoria Harbour for over 120 years, carrying passengers between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. But it has not been smooth sailing. The ferry managed to stay afloat amid turbulent waters including the 1966 riots, World War II, and Covid-19 pandemic. How did a HK$4 (US$0.5) ferry ride and a transport tool become a Hong Kong icon? This episode of Hong Kong Authentic walks you through the history behind Star Ferry and what makes it so special to the city.
South China Morning Post
14-06-2025
- South China Morning Post
How US$11 can get you a day trip for 2 plus lunch in pricey Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, one of the world's most expensive cities, 79 yuan (US$11) will get you a set lunch for one. But, to the surprise of many, it will buy a day tour for two people, with lunch and a visit to several attractions thrown in. With such budget tours becoming increasingly popular among mainland Chinese visitors, especially those from the nearby cities of Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Guangzhou, the Post joined one on a weekday to see how they operated. At 8.30am, a coach packed with about 60 tourists, who had assembled at the Heung Yuen Wai border crossing between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, departs for Wong Tai Sin Temple before heading to the West Kowloon Cultural District 's Art Park and the area outside the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Wong Tai Sin Temple is the first stop on the tour for Post reporter Lo Hoi-ying. Photo: Sophie Li Lunch is a bento box with rice, soy-braised chicken and mushrooms, pork ribs and zucchini, and stir-fried cabbage, with unlimited refills for rice, at a canteen in the basement of Star House in Tsim Sha Tsui. The afternoon itinerary covers the Avenue of Stars at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, a Star Ferry trip across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island and a visit to The Peak before ending at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. But the cheap price tag came with aggressive hard selling from the tour guide, who promoted various add-on experiences throughout the day. They included a harbour cruise for HK$150 (US$19) and a visit to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum on The Peak for HK$180. She said the evening cruise in Victoria Harbour cost 200 yuan with dinner included, but tour members would get it for the discounted price of 150 yuan if they signed up with her.
South China Morning Post
10-06-2025
- South China Morning Post
What are Hong Kong's best deals and discounts for this year's July 1 celebrations?
Hong Kong residents and tourists will be able to enjoy plenty of discounts, giveaways and other deals when the city celebrates the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1. Advertisement From Star Ferry fares to must-see museums, the Post gives a rundown of what the city has to offer for the occasion. Free transport Commuters will have a chance to win one of the 71,000 MTR tickets available in a raffle being held on July 1 via the rail operator's mobile app. The tickets are valid until January 2 next year. The Airport Express will be free for Child Octopus card holders, while those with the JoyYou card, available to residents aged 60 and above, will enjoy half-price fares. From July 1 to 3, trams trips will be free of charge. Star Ferry fares for journeys between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai will also be free on July 1. Advertisement Complimentary ferry tickets will be given out to 200 lucky commuters on the Central-Cheung Chau route, with 100 free tickets also being distributed for the Central-Mui Wo service and the North Point-Hung Hom/Kowloon City route.
Time Out
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Your guide to the 2025 Labour Day drone show in Wan Chai
Hong Kong's drone shows are back in Wan Chai on May 1, celebrating Tin Hau Festival, Tam Kung Festival, and Cheung Chau Bun Festival with 1,500 drones lighting up the sky. If you're planning to catch the sky-high spectacle, here's your go-to guide for avoiding the crowds, snagging the best views, and making the most of the night. When and Where: 2025 Wan Chai drone show The show kicks off at 8pm on May 1 over Victoria Harbour near the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade. The performance will last around 12 minutes and is completely free to watch – but be sure to arrive early to find a prime spot as the place will fill up fast. Best spots to watch the drone show in Hong Kong Since the drone show will be held at the Wan Chai harbourfront area, the best places to view the show will be the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade and HarbourChill. You can also try your luck further down by Wan Chai Ferry Pier or the Golden Bauhinia Square, but do note that certain areas will be closed off or have limited visibility affected by angles. How to get there There are several ways in which you can easily get to the Wan Chai harbourfront area: MTR: Get off at the Exhibition Centre MTR station and take exit A2. Follow the signs and walk for a few minutes via the footbridge to get to the harbourfront. Ferry: Opt for a more scenic route and take the Star Ferry from the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier. Bus: Citybus routes 720 and 788 will get you nearby, but make sure to check Citybus' website for any Labour Day adjustments. What will the 2025 Labour Day drone show in Wan Chai feature? This year's theme celebrates the Tin Hau Festival, Tam Kung Festival, and Cheung Chau Bun Festival. A total of 1,500 drones will take to the night sky, forming dynamic patterns reflecting these iconic local festivals such as bun towers, mythical creatures, and other themed displays. The display will also feature newly composed music for a fresh auditory and visual experience. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Will the weather affect the drone show? A: There is a chance that the drone show may be rescheduled, delayed, or cancelled due to weather conditions. So keep an eye on the Hong Kong Tourism Board's website and the latest news. Q: What time should you arrive to see the drone show? A: It is advised to arrive around one to two hours earlier if you want to make sure you get front row seats. Crowds usually start to gather around 90 minutes or so before showtime. Q: Can I see the drone show from the Kowloon side? A: You can probably see the show happening from across the harbour if the skies are clear, but the view will be distant Q: Will roads be closed if it gets too crowded? A: The police will be on-site to monitor foot traffic and maintain crowd control; some roads and areas may be blocked from access. Q: Can I watch from a boat or ferry? A: Technically yes, but most public ferries won't stop mid-harbour during the show. Q: Is it safe to bring pets, kids, or the elderly to watch the show? A: Pets are allowed but not recommended, as large crowds and flashing lights may stress or cause harm to animals. Families are encouraged to bring their kids, but do leave bulky strollers at home. As for the elderly, it may not be the best idea to bring them to the crowded area, so try opting for other locations that may be less crowded.
