Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour positioned in Hong Kong, separating Hong Kong Island within the south from the Kowloon Peninsula to the north. The harbour’s deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong’s establishment as a British colony in 1841 and its subsequent development as a trading center. Today, Victoria Harbour is one among the world’s most iconic harbours, attracting thousands and thousands of tourists every 12 months.
There are a lot of ways to marvel at the fantastic thing about Victoria Harbour. One of the vital popular ways is to take a ride on the Star Ferry, which has been in operation since 1888 and offers stunning views of the harbour and the town skyline. An alternative choice is to take a leisurely stroll along the harbourfront promenade, which stretches for over two kilometers and offers unobstructed views of the harbour and the encircling areas. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Victoria Harbour is a must-see destination that can leave you in awe of its natural beauty and wealthy history.
Geographical Location
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbor positioned in Hong Kong, separating Hong Kong Island within the south from the Kowloon Peninsula to the north. The harbor’s deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong’s establishment as a British colony in 1841 and its subsequent development as a serious center of international trade.
The harbor covers an area of about 41.88 km² (16.17 sq mi) and is the third largest natural harbor on this planet, after San Francisco in the US and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The eastern boundary is usually considered to be the road formed between the easternmost extremity of Siu Chau Wan and A Kung Ngam.
Victoria Harbour is situated at the guts of Hong Kong, between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. This wide and deep natural harbor has facilitated the event of Hong Kong in the fashionable era. The harbor is surrounded by towering skyscrapers, including the famous Bank of China Tower, and is a preferred tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the town’s skyline.
The harbor can also be a vital transportation hub, with a ferry service connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, in addition to a seaplane airport and a cruise ship destination for tourists and visitors to the town and Vancouver Island.
Historical Background
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour positioned in Hong Kong. The harbour played an instrumental role in Hong Kong’s establishment as a British colony in 1841 and its subsequent development as a business and financial hub.
The harbour was named after Queen Victoria in 1850, who was the reigning monarch of the British Empire on the time. Before that, it was simply referred to as Hong Kong Harbour.
Throughout the Second World War, the harbour was a strategic location for the Japanese military, who occupied Hong Kong from 1941 to 1945. The harbour was heavily bombed by Allied forces, causing significant damage to the encircling infrastructure and buildings.
After the war, the harbour played a pivotal role in Hong Kong’s economic growth and development. The development of Victoria Harbour’s container terminal within the Seventies helped transform Hong Kong into one among the world’s busiest ports.
Today, Victoria Harbour stays a significant transportation hub and tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It’s home to the long-lasting skyline of Hong Kong Island, which features towering skyscrapers, brightly lit buildings, and a nightly light show that draws thousands and thousands of tourists annually.
Attractions
Victoria Harbour is a preferred tourist destination in Hong Kong, offering visitors quite a lot of attractions to explore. Listed below are a number of the top attractions that you simply don’t wish to miss:
Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights is a spectacular light and sound show that takes place every night at 8:00 pm. The show features synchronized lights and music that illuminate the buildings on each side of Victoria Harbour. You may watch the show from various locations across the harbour, including Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and the Golden Bauhinia Square. The show is free to look at and lasts for around quarter-hour.
Avenue of Stars
The Avenue of Stars is a promenade that honors Hong Kong’s film industry. The promenade features handprints and statues of famous Hong Kong actors and actresses, in addition to a bronze statue of Bruce Lee. You may as well enjoy stunning views of Victoria Harbour from the promenade. The Avenue of Stars is currently undergoing renovation and is anticipated to reopen in 2022.
Hong Kong Maritime Museum
The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is positioned in Central and offers visitors a glimpse into Hong Kong’s maritime history. The museum features exhibits on the evolution of Hong Kong’s port, the lives of fishermen and boat people, and the role of the navy in Hong Kong’s history. The museum is open day by day from 9:30 am to five:30 pm, and admission fees apply.
Economic Significance
Victoria Harbour is a bustling hub of economic activity that generates significant revenue for the Greater Victoria region. In accordance with the Economic Impact Study for Victoria and Esquimalt Harbours, initiated by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, harbour-based activities generated $2.9 billion in economic output, supporting 14,983 jobs across Greater Victoria in 2019.
Each Victoria and Esquimalt harbours contribute to the region’s sense of community and economic stability. Victoria Harbour is home to a major presence of social amenities and attractions, including the long-lasting Empress Hotel and the Royal BC Museum. Meanwhile, Esquimalt Harbour has the biggest proportion of economic activity within the region, specializing in marine and defense-related industries.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is important in promoting economic growth and development within the region. It manages and operates Victoria and Esquimalt harbours, providing essential services corresponding to maintenance, security, and infrastructure development. The authority also works closely with local businesses and stakeholders to discover opportunities for growth and innovation.
The Economic Impact Study highlights the importance of Victoria Harbour and Esquimalt Harbour to the region’s economy, demonstrating the necessity for continued investment and development. Because the region continues to grow and evolve, these harbours will remain essential drivers of economic activity, providing jobs, revenue, and a way of community for residents and visitors alike.
Environmental Concerns
Victoria Harbour has been a cause for concern as a consequence of its high pollution levels. In accordance with a study, it’s essentially the most polluted harbour on the British Columbia coast [1]. The harbour is a vulnerable “receiving environment” as a consequence of its shallow water body with low circulation and sedimentation, which partly explains the high levels of harmful pollutants corresponding to alkylphenols, dioxins, PCBs, PBDEs, pharmaceuticals, and hydrocarbons [1].
The high levels of pollution within the harbour are a result of assorted aspects. The recreational use of the harbour is one among the aspects contributing to the pollution. Oils and gases are released into the water as a consequence of recreational activities corresponding to boating and fishing [0]. The usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the encircling areas also contributes to the pollution levels within the harbour.
The land reclamation projects within the harbour have also raised environmental concerns. The expansion of the harbour has resulted in a decrease within the harbour’s width, affecting the variety of vessels passing through the harbour. Moreover, land reclamation has resulted within the lack of natural habitats and has affected the water quality within the harbour [4].
Efforts are being made to deal with the environmental concerns within the harbour. The Victoria and Esquimalt Harbours Environmental Motion Program (VEHEAP) is a program aimed toward coordinating environmental protection and improvement efforts within the harbour [2]. This system includes initiatives corresponding to the reduction of pollutants within the harbour and the promotion of sustainable practices in the encircling areas.
In conclusion, the high pollution levels in Victoria Harbour are a cause for concern. The recreational use of the harbour, using chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the encircling areas, and the land reclamation projects are a number of the aspects contributing to the pollution levels. Nonetheless, there are efforts in place to deal with the environmental concerns and improve the standard of the harbour.
References
[0] Why is victoria’s inner harbour so polluted? – Learning Portal
[1] Victoria Harbour most polluted on B.C. coast: study – Vancouver Island Free Every day
[2] Victoria & Esquimalt Harbour Environmental Motion Program | CRD
[4] Victoria Harbour – Wikipedia
Future Developments
Victoria Harbour is a bustling precinct with lots of exciting developments within the pipeline. Listed below are a number of of essentially the most notable future developments to keep watch over:
The Lendlease Collins Wharf Master Plan
The Lendlease Collins Wharf Master Plan is about to be the ultimate piece of the Victoria Harbour puzzle. This development will reap the benefits of Victoria Harbour’s existing retail and public space, including Library at The Dock, Community Hub at The Dock, Knowledge Market and greater than 80 dining and entertainment options – while adding diverse latest public spaces. The plan includes a mixture of residential, business, and public spaces, with a give attention to sustainability and community engagement.
Tay’s Future Victoria Harbour Development
Tay is treading rigorously with future Victoria Harbour development as a consequence of vulnerable water and wastewater challenges. Tay shall be approaching the lifting of holding provisions on vacant plots in Grandview Beach and Paradise Point with a precise strategy. The goal is to be certain that any latest development is sustainable and responsible, taking into consideration the unique challenges of the realm.
Victoria Dockside Business Development
Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars is currently being rebuilt at the side of the brand new Victoria Dockside business development. This development includes a mixture of retail, business, and residential spaces, in addition to a latest cultural center. The project is being developed by Recent World Development and is anticipated to be accomplished in the approaching years.
Overall, Victoria Harbour is about to proceed evolving and growing in the approaching years, specializing in sustainability, community engagement, and responsible development. Control these exciting future developments to see how Victoria Harbour will proceed to rework within the years to return.
Ceaselessly Asked Questions
What are some popular tourist spots in Hong Kong at night?
Hong Kong is understood for its vibrant nightlife. A few of the popular tourist spots to go to at night include The Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and Lan Kwai Fong. These areas offer stunning views of the town skyline, delicious food, and entertainment options.
What are some areas in Hong Kong which might be price visiting?
Hong Kong has lots of interesting areas to go to. A few of the must-visit areas include Central, Causeway Bay, and Mong Kok. These areas offer a mixture of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
How can I get to Victoria Harbour?
Victoria Harbour is definitely accessible by public transportation. You may take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station or Central Station after which walk to the harbour. Alternatively, you may take the Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui.
What makes Victoria Harbour so famous?
Victoria Harbour is known for its stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. It is usually a vital transportation hub, with ferries, cargo ships, and cruise ships passing through the harbour every single day. The Symphony of Lights, a nightly light and sound show, is one other popular attraction.
What activities can I do in Victoria Harbour?
There are a lot of activities to do in Victoria Harbour. You may take a ship tour, cruise dinner, or watch the Symphony of Lights show. You may as well walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade or visit the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
When is the sunshine show in Victoria Harbour?
The Symphony of Lights show takes place every night at 8:00 pm. The show contains a synchronized display of lights and music from buildings along the harbour. It’s a must-see attraction for visitors to Hong Kong.
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