Yes, one can walk and run along the water outside the West Kowloon Cultural District, with an unobstructed view of Hong Kong Island, and further to the West.
But then as you turn onto the West side of Kowloon, your way is blocked by the New Yaumatei Typhoon Shelter. The public is not allowed into the loading docks there.
You are forced to cross over the West Kowloon Highway and come back into Yaumatei. At least until you reach Tai Kok Tsui.
Then your way is blocked again. This time by the Wholesale Fish Market and Vegetable Market.
After that, it is the West Kowloon Refuse Transfer, Sewage Treatment Works, Marine Police, Government Dockyard, PLA Garrison, Container Terminals, …
For most people, the only view of the harbour that they are familiar with is that from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, near the Star Ferry and the Avenue of Stars (TST East).
Otherwise you really have to know your way to the waterfront through some of the obscure tunnels, elevated walkways, etc. Very often, you can see the really elevated walkways but it is impossible to find the entrance to the walkways.
Why is it like this? It almost feels someone in power does not want us to reach the waterfront. Except at certain access points designated by the authorities.
It wasn’t like this. The ferry terminals at Yau Ma Tei, Tai Kok Tsui and Shum Shui Po were vibrant, busy focal points. There were lots of traffic and businesses nearby. The Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter had lots of fishing boats. Access was open, and there were always lots of people. The fishing-related festivals were lots of fun. The Shum Shui Po Ferry terminal was also a bug fish market.
The waterfront used to be a centre of life. People travel through it, do business at it, relax on it. Now it is a sterile place.
Now the harbour seems to be good for pictures, and little more. Was this planned? Intended? Or did it just happen, without the “authorities” being aware of it? In any case, it is so sad. And such a pity.
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