Glass observatory deck along Hong Kong Island promenade draws tens of thousands

A new glass walkway in a recently opened section of the promenade in Hong Kong’s Eastern district has drawn tens of thousands of people in its first week, with the daily peak reaching 16,000, the Post has learned.\nThe glass observatory deck, which offers visitors a view of the harbour beneath, was part of the final 1.1km (0.68-mile) North Point section of the East Coast Boardwalk.\nThe section opened on December 29, completing the 13km promenade after 16 years of planning and construction.\nMeasuring about 18.5 metres (60.6 feet) long, the deck has become the main attraction, with long lines of visitors eager to experience the walk on the weekend and public holidays since it opened.\nThe deck is open from 10am to 6pm daily. Visitors must wear shoe covers provided on-site for safety and protection of the glass surface.\nIn a reply to the Post, a Development Bureau spokeswoman said staff were present to guide the public on the “code of conduct” when enjoying views on the glass deck, with additional personnel deployed on weekends.\n“As the outdoor glass observatory deck is the first of its kind introduced to the Victoria Harbour waterfront, foot traffic has been high during the initial opening period,” she said.\n“Visitors may not yet be familiar with the precautions for walking on an outdoor glass surface. To ensure public safety, all visitors are required to wear shoe covers provided on-site before entry.”\nShe also said that staff would collect shoe coverings and spray the interior and exterior with disinfecting alcohol before they are reused. Wheelchairs are allowed.\nThe peak in visitorship was on January 1, when 16,000 people visited, the spokeswoman added.\n“We are happy to make appropriate adjustments to the opening arrangements of the observatory deck based on actual experience and public opinion,” she said.\nA Post reporter on Monday observed around 30 people on the glass walkway at 2pm, some with pets in tow.\nA staff member said visitors were reminded not to linger in the area if there were too many people waiting in line.\nJoanie Wong, a Hong Kong resident in her fifties, said she specifically chose Monday for her first visit as she wanted to avoid the weekend and that she would come again with friends.\n“The glass walkway is a bit short and we can quickly finish walking it in no time,” she said.\n“I think the shoe covers are also very convenient, but they may affect how our photos look.”\nWong’s husband Lam Chan, in his sixties, added the view was spectacular and the completion of the boardwalk was a good place for his jogs.\nHowever, he added it was still lacking in certain equipment.\n“Mainly water dispensers, toilets, vending machines and an emergency pager if someone falls into the sea,” he said.\nMiddle-aged visitor surnamed Huang went to the deck for the first time with her friend on Monday.\n“I came here specifically for the glass walkway. I feel the experience is OK but I’m unlikely to make another trip here,” Huang said.\nJeffrey Villamor, a 57-year-old Filipino who has been living in Hong Kong for the past 17 years, also went to the deck for the first time on Monday.\nThe North Point resident said he liked to bring his dog to the area.\nFor the recycled shoe covers, he said: “I think it’s fine” because visitors can clean their hands by using the alcohol hand sanitiser at the exit.”\nThe latest segment of the boardwalk also features open spaces and a pet friendly zone, while kiosks and multipurpose spaces are expected to complete the area by the first quarter of the year.\nThe promenade also offers open space for hosting exhibitions, art and community activities upon application.\n