Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier

Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier (zh-t|t=尖沙咀碼頭) is a pier located at the southernmost tip of Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong, and was built on reclaimed land. It is commonly known as Star Ferry Pier (天星碼頭) in Tsim Sha Tsui. Star Ferry operates the pedestrian ferry service across Victoria Harbour to Wan Chai and to Central on Hong Kong Island.

History

Construction of the first pier on the present location started in 1904, after the great land reclamation which extended Salisbury Road. It was of a "finger design". The pier opened in 1906, but was destroyed by typhoon in September 1906.

Its replacement, which was designed to accommodate two ferries, was completed in 1914. In the early 1950s, construction of the present twin-piered terminal commenced on both sides of Victoria Harbour, designed to handle 55 million passenger trips a year. [Steven Ribet and Amy Tse, [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=&art_id=36278&sid=&con_type=1&d_str=19990901&sear_year=1999 Making the connection] , The Standard, September 01, 1999] The structure was completed in 1957, concurrent with the Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier was built on the island side.

tructure

Like the Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island, the pier consists of a two bi-level piers. The upper level boarding is more expensive than the lower level boarding area. The two structures are supported by wood pilings. Unlike the Hong Kong side, the Tsim Sha Tsui pier does not have a clock tower.

A bus terminus located at the foot of Salisbury Road hosts KMB bus routes travelling to various parts of Kowloon and New Kowloon.

The pier is close to Star House, Ocean Terminal, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and the Clock Tower of former KCR Kowloon Station. The Five Flag Poles between the pier and Star House are a popular meeting place.

There are a few retail shops at the Pier, including newsstands, a shop selling Star Ferry merchandise (models of ferries), an HSBC branch, and a Hong Kong Tourism Board information centre.

References

ee also

* Queen's Pier
* Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier
* Star Ferry Pier, Central